Monday, April 2, 2007

Thrawn Update

Thrawn is having a super hard time getting around in general, sometimes better than others but nothing consistent. At 8 am he could be perky and fine, at 5 pm we might not be able to get him up at all, then at 9 pm he's wandering aimlessly and begging for treats. He will not stop the pacing through the house when he's free, kitchen to far end of house in bedroom, back and forth. The more he walks the clumsier he gets so I'm trying to just give him little spurts of time to do it in then back in the kitchen he goes. He still paces in the kitchen but at least it's a "safer" area. If he runs into anything at all he either falls down or plows right over it (including the other dogs). The mats he seems to hate do help, I need to get a couple more to complete his area. If he falls and are on them he can push himself back up - slowly, but he can usually do it.

We have an appointment with the Neurologist tomorrow morning, I hope he's having a good day to get there and back. I really need them to tell me there are some other options to help his quality of life or at least give me something I can do for him. I hate seeing him like this, absolutely hate it. He is still in good spirits, eating and wanting treats, etc and showed interest in chewing a bone yesterday. He's pretty uncoordinated so he needs help with basic things, like if he knocks the bone next to him or close to his chest he can't figure out how to get it back where he can chew it.

I don't know what to do. If he can't get himself around I can get him a cart, I can get harnesses to take him to potty, etc but when is it too much for him?

I know deep down he's lived a long and good life, especially considering all of his health issues. I will not make him suffer because I can't let go, but I really really hope it doesn't come to that anytime soon. I never expected this so closely to Dakota passing away and I'm SO not ready. Larry thinks I'm maybe making things worse in my head because I'm paranoid from Dakota, I don't know. He has been having issues with his back end for a long time now and has had a lot of weakness, maybe I didn't notice the extent until I've totally focused on it like the last week or two. I hope I am overreacting and maybe I'm hyper-sensitive to every little thing I see wrong. I hope.

Anyway - thanks for the comments asking and the mails, I appreciate it. I'll post a report after the appt tomorrow.

Maryann

PS...
6 am ~ Shaky but getting around roughly
Noon ~ Can't get him up to go out
4:30 PM ~ Perky and active
7:00 PM ~ Steals my sandwich off the tv tray and stumbles/runs/gallops away with the whole thing in his mouth

19 comments:

Khady Lynn said...

Have they tried cortisone injections? Or Rimadyl for anti-inflamatory help?

I sure hope they can help. It sounds like he has a lot of life left in him. Prayers are coming your way.

Holly

The Brat Pack said...

Hi Holly

Thanks :)
He's currently on anti-inflamatories, it's been about 6 weeks now since he started. They had talked about the cortisone injections but last time we saw the Neurologist she didn't feel it would benefit him. I'm going to ask again tomorrow.

He's having the Adequan injections - they really helped Dakota and I'm hoping the same for Thrawn. Even if it only makes his front end better it will help him get around more.

I'm on an emotional rollercoaster. One minute I think he's going to be ok, the next I'm sure that this is the end. :(

-M

Anonymous said...

Please let us know how his appt goes. We will all be keeping him in our thoughts that the doctor appointment gives some good information to you.
Hugs, Sitka, Tia, and mom, Shelli

Suki & Joey said...

Oh, poor Thrawn. I'm so sad! I'm sure he'll be fine, Maryann...they'll figure out something to do for him :)

Puggy kisses
Suki

wally said...

I hope the neurologist can give you some answers (and some solutions!) Imagine me doing what I do when my apes are worried--I sleep on their feet and/or chests. Our paws are all crossed for our pal.

wally.

Anonymous said...

YUMMY.. the STOLEN sandwich.. those are the BEST. Way to go THRAWN!!!
Hugs, Sitka

Luckie Girl said...

Just wanted to drop to note to say we are thinking of you and the brat pack.
huggies ~ Luckie + Luckie's Mom

Lisa said...

Keep your chin up, Mom! Thrawn is a fighter (stolen sandwiches prove that) and I know you are scared of losing another one of your pack. I would be, too. I hope the neurologist gives you some good options. We'll be thinking good thoughts for you and Thrawn!

Love,
Lisa, Leo, Cocoa, Scully, Sammy & Maggie

Khady Lynn said...

Don't give up till HE lets you know HE is ready to go. They do that you know. Somehow, they just know when THEY are ready. There are plenty of "disabled" dogs out there living very happy, full lives.

My prayers are with you!

Holly

Fu Fu said...

Oh no poor Thrawn. I hope the neurologist can help him and he'll get better soon..

~ fufu

IndyPindy said...

Oh, poor Thrawn. Have you check out http://www.gimpydogs.com/? The lady who runs it has one Husky that has had hip surgery on both hips and surgery for a compressed disc in his spine, and another Husky who was born with a deformed foot. There is a lot of good information there.

Hugs and kisses to you and Thrawn.

Princess Eva and Brice said...

We hope there is good news for Thrawn. You guys need some good news. Best hopes and wishes from all of us in the Tasha & Eva pack.
P.S. The urn and angel dog are a wonderful memorial for Dakota.

Dakota said...

There's good thoughts coming from Maryland for Thrawn and all of the pack. Stay strong, our friends.

Tadpole said...

You guys continue to be in our thougths and prayers.... Sweet little Thrawn makes you laugh even in the midst of troubles - what a funny-face! :)

MaPaw said...

I hope the neurologist can help. Maybe you should leave food unattended whenever you need assurance that he is still feeling like a mischievous Husky. Everyone here is thinking of you.
-Magnum

wally said...

Hey--I hope the trip to the neurologist was helpful. Your description of his day was funny. The sandwich stealing is classic!

wally.

Anonymous said...

I'm sending good doggy vibes to the entire pack. Stealing sandwiches is a good sign even if it wasn't very graceful.
Kaos

Billy (YES Casanova!!!) said...

Please let us know what happens. We feel so badly for Thrawn. Have faith that things will work out. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Hugs from Billy Boo:)

Nessa Happens said...

Thinking of you guys! I am sending many licks Thrawn's way.

National Canine Cancer Foundation