Post by Lisa on Jun 15, 2005 10:06:00 GMT -5
In February 2005 I received a call from family who wanted rid of their ten year old hound. He had been with them for four years but for the last nine months had been chewing and urinating and defecating in the house! However, they hadnt sort medical treatment. So was there attitude that we pulled him that night and he moved to White Lodge Longdogs to be boarded for a couple of nights until he could make his way to myself.
Whilst there we got him immediate medical attention with Con, White Lodge's vet but who we also use when our dogs are in their care. Duke was immediatly castrated and it was found he had testicular cancer, and enlarged prostrate gland aswell as the majority of his teeth rotting away. Obviously the cancer and the enlarged prostrate was what was causing him to be dirty in the house and the chewing was threw pain caused by his teeth which were also removed. The poor boy had to have a dental twice within six weeks to get on top of the problems it was so bad.
Two days later he moved to myself for fostering until homing, for a senior dog he had copious amounts of energy and major trouble settling and would continuosly pace and bark, pace and bark, obviously learnt behaviour from the pain he was suffering in his previous home. He was placed on Wendals calming herbs to try and settle him whilst we worked to correct his habits.
Duke is a lovely, very big old boy, but is very demanding, he cant be left as he barks continuosly until you return. He isnt gaining weight although we have had extensive checks to try and find the route cause of the problem and remains aroun 7kg under what he should be. His health still isnt fabulous and he seems to have a weakness in his throat also that means he gets out of breath quickly and can be quite weezy. Due to the nature of all this it was decided he would stay here with myself to end his remaining days, the poor lad had been messed about too much already in his life.
Duke remains healthy now, is incredibly grumpy (in an old man way) and continuosly annoys the other dogs by throwing his weight around but we love him and they ignore him so we are getting on just fine! I dont leave the house much anyway and when I do he comes along with me.
He is hard work but totally adored and I cant imagine my life now without him. Aggghh yes I can I may have one ;D
Senior hounds have so much to offer and are cheeky and comical in their own right. Most require very little other than a warm bed, nice food and gentle excercise! Senior hounds like Duke are far and few between thank goodness or I think I would have collapsed into a tired heap.
Growing old disgracefully
Doing what he does best making a noise with the others
A rare moment of peace ;D
Eating cake at Dizzy's Birthday BBQ