Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Poopers is not feeling so well.

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Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 05-18-2003, 01:36 PM:

I had to take him to a vet this morning. Everything seemed to be fine, and suddenly he lost all cordination, and would lose his balance and fall over. He cannot seem to find his "horizon" and gets so confused. Poopers was born in April of 1986, and just turned 17 years old last month.

The vet thinks Poppers might have had a stroke, or some very long medical name I cannot pronounce, let alone, spell. There is no evidance he "got into anything" such as slug bait, anti-freeze, rat poison, or anything like that. The medication I personally have to take is quite powerful and dangerous, so I am very careful with it and account for each and every pill.

The good news is that the vet thinks there is a chance if he responds to medication. The next 24 hours will be a critical time.

I have my fingers crossed. He has been with me for 13 years now, and he has a better personality than alot of people I know, even when he was hurting so bad this morning.

May I please ask you to keep your fingers crossed, too?

Thank you. [Smile]

Posted by Gordon Bachlund (Member # 124) on 05-18-2003, 01:39 PM:

Paul, both I and my Golden Retriever, Duke, will keep our fingers/paws crossed. Keep smiling.

Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 05-18-2003, 02:23 PM:

That's sad news about Poopers. Do you have someone trustworthy you can leave him with to take care of him when you make your road trip at the first of June?

Posted by Michael Harlow (Member # 1353) on 05-18-2003, 02:35 PM:

Paul, because of the help and information you have posted here on Film-Tech which has been a great help to me, i will keep my fingers crossed for you and poopers.

Posted by Bill Langfield (Member # 818) on 05-18-2003, 03:43 PM:

Paul,

I pray to God that Poopers is ok, and that he will recover.

I know the feeling of losing control of how to best look after a loved pet, that it might not make it much longer in this life.

Mother and I have no room for a dog in our house, but we do have
3 cats, all about 8 yo and I'd hate to see any of them got through what your pet is going through.

I know this sounds bad, but get the vet to check for ANY form of CANCER.

Please take care. All the BEST. Bill!

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 05-18-2003, 04:12 PM:

keeping our fingers crossed

Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 05-18-2003, 04:50 PM:

Paul for you and for "Poopers

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
[thumbsup]

ALL GOOD THOUGHTS

Posted by Per Hauberg (Member # 529) on 05-18-2003, 04:58 PM:

Paws and thumbs crossed.
All the best for Poopers. May he be well soon.

Sofus & Per

Posted by Bruce McGee (Member # 131) on 05-18-2003, 05:01 PM:

He's in my prayers, too. I've got some cats he can chase when he gets to feeling better.

Bruce

Posted by Josh Jones (Member # 447) on 05-18-2003, 05:03 PM:

I'll even force the cat to do a prayer for Poops:)

Josh

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 05-18-2003, 05:04 PM:

Joe Cool crosses his fingers for you!

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 05-18-2003, 05:08 PM:

Thank you, Gentlemen.

Brad, if Pooopers can survive this problem, I might take Poopers to my brother in Owatonna, Minnesota while Josh and I take the trip. Poopers will be in good hands there. [Smile]

He likes "winking" at the camera.. [Smile]

[ 05-18-2003, 11:42 PM: Message edited by: Paul G. Thompson ]

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 05-18-2003, 10:20 PM:

Hey, this is probably a stupid question but did the vet check the ol' boy's ears? The balance organs are in the ears. If they get clogged up with icky stuff or if the dog gets a real bad case of ear mites, God knows what can happen.

Flop-eared dogs are more prone to these problems. Seeing his picture again reminded me.

When I was a kid, we had lots of hunting dogs. We had anywhere from 5 to 10 of them! Every spring, when the weather got warm my Dad made me get every dog out of the pen(s) and give them a good going-over. We did ALL the gross stuff...
Checked for sores and cysts between the foot pads.
Cleaned their teeth and checked for mouth problems.
"Relieved" the anal glands.
Cleaned and checked the ears for mites and goo.

Being cooped up all winter, sleeping in closed-in kennels in a bed of straw, dogs got REALLY icky and smelly! I'm talking, "Gag a maggot!"

Paul, I'm sure you take good care of your dog and I'd bet you had the vet go over the dog from nose to tail but this is the time of year that my Dad would take care of the dogs. I just couldn't help but think back and imagine that Pooper's problem could be something simple.

