Minnesota Outdoorsman

Hunting Forums => Hunting Dogs discussion => Topic started by: glenn57 on September 09/30/19, 08:23:01 PM

Title: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on September 09/30/19, 08:23:01 PM
so my chocolate lab will have her 12th b-day on oct 12th. the past week she doesn't eat all her food at one time. keep in mind i'm not complaining, its just not her.

since day one she would eat as much as you put in front of her. we literally needed to absolutely control her food intake. she would also sneek and eat the sheltie's dish empty. whats funny no the sheltie will push it behind the chairs around the table so the lab cant get at it. :evil: :rotflmao: funny as all get out!!

anyway back to the lab, any ideas what I may be encountering in the near future???????? or is she just slowing down in her upper years>????????? :scratch: :scratch:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: LPS on September 09/30/19, 08:26:40 PM
Think about it Glenn.  The time is coming.  We too have a 12 year old lab and the time is coming. 
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on September 09/30/19, 08:29:31 PM
Think about it Glenn.  The time is coming.  We too have a 12 year old lab and the time is coming.
UGH...…..I DONT WANNA!!!!!!!! :sad: :sad: :angry:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Rebel SS on September 09/30/19, 08:32:11 PM
First, I'd get blood work done to rule out kidney issues, diabetes, etc.He IS old...  My pooch always ate all his food when I ate, 'cuz that's when I fed him. We ate together. As he got older, sometimes he wouldn't eat it all, and since I fed him dry food, I'd just leave it. He'd graze off and on all day when I was gone, but always ate more when I was around. I think when they get older, their metabolism slows down, so they eat less. Is he drinking more/less water? Is he getting as much exercise/walkies in as always? Every dog is different, my bird dog ate so fast he'd choke and barf...idjit! He always did that....every dog is different! But, then Scruffy slowed way down, and I found out he had kidney disease...I'll stop there. That's just my take on it, Glenn....get some blood work to ease yer mind first.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on September 09/30/19, 08:37:07 PM
YEA she drinks fine. she dojt run around like years ago...….gawd only know she tries, especially at the cabin, then she acts like she's hurting for a good day.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Rebel SS on September 09/30/19, 08:38:28 PM
I think she's got REB disease.  :rotflmao: :rotflmao: *OW*OOH*  :bonk:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: LPS on September 09/30/19, 08:43:43 PM
I give my older lab a Tylenol dipped in butter with his morning meal and his afternoon meal.  He eats it like candy..  Helps a lot.  Info from my Vet.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Gunner55 on September 09/30/19, 08:47:28 PM
YEA she drinks fine. she dojt run around like years ago...….gawd only know she tries, especially at the cabin, then she acts like she's hurting for a good day.
:scratch: That sounds a lot like her Dad.  ;) :laugh:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on September 09/30/19, 09:09:54 PM
YEA she drinks fine. she dojt run around like years ago...….gawd only know she tries, especially at the cabin, then she acts like she's hurting for a good day.
:scratch: That sounds a lot like her Dad.  ;) :laugh:
:tut: :tut: maybe, some days anyway. :confused: :pouty: :rotflmao:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on September 09/30/19, 09:30:36 PM
First, I'd get blood work done to rule out kidney issues, diabetes, etc.He IS old...  My pooch always ate all his food when I ate, 'cuz that's when I fed him. We ate together. As he got older, sometimes he wouldn't eat it all, and since I fed him dry food, I'd just leave it. He'd graze off and on all day when I was gone, but always ate more when I was around. I think when they get older, their metabolism slows down, so they eat less. Is he drinking more/less water? Is he getting as much exercise/walkies in as always? Every dog is different, my bird dog ate so fast he'd choke and barf...idjit! He always did that....every dog is different! But, then Scruffy slowed way down, and I found out he had kidney disease...I'll stop there. That's just my take on it, Glenn....get some blood work to ease yer mind first.
I out of the blue asked my wife about vet visits, she said they gave blood work done once a year.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: mike89 on October 10/01/19, 07:22:55 AM
good luck, but I would keep an eye on her and then maybe do the lab work.. 
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Rebel SS on October 10/01/19, 07:30:30 AM
Get the lab wok done. Use that union cash. Stuff can come on suddenly, ya know......once a year may not be enough for an older dog, human ya, but not an older dog....


