Stormie is failing....

Codes

Codes

Active member
She has been stumbling a bit the last couple weeks but she still managed to go downstairs during the day, go up again and down again at bedtime and made it up ok. Sure she was slower than normal but she still made it up. Last night I went to bed and Stormie did the usual. This morning I got up and her rear end and front are quite weak. She'll be 12 this coming Fri. I'm hoping she'll rally. I slipped her a Tramadol this morning and we'll see how the rest of the day goes. She is the youngest looking older Newf I have ever seen. I had plans of bathing her today or tomorrow and sharing her 12 year old pic with you all on Fri. She ate well this morning and drank but we could only get her out with a towel under her.

She is bright and alert...but it seems her front and rear are failing her. Her face says she is not ready to go. Her body says otherwise. I'm am ever hopeful that today is just an extra shitty day and tomorrow will be better. She's always lived such a slow paced life:icon_bb: She lived in the basement, her choice, and never stressed herself out. C'mon Norma!! (our nickname for her) lets go the distance and get back into the swing of things!! If not, I will honor your wishes but you are such a wonderful and much loved an valued member of our family that we are hoping we have much more time with you!
 
nowhavethreebears

nowhavethreebears

New member
Sending all kinds of good vibes and feel better wishes to Stormie. Will light a candle for her tonight and you will be in my prayers. Hopefully she will rally.
 
Tricia2

Tricia2

New member
Have you considered a "Help 'Em Up" harness for her? I had one that travels to rescue dogs in need, it belonged to Jen (Murphy's Mom) and your Shelby's 12 year old house 'sister' is wearing it now. It can stay on 24/7. Suzanne and Paul borrowed it about 9 months ago expecting to only need it for a month or 2 but it has changed Onyx's quality of life and she's still going.
 
Codes

Codes

Active member
I have Tricia but she's knuckling under and her rear is so weak that even with a towel/sling under we have difficulty getting her up and outside. She's no longer able to stand on her own.

I'm happy the harness has been such a blessing for Onyx

Thanks so much everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I'm hoping tomorrow is a much better day for Norma. (our affectionate nickname for her)
 
Jeannie

Jeannie

Super Moderator
OH man, not another "oldie" have problems. I'm praying for Stormie. I hope the Tramadol helps.
 
Angela

Angela

Super Moderator
I hope tomorrow will be a little better for her and you. It's so hard to watch them, too many of have been this route recently. Please give her a big hug from me.
 
Codes

Codes

Active member
Thanks again everyone. My daughter got up before me this morning and she was able to get Stormie up and she made it outside on her own for a quick pee. Had to be helped up the steps but she did ok on the deck once she got back up. I have a small ramp that someone gave me several months ago and we'll see if we can get Stormie used to that.

Once she heard the food go in the bowls this morning she swiveled around fast anticipating her breakfast. She stood while eating her food. Sometimes it's so hard knowing what the right course of action is and when to set them free. But in this case, I'm cancelling our appt. for today and we'll take each day as it comes. I'll get more Tramadol for her too.
 
Codes

Codes

Active member
Thank you!!

I did ask about Galliprant but my Vet said it is not available for large dogs at the moment. There were some issues with it with the larger dogs so it is being reformulated. The new version won't be available until the Fall.

I'm heading to the Vet shortly to pick up more Tramadol. I ran out last night and worked today so we'll get more on board tonight and hope for the best
 
NinaA

NinaA

New member
The combination of tramadol, gabepeptan, and Pepcid for the stomach helped us a lot. We actually had one girl who gave us three extra years (unable to walk on her own) with the help of meds and a sling (this was before Help Um Up). Good luck.
 
Codes

Codes

Active member
Thanks so much for the tips and good wishes!

Tramadol really seems to be working. Unfortunately it really zones her out. She acts on that like i do on Benedryl and Nyquil.....LOL.

I guess I just panicked on Wed. when she completely lost her rear and was knuckling under. I had flashbacks of Daria doing the same thing. I'm so thankful I had a couple Tramadol on hand or else this scenario would have had a completely different ending..

She is able to get up by herself now and walk to the back door. We're there at the back steps to guide her down if needed but she's like a crochety old woman fearful of losing her independence and doesn't want us touching her unless absolutely necessary. Yeah for that!! She does need help up the steps but toddles inside and immediately lays down.She does have a wobbly gait but at least she's able to walk. She puts a lot of thought into getting up and seems to want to get her body just right before she does so. But she makes it work. Her precious basement is no longer an option for her. Much too risky.

I've spent this weekend contemplating whether or not I did the right thing by not putting her down on Thurs. She lays around the house all day and only gets up when absolutely necessary. But I realized last night that this is basement dwelling Stormie I'm talking about. The gal who only comes up once or twice a day for a quick potty and water and down again she goes. She's ALWAYS slept all day. We're just able to view this for ourselves this time. So, in that regard, nothing has changed and she's living life how she sees fit:)
 
Angela

Angela

Super Moderator
She sounds just like Evan was the last couple of weeks of his life, able to get up slowly, needed time to get his body in gear and a bit of help down the ramp to outside.
Take it all day by day, which I'm sure you are and treasure every moment. Hugs to her.
 
Codes

Codes

Active member
Thank you Angela. We absolutely treasure each day we have with her.

:hugs:I have long been a huge Evan fan. You gave him such a wonderful life.
 
NinaA

NinaA

New member
Regarding Tramadol. I just remembered, the dosage for giant dogs was always too high for my girls. Moonlight in fact took and did very well on a half dose. If Stormie is zoning out you might check on reducing the dosage.
 
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