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 05-18-2003, 10:45 PM:

Get well soon Poopers!

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 05-18-2003, 10:51 PM:

It's always sad to see your pet sick and in pain. [Frown]

We're all pulling for you, poopers! [thumbsup]

=TMP=

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 05-18-2003, 11:17 PM:

Randy, his ears are one of the first things the Vet checked. There was no evidence of them being clogged with icky stuff or any evidence of mites. His eyes are still clear and he can see very well. Even at night when I took him for his walk, he would see things that I can't.

I have noticed in the last couple of months that he was starting to show his age. He is a clean dog, you can sniff him and you won't smell anything. I keep an eye on his floppy ears because of the problems that can develop. He never had any ear infections. The vet told me he is in remarkable physical condition for his age. He was checked from nose to tail, and nothing seemed abnormal.

I'll know more tomorrow, and when I find out something, I'll post it.

It sure is lonely sitting here in front of the computer without him snoozing under the desk. [Frown]

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-18-2003, 11:25 PM:

Hi Paul,
Sorry to hear about Poopers. It was fun having him here on your visit. I'm sure he'll pull through. Hang in there......
Mark

Posted by Dan Lyons (Member # 1454) on 05-19-2003, 03:34 AM:

Crossing mine, and I just made sure that Mr. Dumpy frog is crossing his suction cup fingers also.

Danny

Posted by Bernard Tonks (Member # 809) on 05-19-2003, 06:50 AM:

Pooper looks marvellous for his age! My wife and I wish him well. [Smile]

My old dog Sasha was blind and deaf by the time he was 15 which is common for that breed. He had a stroke at 17 but was able to cope and still enjoyed a quality of life, always happy and contented until a peaceful end at the age of nearly 20 years.

Sasha at 18 years.

Posted by Don Bruechert (Member # 1538) on 05-19-2003, 09:06 AM:

Paul, My fingers are crossed for you and poopers. I hope everything goes well for you guys. I don't know how it feels to have a companion pet for that long, but I just had 2 ferrets that were around for 6 or 7 years pass on me... I still have Blaze left, and he is the one I adopted from the animal shelter. No one wanted him because he was supposed to be so mean, and he is the biggest snugglebunny you ever saw!

I'm going to take the liberty of speaking for Rachel too. She is stuck with dial-up and she hasn't been feeling well lately, so she hasn't been on much.

We're rooting for you guys!

Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 05-19-2003, 11:05 AM:

Saying a prayer even as I type this.

Good luck!

Posted by John Spooner (Member # 1565) on 05-19-2003, 11:20 AM:

Dear Poopers.
Wishing you the best. Please keep us informed as to your progress.
Our best wishes,
Max, Pixie, Lady. (3 dachshunds from down under).

Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 05-19-2003, 12:16 PM:

Get better Pooperz!!!! You will be out pooping again in no time if you pull through!

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 05-19-2003, 01:22 PM:

So far, here is what is discovered:

Canine idiopathic vestibular syndrome:

This is also a common cause of vestibular disease in the dog. Another name is geriatric vestibular syndrome. Older dogs (mean age 12.5 years) are primarily affected. There is a sudden onset of ataxia (which can be severe), head tilt, nystagmus and occasionally vomiting. The cause of this syndrome is unknown. Diagnosis is based on the signs and excluding other causes of vestibular dysfunction. Affected dogs improve spontaneously within 2 weeks, although there may be a mild, persistent head tilt. Nursing care is important during recovery. Unfortunately, affected dogs are sometimes euthanized because of the severe signs and concerns that the patient has a brain tumor or stroke.

Poopers is a little better today. The first response is when he saw me, that tail of his was just thumping the wall of little room he was in, accompanied with little wimpers and a big slurp with tongue on my face. He was able to stand on his own.

Blood samples were taken, and the results should be in tomorrow.
My glasses are a little foggy when I type this, but I am certainly hoping for the best, along with all of you.

I thank you for the support. As soon as I know more, I will pass it on to you.

Paul

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 05-19-2003, 01:32 PM:

Hello Paul,

I hope by the time you read this post, you had received happy new from your vet that Poopers will be all right and fully recover. The same thing happned to me about three years ago when my sister and I had to take Jerry our beloved pure orange 15 year old tabby cat to the vet because he refushed to eat and only slept. We received bad news the next day that Jerry would not recover. It was a very painful decision to have to give the vet our decision to have Jerry put down. I hope Poopers medical outcome will be positive and not what Arlene and I endured when we had to say goodbye to Jerry. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Poopers.