https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/wellness-testing-for-senior-dogs
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on October 10/08/19, 11:43:38 AM
would it be Ok to give the lab an aspirin or tylenol of ibeprofen????????? :doah: :doah:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Rebel SS on October 10/08/19, 12:08:40 PM
I'll hold off until tests are done. Tylenol can do kidney /liver damage, aspirin can cause GI bleeding, NSAIDS can ball up their sytem. Wait until tomorrow. However, if ya have some Tramadol....that's what scruffy was on. Helped him a lot. I took it for my back....the vet said use that; same thing. Just give him a 1/4 tab. Danged good high-end vet.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Bobberineyes on October 10/08/19, 03:11:04 PM
I had a Springer years ago that had a good share of arthritis in her hips, I believe it was called duramax and tgat did wonders for her in the field and after. After retiring her she was put on baby aspirin (cheaper) and that helped out too.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: LPS on October 10/08/19, 04:17:32 PM
We give our 12 year old lab a tylenol dipped in butter with his morning feeding and his afternoon feeding.  Vet approved.  He wouldn't be able to walk if we didn't do this. 
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Reinhard on October 10/08/19, 05:32:52 PM
I think this is a very helpful thread. I have been noticing my lab who is 8 get up slowly at times.  I got some Cosequin to help with her joints.  After reading the other posts I wonder if anyone gave their dog this and if it helps.  IT's expensive the but I don't care.  Just trying to help now so she doesn't have any problems in the future.  good luck.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on October 10/09/19, 08:27:26 AM
well, today is vet visit day. my guts are rolling and as much as i try to think positive i dont see a favorable outcome. she hasnt eaten worth a crap for 2 days. having to literally carry her up the steps suxs. i dont understand it, when she gets up she walks, moves pretty good, its to get her to do it. :doah: :embarrassed:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Rebel SS on October 10/09/19, 08:29:46 AM
Sounds like her hips may really hurt....
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: LPS on October 10/09/19, 08:52:01 AM
I think this is a very helpful thread. I have been noticing my lab who is 8 get up slowly at times.  I got some Cosequin to help with her joints.  After reading the other posts I wonder if anyone gave their dog this and if it helps.  IT's expensive the but I don't care.  Just trying to help now so she doesn't have any problems in the future.  good luck.

We give Sammy that stuff too RH.  Used to give him the liquid with each feeding but now found the pills which he likes like candy.  Doesn't hurt.  Also for pain "Buffered aspirin" or Tylenol is easiest on them.  Buffered aspirin doesn't cause stomach issues but isn't as easy to find as it used to so we go with Tylenol dipped in butter.  He like them like candy too when I do that.  If Buddy overdoes it we give him a Tylenol too.  There is a great book that every dog owner will love by a Vet in Bemidji.  Dr. Busby.  He is an old guy who is mad at the Vet Profession for charging for un needed things.  His book is "How to afford a Vet without mortgaging the kids."  It is actually kind of funny but we save a lot of money doing things we read in the book.  You can buy it online. 
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Reinhard on October 10/09/19, 09:08:18 AM
Thanks LPS.  We found it on line .  Looks like a dog treat so Lucy goes for it.  3 a day it says.  good luck.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Rebel SS on October 10/09/19, 09:28:45 AM
I take that stuff 3x a day too. I'm a creaky old dawg.  :rotflmao:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: LPS on October 10/09/19, 09:56:44 AM
 :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on October 10/09/19, 04:05:03 PM
We just got back from the vet. Coco was a pretty sic dog. We put her down to end her suffering. I cried like a friggin baby. Gawd does this hurt.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Bobberineyes on October 10/09/19, 04:07:50 PM
That sucks Glenn,  sorry pal..
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Dotch on October 10/09/19, 04:19:43 PM
Been waiting to hear how this came out & was hoping for.the best. So sorry for your loss Glenn.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Rebel SS on October 10/09/19, 04:37:53 PM
O sh** man. I'm really sorry Glenn.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Reinhard on October 10/09/19, 05:46:20 PM
Glen, I got tears just reading your post.  I know it well.  I lost my two dogs who where 15 years old just a couple of month apart.  I swore I would never have another one ever.  5 years later my daughters conspired to give me a surprise with Lucy who is 8 now.  I will break down in tears big time just thinking about it.  They love you all the time not just some of the time.  Glenn, take care and I know you will be hurt for some time.  I never forget my past family members and I include my dogs.  I even don't like calling them dogs.  You look into their eye's and you know they have all emotions that we do, only stronger.  Wishing the best for you Glen.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Rebel SS on October 10/09/19, 06:09:08 PM
Man, it got to me. I Lost my best friend ever, and when I look at his pics, I still start crying.
He died in '05.
I'm with ya, Glenn.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on October 10/09/19, 06:31:06 PM
Thanks guys, you have no idea how much that really means  too me.

The vet after I explained everything did a great job of checking her over. She had a slight fever, get heart rate was elevated, she had a hard time breathing. Besides the arthritis in her back end she had a pretty good sized tumor and said in all likely hood was cancerous. Her organs weren't working do well either.

In his discussion with my wife and I, I started to read his cryptic message between the lines. When he went on to say they could give her some meds but really wouldn't help in the long run that made up my mind. I wasn't going to let her suffer no longer.

