Last night I thought Speck was a goner.
Old Speck
It was about 1 this morning and I was knitting. Vince was already asleep. Speck was asleep and I heard something and looked over at him and he was apparently having a seizure. It went on and on. I put my hand on him and spoke softly to him. I thought for sure that was the end. It went on for several minutes. When he got up, he was totally confused . . more so than normal. He tried to walk and he couldn’t. One or two legs would work but the others wouldn’t, then he would only walk sideways. I woke Vince up to come and . . I don’t know what I wanted him to do but I wanted him up with me.
By the time Vince got into the living room, Speck had gone to my bathroom, running into walls along the way. I keep the door closed but it was open because I was soaking a shawl to block. Speck got between the toilet and tub and couldn’t figure out how to get out. Because he bites, more so when he’s confused, neither of us were brave enough to pick him up and bring him back to the living room. I turned the bathroom light off and left the hall light light on so he would hopefully follow the light. By the time he came out, he was walking better but still obviously confused.
He went towards the outside door so I went out with him. He wandered around like he didn’t have a clue where he was or where he was going. I stopped him and petted him for a few minutes, picked him up and brought him back in and put him in his bed. Vince covered him up and we stayed up for another hour or so. We could see that he was still breathing by the movement of his blanket.
We went to bed and this morning, I was awake before Vince but stayed in bed waiting for him to wake up because I didn’t want to come in and find Speck no longer alive. When Vince woke up, he said “You’re waiting for me to get up first, aren’t you?” Yep!
Speck had gotten up during the night and had moved over to his little bed. Vince covered him up this morning but Speck just looked at him and didn’t get up. After about 20 minutes, he got up . . a bit shaky but much better than he was last night. I fed both dogs and Speck is acting like his old self – running, playing and excited about his food.
Weird!
Our vet was out of town this weekend so I’ll call him today. I know what he’s going to say . . he’s an old dog . . not much we can do.
Vivian Oaks says
Sorry to hear about Speck. Blessings!
wanda j says
it is so sad when our pets get old. Like us we didn’t think about getting old when we were younger. It has just come up so fast and bite us in the rear. Like something ugly. I’m so sorry you are on your down hill run with Speck. I know it is hard to watch. Can you imagine what it will be like when our children have to watch us get old? I never thought much about it till it is upon me now. Sad but that is just how life is. Enjoy each minute you can and remember how he was when younger. xxxxooooo for today and each day to come .Again I’m so sorry time is short now for Speck.
Rebecca Muir MacKellar says
Poor Speck. We had a dog that when she got older she would have a seizure once a month. She was always wired afterwards and stumbled around. We put the baby gate up so she did not get hurt. My husband is a vet and he says that seizures are common in older dogs. The first one is scary as all get out. We never liked it of course, but we would act to keep her safe. We always sat next to her and comforted her. Hang in there.
Carolyn says
My dog did something similar just before we had to put him to sleep. He was mostly blind, Cataracts, wandered around the yard sniffing, came in and upstairs w me and wandered around the rooms, stood facing the walls wagging his tail…. went to bed, him in his. When we went to get him up in the AM he was awake, and in pain, blood all over the place…. even the vet wasn’t sure what happened. Putting him to sleep was hard…. so hard that I have never wanted to get another dog. people say I should, but 15yrs later, I’m still not ready
Cilla Tyler says
So sorry that Speck and you had to go thru that. Truly scary! Out of all the rescue Dachshunds that have gone thru here I have never witnessed a seizure. My oldest personal pup is pushing 16….all 4 1/2 lbs of her.
Erin says
Awe so sorry he had that spell hard to watch our choc lab had those tough sad
Nancy says
So sorry to hear how bad Speck has become. I does sound like the end is near. It is always tough to lose a pet that you have had for so many years.
Jackie says
Being a retired nurse I’m familiar with seizures but when my dog had his first seizure I freaked. It’s so hard to be a part of this and not able to explain what’s happening. All you can do is sit with them and be there. Sending you hugs.
Diann says
Hugs for Speck.
Dottie says
I feel for you…..it is so hard seeing our pets as they get older and have issues. Thinking of y’all.
Pat says
So sorry for Speck. it is so hard to feel so helpless. Wish the best for you guys and Speck.
kim says
Sounds like a case of “old dog disease” Google it, it’s a thing.
Robin says
Praying for Speeck, you and Vince. This is always hard on the owners. I have lost my furry children too. I cry each time. Hope the seizures do not happen again or often.
Jill In Ohio says
So sorry to hear about the seizure. I have heard that when you see this happening, put some honey on his tongue and it will help pull him out of it faster and he will not be as shaky after, I think. I keep telling my parents to do this. Every dog they have had in Florida has ended up with seizures, but they have never really investigated to find out why… Just get more dogs is their philosophy. sigh…