-Claude

Posted by Gerard S. Cohen (Member # 994) on 05-19-2003, 01:58 PM:

Hi Paul,

Glad to learn Poopers is showing signs of recovery. I had a cat who experienced the proverbial nine lives who showed amazing powers of recovery each time.
Old dogs may feel a chill on the floor. I used a gentle heating pad, or a goose-neck lamp with a 220W bulb for a little warmth during such times.
Best wishes from me and my two Siamese, Moshe & Sarah!

Gerard

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 05-19-2003, 02:06 PM:

Paul: Hopefully your beloved dog will recover fully. And even if some symptoms linger, it sounds like he is in no discomfort and can live with the disability. Good luck. [thumbsup]

Posted by Michael Harlow (Member # 1353) on 05-19-2003, 02:38 PM:

Paul, That is good news and we here are glad to hear it. Please keep us posted, you obviously have a lot of friends here on film-tech - one big family. Come on Poopers !

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 05-19-2003, 02:51 PM:

Holly Wood and White Boy have their wiskers crossed. Get Well!

>>> Phil

Posted by Randy Stankey (Member # 64) on 05-19-2003, 03:06 PM:

Sounds like your vet is a top notch guy! Just by the way you describe him it sounds like he knows his shit.

Glad to hear Poopers is getting back on his feet... literally! [Smile]

Sounds like he'll be back to normal in a short time.

Oh! Was that last picture of him snoozing on the deck of a Christie platter? No WONDER the dog's dizzy! [Big Grin]

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 05-19-2003, 04:22 PM:

I am glad he is responding maybe share some of the weenies with him

Posted by Jason Burroughs (Member # 68) on 05-19-2003, 04:40 PM:

Paul,

Best of luck to you and Poopers!

Posted by Gracia L. Babbidge (Member # 582) on 05-19-2003, 04:47 PM:

Paul -

Best of luck to Poopers from me & the two kitties I live with!

...One of whom is a very lucky kitty, after wandering farther than normal, getting hit, being found, reported missing, and looked after by good people, and he's now safely home, and uninjured...

So there has to be some lucky pet karma floating around!

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 05-19-2003, 05:32 PM:

Paul -- Glad to hear it's nothing major and I hope Poopers is up and running around in no time!!

It was very sad to see my friend's old Golden Retriever get sick. I was about 13 at the time. We used to always run around and play until he got sick. Then he just seemed to not want to play too much, then not at all, then this 100lb dog who would eat cantaloupes with the rind still on refused to eat... He had come down with stomach cancer, and the next few decisions my friend had to make were the hardest of her life. [Frown]

People tell me I've never had a "real" pet, being allergic to anything with fur or feathers, but I had an iguana once. Cold blooded or warm blooded, it seems when you come to your pets with your problems, they always listen. [Smile]

=TMP=

Posted by Mathew Molloy (Member # 666) on 05-19-2003, 05:48 PM:

Paul, my prayers go out to you and Poopers. My little zoo at home has all their paws, feathers, fins and tails crossed.

Posted by Per Hauberg (Member # 529) on 05-19-2003, 06:28 PM:

[Smile]

Looking foreward to hear more good news.

Do remember to write down, both signs and steps of cure - Remember, Poopers is not the only one, taking occasional rides on a platter. Your notes might be usefull on a Kinoton stand someday.

Per

Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 05-19-2003, 06:38 PM:

Good luck poopers, hope you feel better! My babies are crossing their paws for you!

My kitty of almost 13 years never came home one night (outdoor cat) last week. We miss him terribly but hes had all of his 9 lives...put it this way, his nickname was tripod.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-19-2003, 11:00 PM:

Looks like you'll be using Poopers scooper for quite a few years to come [Smile]

Mark

Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 05-19-2003, 11:17 PM:

Paul,

I was very happy to learn Poopers will recover. The news had made my day! [Smile]

Rachel,

When Jerry was about nine years old, he was away for four days and we thought he was never going to come home again. When he did come home, he looked like he was involved in a couple of battles with other cats outside of the neighborhood but he quickly recovered . After that incident, we decided to keep Jerry in the house but when we had to let him go outside several times a day, he never strayed too far from the house for the rest of his life.

