Question about Max

[mamabear]

Traci I wanted to say thank you for the PM about Sgt., I really needed to hear what you had to say and i just haven't had a chance to send you a thank you back.

It has been almost a week since Sgt. passing, Max my other German Shepherd just turned 11yrs old on Tuesday. He too stays in a cage while in the house, he comes out but usually has to go in because he gets into trouble. He fusses and barks and does lots of things but yesterday adn today if I didn't get him up to go potty or drink or food he couldn't be bothered.

He and Sgt. didn't spend time in the house but they were playmates and I think Max misses him. What do I do? I'm spending more time with him but I am not sure this is enough.

[Traci]

Are you sure he is grieving, and not developing a slight illness due to stress? I would advise getting him in to your vet for a good checkover. And of course, if you haven't had bloodwork done for him in a year or longer, please have it done.

If I'm understanding you correctly, he's not getting up on his own to eat/drink, eliminate? This is concerning, and may not be a sign of grieving, but illness.

After a vet checkup and pending on what your vet says, maybe take Max out for short walks, get him energized, fresh air, sunshine, new scenery, time spent with you. Make it a family outing if you can, it doesn't have to be for long, just up the street a couple blocks, and again later. If he still plays, encourage playtime (family included) in the yard, but I'd try the walks first. I think these are good ways to give attention, as well as encouraging healthy activity, etc.

[mamabear]

Thank you. I took him out this morning for a break and he tried to jump in my very big truck, which is normal for him. He seemed playful but this was just one time so I will bring him in on mon or tuesday. They have walk in hours so I can just go and not worry about an appointment

He is going for a grooming next friday, just got off phone with kennel they do his grooming, the groomer is great. Max coat seems flaky, he isn't getting enough oil in his diet and his coat is poor. He'll get a medicated groom unless the dr. says he shouldn't and it's something else.

I think since he will be there anyway that I should try to get xrays done on his legs. I don't want to sedate him but he wont go easily so I might have to help them.

I'll have them look at his eyes too, they seem a bit cloudy, I think this old boy might be getting cataracts. at least the dr. will be able to say yes or no and go from there.

thank you again talk to you all soon

[mamabear]

I took Max for a walk to get the kids from the bus stop. He loves that and was back to his old self walking up there. It seemed just fine, the joyful playful puppy we know and love. I know he's 11 but he really does act like a puppy.

Since I was up there waiting for a while (school just started so buses aren't on time yet) I was playing with him and looking him over really well.

Well Oh My God! His ears were just filthy dirty! I mean not even dirty, they were filthy dirty. I put my finger in his ear and he was so growling in a good way and wanted me to put my finger back in it ..i assume so I can scratch inside of it.

It has tiny scabs on the inside but not deep, the deep part has just so much black gunk. We have never ever had an issue with our dogs ears in the entire time we have had them and now Max's ears are just gross. It's been a 6 weeks since I looked in his ears and they were in need of a wipe but nothing like what I see today.

I know how to clean them, I'll do my best but very gently then I'll have dr. look at them next week and see what he says, in case he needs something. I want to clean them lightly just to see if there is any redness or infection going on. That could surely take the spring out of his step if his ears hurt.

Poor thing.

Traci thank you for suggesting I take him for a walk... Had I not I might not have noticed.

thank you thank you thank you

[Traci]

Go easy on the ear cleaning, you don't want to push gunk further into the ear canal - just do a very light wipe of what you can see, NO further (unless you have a simple ear wash/flush for dogs, but if there's too much debris, it won't be enough, best to let your vet take a good look).

I'm happy to hear Max perked up with the walk, I had a feeling he'd enjoy it! Remain consistent, and try to do this twice a day if possible. Fresh air and sunshine is always a good thing

[mamabear]

I was careful with the ears, I have seen people damage dogs ears because they didn't know what to do. Max was great for me which of course helped.

Took max today instead of waiting. He seemed to feel warm to me, temp was fine having 4 kids I wasn't listening to the thermometer this time. I have a huge pick up truck and this time I let him come inside, the back seat folds down to metal plating so we can put construction stuff in it. I lined it nice and he loved it.

I couldn't get his cage secured in the flat bed part of the truck without Sgt's cage too and I just couldn't get both in there, I knew I'd break down. SO inside tuck it was.

Dr was thrilled with the washing I did, I told him what I used and he was pleased. There was still enough for the dr. to take out of both ears and check them. Dr. said there is yeast in both ears and gave me medicine for him to put in his ears twice daily. it has a hydrocortisone in it plus antibiotic.

We talked about his eyes, he said he is 11yrs and what I see with his eyes is normal but he will be keeping an eye on them. He did check his eyes and reflexes just to make sure. He said it was uncommon for dogs his age to show some cloudiness but that didn't mean issues wont arise so if I see anything I have to tell him.

We spoke about his coat as well and his opaque discharge from his eyes. Dr. says it could be allergies and that makes sense since we live in the woods and it happens about twice a year.

So ears first then we will work on allergies. He did say benadryl is ok but wont help the skin coat.

[Traci]

Thanks for getting Max seen right away, I had a feeling he might have been uncomfortable - those ears might have made him feel yucky.

Other than the ears, it sounds like he is in pretty good health!!

[mamabear]

His poor ears are still are bad, and he is vocal about it. BUT on a good note he must not have a fever anymore (remember I said I didn't trust the thermometer, I am sure he had a fever...mama's know). He is perky and playful, trying to steal a beer really showed me that he is no longer feverish.

I have since thrown out that thermometer and bought a new one for him. just so if I need it again I have one that is reliable. Dr. said nothing is better than having an owner that trusts their gut over a device.

Hoping his ears feel better soon, I know it's only been a day but I hope he feels better quick. I hated ear infections.

Thank you!!!

[Traci]

What type thermometer were you using? Personally, the digital rectal thermometers are accurate as long as the batteries are good. I use the disposable digital thermometers (found in your pharmacy section in drug stores) - you should plan on replacing them every few months. NEVER use mercury thermometers.

[mamabear]

It was an old digital thermometer. I have an old mercury one but it is hidden and for my use only to make sure the rest of the thermometers are on target. Kids can't reach it though but I did show it to them and told them about what happens if they break it. I figured I better explain it just in case one day they find it.

The batteries must have been bad and since it was so old I figured why chance it and get another one for a few bucks. I'm just glad I didn't trust it.

Max is feeling better and now the weather is cooler he can't wait to go out. I do not like the cold at all, if it is not 90 degrees out and I'm in shorts I don't want to be outside. My bones ache! But Maxie loves it and he is all that matters...oh and the kids love it too!