So now she's pain free and with my grandson. Man that dog would go goofy when Coco would see Dakota.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: mike89 on October 10/09/19, 06:53:12 PM
oh man I hurt for ya bud...  hope ya and the wife have a good night...  and sadly I was wanting to hear how this turned out too..  just was hoping for better....
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: LPS on October 10/09/19, 08:37:09 PM
I have been waiting to hear what the prognosis was.  The wife and I have been thinking about you and her Glenn.  So sorry to hear the news but it is what needs to happen and it will happen to all of us.  You are in our thoughts Glenn.  Give the wife a hug from us.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: markn on October 10/10/19, 05:47:54 AM
Sorry to hear the bad news glenn. Thinking of you today.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on October 10/10/19, 06:06:51 AM
Thanks everyone. Been a rough morning not seeing the brown face and her special little habits. The sheltie seems lost also. We took her in the room with us yesterday when they put Coco down.  I could tell be the shelties behavior the past week or so that she new Coco wasn't feeling well.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Cooperman on October 10/10/19, 08:45:29 AM
Sorry for the loss of your pup Glenn.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Steve-o on October 10/10/19, 09:05:31 AM
Sorry, Glenn, I know it is going to be a long time before that ache subsides.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: roony on October 10/10/19, 02:28:05 PM
It is super hard, I know only too well. Things get better in time and its not good to see them suffer either.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on October 10/13/19, 07:31:30 PM
Thanks again everyone for the kind words. Been a tough 5 days. Looking for a urn for her now.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Boar on October 10/13/19, 07:42:56 PM
sorry for your loss glenner. hang tough bud!
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: The General on October 10/13/19, 08:08:44 PM
Sorry to hear Glenn and know the feeling.  Put down my older shorthair last winter.  I did pay the little extra to make sure I got his ashes back.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: The General on October 10/13/19, 08:20:37 PM
I think this is a very helpful thread. I have been noticing my lab who is 8 get up slowly at times.  I got some Cosequin to help with her joints.  After reading the other posts I wonder if anyone gave their dog this and if it helps.  IT's expensive the but I don't care.  Just trying to help now so she doesn't have any problems in the future.  good luck.

I thought about buying that same stuff from the vet for my old shorthair who had arthritis but has since pasted.  My vet told me it may help a bit but it’s like greasing an old wore out bobcat and you should have started when new.  I do give some vet approved glucose pills I get at fleet farm for the young shorthair.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on November 11/28/19, 09:27:18 AM
more sad news...…………... :sad: got a text from my son last nite…...he just left the vet and informed me his yellow lab has cancer and will be putting her down on Saturday morning. she is 12.

Comet, was like my granddog. she was up with us the 3rd weekend of deer hunting and wouldn't eat. my son said she hasn't really ate anything in a while. I seen signs things weren't right since this is still fresh in my memory and tried to slowly inform him of possibilities.

that dog was everything to him so its gonna be tough. I told him i'd come down to the vet with him sat morning. this brings back a lot of heartache. :embarrassed: :embarrassed: :censored:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Reinhard on November 11/28/19, 09:30:41 AM
Sad to hear Glenn.  Great that you will be there to comfort him.  good luck.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: LPS on November 11/28/19, 09:42:18 AM
So sad Glenn. 
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: mike89 on November 11/28/19, 09:51:35 AM
sorry to hear that Glenn!! that really suks....
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Dotch on November 11/28/19, 12:02:40 PM
That sux glenn.  :sad:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: deadeye on November 11/28/19, 09:19:56 PM
I never had a dog so I can only imagine the pain of losing one that has been at your side for a long time. 
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: dakids on November 11/28/19, 10:32:50 PM
Sorry glenn.  Losing a fur child is very hard. Try and remember all the good times.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Outdoors Junkie on November 11/29/19, 12:34:08 PM
We are still struggling with heartache from having to put our Rocky down a few weeks ago. So sorry for you, your son, and the rest of the family. It’s so hard...
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on November 11/29/19, 02:22:00 PM
thanks guys...…….
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: dakids on November 11/29/19, 03:19:28 PM
Thought of you Glenn when I saw this picture.  I loved every dog I've ever had and it's so hard to say goodbye to them. 
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on November 11/29/19, 03:23:43 PM
Thought of you Glenn when I saw this picture.  I loved every dog I've ever had and it's so hard to say goodbye to them.
wow....that's so awesome...………….and so true.

THANKS Dakids. :happy1: :happy1: :happy1:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: Reinhard on November 11/29/19, 04:52:19 PM
Dakids,  that picture you posted made me cry.  Not much makes me cry.  I think Glen can agree along with his son that that picture is so right.  Made me think of my dogs I"ve had in the past.  Made me think of my daughters lab who died about a month ago who I loved.  He walked slowly to my daughters husband and fell down by his feet and passed right there.  Man, if that happened to me it would be hard to forget, and my son-in law is still in pain from that moment.  Glenn, your a special person to comfort your son when he needs it the most.  Reinhard
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on November 11/29/19, 05:00:47 PM
Thanks Reiny appreciate the kind words. :happy1:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: glenn57 on October 10/09/20, 10:40:32 AM
Just realized it's was a year ago today that we had to put the chocolate lab down. Still kinda sucks. :doah: :cry:
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: snow1 on October 10/09/20, 11:55:26 AM
Sad deal glenn,even with a new pup its still hard,but "Hey" you still have great memories ,12 years worth that will last forever,I still reflect on  my last 5 boyz over the last 50 years and if I think to long I'll get a tear but my current pup snaps me out of it,its amazing how we connect with our pups and how they know when you're down,so much love.
Title: Re: lab question
Post by: LPS on October 10/09/20, 02:38:43 PM
That's for darn sure!  It's a whole different kind of love!