Has anyone used anything to treat dementia in their dog with any success?

[glinda]

If you have used the drug they prescribe, how expensive was it? Did it help?

[NYC_SKP]

1. Oh, glinda, so sorry to hear if you have a dog suffering from dementia!

Both of my parents suffer, but I cannot imagine what it's like for a dog.

I have no ideas, no help, so sorry!

[MADem]

2. Have you gotten a diagnosis? Sure it's not liver disease?

Sometimes the toxins that are in the blood from liver disease can make a dog act a bit off. Sam-E and milk thistle (the ingredients in the very expensive Denamarin) help that situation by removing them and supporting liver function. The Sam-E will also mellow the dog out a bit.

[glinda]

3. About six months ago he had some tests and the Vet seemed to think he had dementia. He eats and

many things seem ok but I wonder if I shouldn't try Sam-E and milk thistle. WHat is a good brand and how much per dog weight? Is it harmless basically to give my dog? Or I wonder if I should get him a senior profile blood work again. Blech* His forehead is warm at times and I wonder if that is an indicator of liver. I think I read somewhere it was once.....

[Myrina]

4. I'm sorry Glinda ...

My old beagle Ray had dementia. The vet recommended a bunch of cognition meds & arthritis meds which would have run me close to $100 a month. I loved him with all my heart and could just see in his eyes that the bunny-chasing boy I knew wasn't there anymore. So I opted against the drugs, feeling that if I were in that situation I'd rather be let go than medicated just to keep me alive even though I didn't know where I was, who I was with or what was going on ... so after many days of spoiling and snuggling him, A new vet & I helped him to the bridge. He was 14.

:hugs: best to you. It will be a difficult decision, regardless of which way you decide.

[Sunlei]

5. I've had a lot of old dogs, what kind of symptoms/problems does your dog have?

With the blood profile he had how were his values? any liver, kidney or any values out of the normal range? Does he eat and drink enough on his own or do you have to tempt him?

with my old dogs that are basicly healthy but a bit forgetfull. I always try to make sure water is offered more than just the bowl in the usual spot. I add one cooked egg to their diet and feed smaller meals 3 times a day. a dog vitamin every day and a low dose baby aspirin once or twice a day with a meal. Get them out frequently like a baby puppy to prevent accidents in the house. Old dogs love their face groomed with a warm washcloth and a good bushing to help their coat stay fluffed out.
That's about it for my old dogs.

a B vitamin like lixotinic if they have liver problems or are anemic even slightly, if kidney problems the special diet from Vet for renal support, I have found camomile tea calms a nervous dog or gotten ace tablets from my vet if they are extremely upset with things like thunder storms. If a heart problem especially with retained fluids Vets use the same daily meds humans take.

I really love old dogs, they can almost speak words and understand everything we say.

[glinda]

6. His last blood work was in Feb. and when I called and asked if there

any levels out of the norm (which the Vet really did not say at that time there was anything to worry about) it showed a slight elevation of the liver!
Darby eats and drinks well and goes out a bit too much due to the old dog forgetfulness thing I think. He may be about 11-12???? no one knows for sure. He sleeps a lot though. Cries out of the blue off and on. Less today since I bathed him yesterday and he has such allergies that I think it made him feel a little better.
Made an appointment Monday for a $300 exam and massive blood and urine tests. The Vet is good though. Perhaps the best in the State. 2 hours away.
My other dog will get her Laser IV treatments at the same time for her deterioration of her spine soft tissues and hind end issues. It has helped her a lot especially since he found her having Hypothyroid also.

There are too many dos and don't regarding diets, vitamins and even which brand to give! My head is spinning. I have ordered Dr. Basko's latest edition for cooking for them which will come out in Feb. HAve even debated having Monica whatever her name is is Canada or Basko making up their diets but will not feed raw. I have immune issues and also do not have the time to grind up stuffs, etc...

Am giving an Omega 3 to my arthritic dog and maybe I should give that to Darby right now. Made up two batches of Sojos today, one with meat included and one without. Might add just a little meat to the one and give that in part to Darby.

I have been feeding too high a protein for Hattie and her kidney/liver possible IBD issues. Looks like I am going to have to figure diets out and may well be cooking for everyone here.

Now if the pet food industry actually gave a shat about our pets, this would not be so difficult. I refuse to feed Vet commercial prescription diets. Trying to wean my cats off of them also.

[Curmudgeoness]

7. Since you do have an appointment Monday,

why don't you wait and discuss everything, including the diet issues and whether to use supplements, with the vet? I wouldn't make any plans on how to handle this until you find out if there is anything wrong, since that could steer your decision.

Let us know what you find out. We do worry with you.