I hope Tripod comes home.

-Claude

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 05-20-2003, 12:41 AM:

Well, tomorrow (actually today) I should have definate word on how well it is going to be for Poopers. With all your thoughtful comments, I am sure he will be OK for the most part. There are some hurdles to overcome. Since his general physical health appears to be very good for his age, I have a good feeling that he will recover. [Smile]

Rach, I hope your little kittycat comes home. They are "wanderers," so don't give up hope. [Smile]

Gordon, Saturday he had one of those rauncy weenies that was on the weenie roller too long. One of the girls brought it up to him in the booth, and in two bites, it was gone! Popper's table manners do leave a lot to be desired. [Big Grin]

Posted by Per Hauberg (Member # 529) on 05-20-2003, 03:45 AM:

"The Weenie Dog Strikes Again"
Sensation of the Year - Sold out in no time !!
Enjoy it at Your local platter.

Posted by Daniel Fuentz (Member # 1684) on 05-20-2003, 04:10 AM:

Paul, I truly hope you hear good news today!

It's hell losing a pet you've had for so long. We had to put down a cat we had for 16 years when he had kidney failure, and I had to put down a 8-year old ferret that got badly ill. I loved those animals like they were my own children! I hope nobody here has to make the decision to put an animal to sleep. Even though I knew it was best for the cat and the ferret I still felt like [bs]

being the one to make that decision.

Still, those experiences haven't put me off pet ownership. I now have a 1-year old cat my uncle couldn't keep and we still have a cat we got when I was 6, who is doing remarkably well for her age! I hope you have your dog for many years to come!

Posted by William Leland III (Member # 1400) on 05-20-2003, 09:23 AM:

Paul, it sounds as if Poopers will pull threw [Smile]

. I have said a prayer for him and you.

Posted by John Spooner (Member # 1565) on 05-20-2003, 01:05 PM:

Dear Poopers.
We are delighted to hear of your progress, continue appraising us.
LADY, MAX, PIXIE.

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 05-20-2003, 03:43 PM:

Well, I was able to bring Poopers home today. He is still slightly disorentated and clumbsy, but the vet felt confident that bringing home would be in order. His blood work looked very good. His mouth, teeth, gums, nose, throat, eyes, ears, coat and skin, legs and paws, heart, lungs, abdomen, gastrointestinal and urogenital systems all appear normal.

For his age, he is a very strong dog. [Smile]

I have three types of medication I have to give him, and change his diet a little to include a little more red meat. No junk food. There has been a remarkable improvement over the last 24 hours. The vet thinks Poopers will have very close to a full recovery, although it will take an estimated 20 days for this to happen.

Right now, he is snoozing under my computer desk as I type this post. [Smile]

Again, I appreciate all the kind words and expressions of support for this little hound. With all the prayers that were wished and said, I know it made a difference in Poopers as well as myself.

My boss, Mr. David Fazende, has offered to take care of Poopers when Josh and I head out for Texas. I thought it would be best to keep Poopers here in the area, just in case there is a relapse where Poopers can be immediately taken to the vet.

Ladies and gentlemen, again, I say thank you. [Smile]

Posted by Thomas Procyk (Member # 1170) on 05-20-2003, 06:37 PM:

Paul -- It feels good reading your post with all those SMILEYS! [Smile]

GO POOPERS! [Big Grin]

=TMP=

Posted by Per Hauberg (Member # 529) on 05-20-2003, 08:03 PM:

Flag is up for Poopers.

And now, don't let us see You force that poor doggie to pull the platter around once more, just to save electricity.
(But more pics would be welcome)

Per

Posted by John Spooner (Member # 1565) on 05-21-2003, 11:44 AM:

Dear Poopers.
Delighted to read further of your recovery, continue to appraise us.
Max, Pixie, Lady.

Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 05-21-2003, 11:45 AM:

Glad to hear that Poopers is doing well! And, yes, we'd like to see some more pics when he's in better spirits. [Smile]

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 05-21-2003, 01:20 PM:

Scott, I think I can arrange that. [Smile]

Poopers is still a little tired, but at least he is eating well and drinking water without any problems. He seems to be walking much better today, although he still requires a little extra care.

