An After Death Experience
What appeared in front of the truck was like being at a drive-in movie and watching a show on the large screen. There was my son, Chris, kneeling down in a beautiful meadow. Almost immediately, out of the periphery, came Agatha bounding (before, she was unable to use her hind legs) toward Chris. Her ears were flopping up and down as she ran and jumped into Chris’ arms and licked his face.
Seizures In Older Dogs
Seizures in older animals are relatively common and can exhibit in different forms depending on the underlying cause and/or location of the lesion within the brain. However, there are also causes of seizures related to abnormalities not associated directly with the brain. There can be toxins within the body (a liver shunt, kidney disease), or ingested toxins (snail bait, medications, alcohol and many others). A low blood sugar (glucose) can also result in seizures.
My Pet Won’t Eat . . . Why?
Many, if not most of the calls I receive in regard to euthanasia, are because the animal in question is not eating. These are usually older pets and a significant number have been diagnosed with a terminal disease. The general viewpoint espoused is that when a pet stops eating they are “ready” to die. I believe it’s important to understand that animals are never “ready” to die. They are self preservative creatures. They are instinctive about death and they are very good at dying, just like they are very good at living.
How Our Pets Die
Death, or “to die,” is the end for every living being, and we should all understand that life is a finite miracle that will come to a conclusion at some point, no matter what is done to prevent it.
How Pet Euthanasia Is Justified
In my many years as a veterinarian and especially now that I work exclusively with elderly pets, there are three phrases, and one, two or all three of them enter into nearly every conversation I have involving end of life. I finally realized that pet caretakers, as well as veterinarians, use these phrases to give themselves permission to end an animal’s life.
Gabapentin – Cautions & Uses
Gabapentin has analgesic effects and also anticonvulsant activity. The mechanism for its actions is not well understood. It can be a useful medication for the elderly dog or cat, but can also create problems if not used and dosed correctly.
Bone Cancer In Dogs
Osteosarcoma is cancer of the bone. It is seen more commonly in large or giant breed dogs and occasionally in cats. It is so common in Irish Wolfhounds that any lameness should be investigated as soon as possible. It can affect any bone in the body, but usually is seen in the long bones of either the front or rear limbs.
How Our Pets Age
In general terms, the geriatric period for dogs starts around 7 to 9 years of age, and for cats at around 10 years, but these parameters vary depending on species and size. The time frames listed here are certainly not exact and are only used as reference points for discussion.
Injection Site Sarcomas In Cats
Feline Injection Site Sarcomas (FISS) are extremely aggressive cancers that may be related to an injection or vaccination. The specific cause is unknown. They can develop from 3 months to 4 years post vaccination, or injection, and some don’t show up for five or more years.
Inappropriate Elimination In Older Cats
House soiling by cats, which is termed Inappropriate Elimination (IE) is the most common behavioral complaint by cat caretakers. In my view, litter boxes are not made for cats, they are made to make things easier for people. The same is true of litters.
Abdominal Masses In Dogs
Since I just deal with geriatric, elderly and terminal pets, I see masses (tumors, growths) within the abdomen fairly frequently. Certain breeds are represented more often: Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are among the most commonly affected.
Pain And Arthritis In Cats
Different studies have shown that a large percentage, (90% by age 12 in one study) of cats have some degree of degenerative joint disease or arthritis. A significant percentage (45%) of these cats show clinical signs. Arthritis can be seen in cats as young as 2 years and the percentage goes up above 90% when cats reach the elderly stage (17 years and over).
Books On Pet Loss
List compiled by Belinda McLeod for Cake Blog
Some of these books offer suggestions on how to grieve the loss of a pet. Others are stories that celebrate animals. Choose the book carefully, especially if you are using it as a gift. You don’t want to open old wounds in your attempt to offer solace.
Even if you are purchasing a book for adults, it is encouraged that you check out the second part of the list. Children’s books can be more accessible, and easier to manage, in a difficult period.
Feline IBD vs Intestinal Lymphoma
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is relatively common in older cats, but can be seen in younger cats, as well. It is characterized by frequent vomiting and/or diarrhea, although frequent vomiting seems to be more common. Vomiting cats can also have intestinal lymphoma, and IBD, along with intestinal lymphoma, account for around 90% of cases with chronic vomiting and/or diarrhea as the main presenting symptom.
Pet Suffering And Euthanasia
I receive many phone calls in regard to pet “suffering” and “quality of life” issues. In my opinion, these specific terms are related to our “human” viewpoint and not the pet’s.
Tramadol Warning
This is a synthetic opiate that is often prescribed for analgesia (pain control) in the dog. The FDA has classified this drug as a “controlled” substance. In my experience, this medication creates more problems than it helps.
Vestibular Disease In Dogs and Cats
Vestibular disease is related to a problem in the middle ear whereby the normal orientation of the body related to earth is not normal. It causes dizziness and is similar to motion sickness. In dogs, it is called Old Dog Vestibular Disease and in cats, it is called Feline Idiopathic Vestibular Disease.
Kidney Insufficiency
It is important to know that once the cat or dog develops symptoms of kidney disease, or kidney insufficiency is found by way of blood tests, a significant amount of the kidney tissue has been depleted and cannot be regenerated.
Dementia In Dogs & Cats
This, like neuropathy, is common in the aging pet and is seen in both cats and dogs. It is almost a mirror image of what is seen in people and the signs can be similar.
Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common problems seen in middle-aged and older cats. The average age of onset is 13. It’s an insidious disease that results in many other related afflictions due to the increased level of thyroid hormone, T4, released from the paired thyroid glands located in the laryngeal, or upper, area of the neck.
In Home Visits For Cats
Taking cats to the veterinary office can be a frustrating and traumatic ordeal, as many owners have experienced. Because of the perceived emotional “trauma,” it seems like a much better alternative to have a veterinarian come into the home for the examination. In fact, this may not be the best approach after all.
Geriatric Neuropathy In The Dog
One of the most common reasons people call me is because their dog is having difficulty getting up or lying down. The perception is that it’s “horrible” arthritis or “hip dysplasia.”