[glinda]

8. I just hope it makes it through until then. He sleeps a lot. Feels warm.

Not happy about this. I tried taking his temp but the dang thermometers I bought are useless or do not work right. He ate really good but his eyes look horrible and reddened. He suffers from allergies but do not know what they are. We think he is allergic to most everything.

[Curmudgeoness]

9. Oh my! Is there another vet closer to you?

If he is really sick, it is possible that he needs an antibiotic.

If it is allergies, is there anything he has had prescribed for him to deal with it? I just did a quick search and see a lot of info on dosage of benadryl for dogs....you could try that to see if it helps. The situation sounds dire.

[glinda]

10. Am going to see how he feels in the morning. Am thinking I might have to

bring him local tomorrow. Most likely I am thinking.

[Sunlei]

11. That's good Darby has an appointment monday.

If you can go sooner and closer, it may be better for 'Darby' (cute name!) less stress of a long car ride. I would get him another blood profile. That way you can see if his major organs are normal and if he has an infection or not.

It's good he is drinking water, eats a little, and normal looking urine/BM. Don't overload him with large meals or diet changes untill Darby sees the Vet.

If he is crying,red eyes and maybe a temp. I hope he can see the Vet sooner. If you have any human saline eye drops, or dry eye drops- that could soothe his eyes a bit now.

Its always so hard when one of pets doesn't feel well

[glinda]

14. We are getting the "big " geriatric test. About $230. We got that for our other

dog when this other vet suspected misdiagnoses. Good thing we spent the money because she did not have cancer but instead a fatty tumor, hypothyroid and deteriorating soft tissues in spine and hip and hocks. She was in immense pain.We need to sort out her soft stool or IBD issue now.
I really think you can spend more money going over multiple visits and chance misdiagnoses when I hate to say it as expensive as it is it is better to get the big test.

[Walk away]

12. One of my dogs is on Prozac for dementia and it seems to help him focus.

It stopped him from that "automatic walk" thing and he seems much more engaged. Hopefully your Vet will help you decide. The good thing about the generic Prozac is that it's only $4 per month.

[glinda]

13. Interesting. He is calmer today and less whining so far. I gave him

less food and divided it up into three meals. Gave his more Sojos oatmeal mix where you add very little meat also. He actually seems more aware. I wonder if it is his liver? Gave him a back rub also! He did whine a bit in his sleep but the last two night s have been a a little better.
I know what you mean about that automatic walk thing!

[Walk away]

15. You seem to be the type of person who would prefer to take a holistic approach...

and that is great. Maybe since the Prozac worked for my guy a holistic alternative for it will work for your pup. Now I have to go look it up!

[glinda]

16. I prefer Integrative but those are very hard to find....especially where we live.

On of our dogs has three Vets! Each for what they can do. We haven't even asked the nearby holistic one if she will do acupuncture yet on her! lol!
Do not think I have $ from what I have side either! I sell my personal belongings to pay for their care.

[Walk away]

17. I do the same thing although my holistic Vet is the first to go when the money...

gets tight.

[glinda]

18. The one here is actually more expensive regarding Prolo Therapy and acupuncture sessions. Some

other areas are less expensive.

[glinda]

19. Update. Took Darby in for a huge huge blood panel and urine testing.

Results took 24 hours but they did not call me for three days. I think if they thought it a true emergency they might have. Two elevated levels which make them think gall stone or something to do with the gall bladder. Taking him back Tues. for an ultrasound. Meanwhile I have changed his diet for a little while. Took him off Orjean high protein dry and am feeding him baked chicken, white rice and carrots with Safflower oil and a little Omega3. Adding a small portion of Sojos sloppy oatmeal mix with a little chicken in there also. He cries less often. Dunno if that is helping but hoping to hell it is something we can work with.

[glinda]

20. Not good. Two biopsies needed.

Perhaps it was not dementia but pain. One liver lobe suspect and mass in stomach that is not attached to anything. Damn.

[glinda]

21. His crying has gotten less. Biopsies are not totally conclusive but appear

to be cyst and the tumor revealed no C as of yet. Neither one. He is now on home made Kidney diet and will be getting Milk Thistle. Since his diet change he is crying less. Don't know why. Vet thinks his crying is not senior issue as much as arthritis and discomfort. He is indeed old.

[Auntie Bush]

22. I hate to think of your beloved dog in pain.

I'm sorry I waited so long for that depressing day.

[glinda]

23. His crying is far far less. Part is his hips the vet thinks. Arthritis.

We were grateful that so far things may be able to be managed. Will see. But he eats real well and is active. Sleeps less and is more attentive. Diet change may have given him some relief. Waiting for liver support stuffs to come in the mail.