Posted by Gordon Bachlund (Member # 124) on 05-21-2003, 04:56 PM:

Paul, Duke and I are pleased! Our best to Poopers for a fast recovery. [thumbsup]

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 05-22-2003, 01:48 PM:

Thought I would update again. Poopers has shown a little inprovement since yesterday. He even galloped a little today. It appears he can hold his balance a little better, but if he is walking in uneven ground or tall grass or turns too quickly he loses his balance and falls over.

He tries, but after a while, he looks at me and seems to say, "OK, daddy. I had enough for now. Carry me back."

On occassion when he walks, his rear end almost passes his face. Nothing like a dog walking like a horse shoe, sideways, at that! [Big Grin]

So far, every day seems to be an improvement. Last night, he finally ate something by himself. Up to that point, I had to place the food in my hand, and that is the only way he would eat.

Posted by Geoffrey Weiss (Member # 882) on 05-22-2003, 02:09 PM:

Best to Poopers and Paul from Sparky, Geoff & Kasi! (Sparky's the one with the white fur coat.)

Posted by Jim Spohn (Member # 1547) on 05-22-2003, 03:13 PM:

Paul... I'm glad to hear the good news, I've been following the posts. A gentleman that worked for me at one time had a dog that had the same problem as Poopers, that was three years ago his dog is doing well today, I hope the same for yours...Jim

Posted by Michael Harlow (Member # 1353) on 05-22-2003, 03:32 PM:

Paul, had to laugh at you post, i have a siamese cat called Jack who does that, he walks like Slinky in Toy Story.

Thumbs up for Poopers [Smile]

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 05-27-2003, 01:02 AM:

So far (as of today) I think there will be almost a complete recovery. On level surfaces, he walks just great, but in tall grass or uneven ground, he does have a little trouble.

Today, he was able to "water the lilies" while standing on three legs. He was not very proficient at that on Saturday without peeing all over himself or completely falling down. Now he at least misses his foot, for the most part. [Big Grin]

I have to keep him away from stairwells yet...he cannot handle them either going up or going down them.

Posted by Don Bruechert (Member # 1538) on 06-01-2003, 12:14 PM:

Paul, glad to hear Poopers is getting back to normal [Smile]

I did get a good laugh out of your last post tho. It's not funny, yet it still is - kind of, to think of seeing a dog try to pee and then fall over... Glad to hear he has things back under control again!

Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 06-01-2003, 04:36 PM:

Paul, I think you better take "Poopers" with you on the trip. He would be crying for your companionship. The other members on the trip can take turns walking him and keeping him company.

Posted by Rick Long (Member # 213) on 06-01-2003, 11:07 PM:

So glad to hear that Poopers is recovering nicely. I know how much these pets become a family memeber.

Best of luck, Paul.

Posted by Kris Brunton (Member # 432) on 06-03-2003, 10:14 AM:

Glad to hear Poopers is feeling better [thumbsup]

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 06-18-2003, 11:24 PM:

I am happy to report that Poops has made a complete recovery. He thanks all the well-wishers, and so do I. [Smile]

Posted by Rick Long (Member # 213) on 06-18-2003, 11:45 PM:

Glad to hear it, Paul.

Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 06-18-2003, 11:52 PM:

That's great news, Paul!

I'm sure he was on your mind in your travels to Brad's crummy place.

It was good to see you again.

>>> Phil

Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 06-19-2003, 10:22 AM:

Wonderful news! [thumbsup]

Posted by Jason Burroughs (Member # 68) on 06-19-2003, 02:10 PM:

Glad Poopers is feeling better.

Maybe that green shag capet also had something to do with it?

Posted by Jeff Stuckey (Member # 1718) on 06-20-2003, 01:02 PM:

I am happy to hear that Poopers is feeling better! My pug (Yahtzee) and I send a big pat on the head and scratch on the belly. [Smile]

Posted by Paul G. Thompson (Member # 655) on 06-20-2003, 07:35 PM:

Jeff, Poops just loves those "double whammies" and if you stop, he'll try to jump-start the scratching by touching your hand with his paw. [Smile]

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 06-21-2003, 04:22 PM:

Glad he is doing well give him some weenies as a reward

Posted by Gracia L. Babbidge (Member # 582) on 06-23-2003, 11:24 AM:

Kashmir & I are glad he's feeling better.

And Kashmir is glad that he's on the opposite coast, so he won't have be kitty lightning and run from Poopers. [Wink]