Marlin saw the vet today. :( More info p3 #37

[SWHouston]

Freedom,

I know this sounds crazy, but...
Try putting a Patch over one Eye, and if that doesn't help, move it to the other Eye.
Maybe that'll slow or stop this...maybe.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope that some kind of meds will be able to help him. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

[ChrisH]

So sorry to read this, poor Marlin. I hope the meds do the trick or at least help. Prayers and good thoughts on the way.

[Pinot's Mom]

Freedom,

I know this sounds crazy, but...
Try putting a Patch over one Eye, and if that doesn't help, move it to the other Eye.
Maybe that'll slow or stop this...maybe.

Prayers, certainly Sandie, but this actually makes sense!

[Felicia's Mom]

I am sorry to read this about Marlin. Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.

[kaycountrygal]

I'm sorry to hear about Marlin's problem. I've never seen or heard of a dog spinning for long periods. Yes, I would try the meds; they might help... and I'd try covering one eye as poster suggested. Sorry.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Poor sweet Marlin . Pawsitive thoughts and prayers being sent his way, and lots of love to him and the rest of the Bichon crew

[Lilith Cherry]

Lots of love and prayers for Darlin' Marlin! Hope the meds will help him.

[Queen of Poop]

Sending a huge hug to you and also one for Marlin. Hoping either the meds or eye patch provide some measure of relief for you both.

[Alysser]

Oh no I am so sorry! A friend of mine, her dog had dementia, not to that extent though. Anyway I would try every option, and I know you will. I am hoping something works. Good vibes going out to you!!

[cassiesmom]

Lots of love and prayers for Darlin' Marlin! Hope the meds will help him.

That goes for me, too! Marlin, you and your mom have been on my mind and heart.

[Freedom]

His meds did not arrive today, should be here in tomorrow's mail. Can't wait to get that started!
Wily's refill from the same pharmacy did arrive today, that's why I'm sure I'll see Marlin's med soon.

[IRescue452]

Did she check his liver? Spinning and crazy behavior are signs of a liver shunt (usually shunts are in young dogs) and or any problem where the liver stops processing toxins correctly. Hepatic encephalopathy is a brain disorder associated with dogs in liver failure and also can causing spinning. In fact, liver problems are the FIRST thing I think of when people say their dogs are spinning or staring into space, especially small breeds. If she didn't mention his liver you should call her and discuss it or get on the phone with another vet.

[Freedom]

Thank you, for all the prayers, support, and suggestions.

The vet had suggested a thunder shirt or tight T shirt, so this afternoon I put his peacoat on him. That kept him calm for 3 hours!

We are going to start with Anipryl, generic name selegiline, a med that is approved in the US for ccd - canine cognitive disorder.

I also found this website, and plan to try several things on there:
http://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2010/02...og-what-to-do/

I had already started adding canned food to his kibble, at least half and half.

The eye patch is an interesting idea too, I'll give that a shot!

We didn't do any blood work this week. Marlin was diagnosed with ccd last July, after tons and tons of testing - blood work, urinalysis, and several other non invasive tests. I need to see about updating his blood work and checking liver function.

Again, thanks for all the ideas.

[pomtzu]

Wow Sandie - that's amazing that putting on his peacoat settled him down. I've seen ads for the Thundershirt and always thought it was just a bunch of hokey, but I see that I'm wrong. I read that article that you linked, and I bookmarked it for future reference. Very interesting! Maybe with warmer weather on the way, you could get Marlin a kid size tee shirt, since the peacoat will probably be too warm.

Continuing with the prayers and good vibes for Marlin Darlin. Hoping some meds and new techniques make him more content.