MaryK
Honored Member
Please, would you all keep Zeus in your thoughts, prayers, whatever you feel comfortable with, as he's going to the vets on Monday (my time).
Not sure what's going to happen. He's kinda fine, but his back legs are very weak. Although being the stoic dog he is, he's 'dealing' with them without any fuss. We think, from just speaking on the phone, he's loosing muscle as he doesn't appear to be in pain. If he needs help he gives me a special look, other than that he's happy to 'manage' those pesky back legs himself - "No thanks Mom I can manage" - he's a game chap and doesn't make a fuss!
He's still going for a very slow walk around half a block each day, and he's still weeing at everything an inch high. But he can no longer cock his leg, which he used to do to a point where he almost toppled over. "Hey I'm a BOY and proud of it"
He has lost weight, mainly in the hind quarters but is still eating like a horse and very much alert to any treats being handed out. However, he is now on a very soft diet, raw was too much for him, and would appreciate any suggestions as to how to add fat to his chicken casserole meal. The vet suggested, over the phone, getting the puppy one but afraid so far no luck in finding a place which sells a puppy version.
As Zeus has Cushings, it's a worry to see him go down so quickly in the hind quarters.
Plus he's having what I call 'senior moments'. He's been a brilliant dog in heel work, never agility or trick work, but his heel work was superb and he had a bomb proof stay. I could have gone around the world and he'd still be in the same place - not I hasten to add did I ever leave him like that
But now I will say Stay and sometimes he wanders after me as if to say "Hey Mom, know you want me to do something but ummmmm what was it?. And I think his hearing isn't quite as good as it used to be either, sometimes I have to say his name quite loudly and I NEVER have had to in the past, before he realizes I am calling him. Although that's no biggie, if his hearing goes, I learn doggy sign language - I'll bombard this forum for help of course!
He's still very happy, even though his life style has altered quite a bit. I think the only thing which upsets him is not going for a good long walk with his sister Leaf - he adored playing "Big Bro Protector from those pesky barking dogs" to her. Other than that he's sleeping a lot, snoring a lot and still eating a lot. I'm going to make him some mental games, like the ones on Anneke's vids. easy ones he can do sitting/laying down. It may help him to have some mental stimulation now he cannot do heel work all that well and play time with Leaf is definitely a no no. She's wonderful, totally respects the fact Zeus can no longer play with her - they're so sweet together.
My partner, who's a qualified massage bod, is massaging his legs and this does seem to help quite a lot.
Hopefully his urine sample and other tests will come up negative and well, it's just a matter of managing his weak legs. But as I know you will all appreciate , I am a little worried about him.
Will let you know after he's been what the verdict is, it'll be fine I'm sure but......well he's my boy and I love him so much. Mom's having a bit of a worry attack and needs some shoulders to lean on - thanks guys it's so good to have this forum to turn too.
Not sure what's going to happen. He's kinda fine, but his back legs are very weak. Although being the stoic dog he is, he's 'dealing' with them without any fuss. We think, from just speaking on the phone, he's loosing muscle as he doesn't appear to be in pain. If he needs help he gives me a special look, other than that he's happy to 'manage' those pesky back legs himself - "No thanks Mom I can manage" - he's a game chap and doesn't make a fuss!
He's still going for a very slow walk around half a block each day, and he's still weeing at everything an inch high. But he can no longer cock his leg, which he used to do to a point where he almost toppled over. "Hey I'm a BOY and proud of it"
He has lost weight, mainly in the hind quarters but is still eating like a horse and very much alert to any treats being handed out. However, he is now on a very soft diet, raw was too much for him, and would appreciate any suggestions as to how to add fat to his chicken casserole meal. The vet suggested, over the phone, getting the puppy one but afraid so far no luck in finding a place which sells a puppy version.
As Zeus has Cushings, it's a worry to see him go down so quickly in the hind quarters.
Plus he's having what I call 'senior moments'. He's been a brilliant dog in heel work, never agility or trick work, but his heel work was superb and he had a bomb proof stay. I could have gone around the world and he'd still be in the same place - not I hasten to add did I ever leave him like that
But now I will say Stay and sometimes he wanders after me as if to say "Hey Mom, know you want me to do something but ummmmm what was it?. And I think his hearing isn't quite as good as it used to be either, sometimes I have to say his name quite loudly and I NEVER have had to in the past, before he realizes I am calling him. Although that's no biggie, if his hearing goes, I learn doggy sign language - I'll bombard this forum for help of course!He's still very happy, even though his life style has altered quite a bit. I think the only thing which upsets him is not going for a good long walk with his sister Leaf - he adored playing "Big Bro Protector from those pesky barking dogs" to her. Other than that he's sleeping a lot, snoring a lot and still eating a lot. I'm going to make him some mental games, like the ones on Anneke's vids. easy ones he can do sitting/laying down. It may help him to have some mental stimulation now he cannot do heel work all that well and play time with Leaf is definitely a no no. She's wonderful, totally respects the fact Zeus can no longer play with her - they're so sweet together.
My partner, who's a qualified massage bod, is massaging his legs and this does seem to help quite a lot.
Hopefully his urine sample and other tests will come up negative and well, it's just a matter of managing his weak legs. But as I know you will all appreciate , I am a little worried about him.
Will let you know after he's been what the verdict is, it'll be fine I'm sure but......well he's my boy and I love him so much. Mom's having a bit of a worry attack and needs some shoulders to lean on - thanks guys it's so good to have this forum to turn too.
