IBD - inflammatory bowel disease

[Wylie's Mom]

Re: IBD - inflammatory bowel disease

I know every dog is different, but when I started to give Wylie Melatonin for his Atypical Cushing's, it didn't seem to have any calming affect on him (but then again, he's pretty mellow anyway). I would think that giving a little prednisone would be more affective.

If Wylie were like that, I would consider trying a pet sitter in the short term; but for long term (in preparation for future events like this), I would try the separation anxiety exercises that I've seen on the TV show "It's Me or the Dog" on Animal Planet channel. I don't recall exactly, but generally, you would slowly get your dog used to you leaving. You act like you are leaving, but you only leave for a short period of time - you keep doing this till they don't think it's a big deal...they know you'll be back soon...and then you would gradually leave for longer periods of time. I would do this exercise in the evenings (the time when you have the issue). If you have a video camera, that would be better for monitoring how he's doing while you're away. This would take some time & dedication (we know you have the dedication) to do this, but I think it would be better in the long run. I think he can handle a break in the routine if he can deal with it a little at a time.

-Susy

[bkdice]

Re: IBD - inflammatory bowel disease

Thanks you guys. I'll check with the vet.

Niko has never had any seperation anxiety. He's never had issues being left for short periods. However, at his mature age with all his ailments, he's become so dependant on me. He grew up at my parent's house, but if I leave him there too late in the evening now, he gets stressed.

I've already committed to not spending another night away from him as long as he lives. I can live with that as I know his time left is likely not long. It's just hard to not be able to go out for a few hours. My life is consumed by him - but it's a labor of love. He is my heart dog.

I do have a friend that can watch him for a few hours, though I'm not sure I want to do that either. With his cancer, cushings, GI issues, and other old age related challenges, he's a LOT of work and I'm not sure how relaxed I'll be entrusting his care to anyone else. (control freak, i know!!!)

If I can get him safely calm, he'd be OK at my parent's w/ other animals while we are all out for 2-3 hours. The melatonin made him real sleepy when he took it before. I take it sometimes to help me sleep and it's pretty effective!

I'll check with the doc today and decide.

Thanks again!!!

[Wylie's Mom]

Re: IBD - inflammatory bowel disease

...I know his time left is likely not long... My life is consumed by him - but it's a labor of love...he's a LOT of work and I'm not sure how relaxed I'll be entrusting his care to anyone else. (control freak, i know!!!)

I feel the same way with Wylie!!!!! But, since I'm a single puppy mom; Wylie is used me being gone for a couple hours in the evening every once in a while.

-Susy

Just last week, I was in the car with my parents on the way to my sister’s house, and my father said, “We were going to ask you to go to Ohio with us for your cousin’s wedding…” and then my mom said, “But we knew you wouldn’t go because of Wylie”. I have turned down so many trips with the folks in the past…Canadian Rockies, Alaskan cruise…and this was before Wylie was diagnosed with Cushing’s. I’ve turned down several other invitations and if I do got out with my friends, I don’t stay out for too long – I’m sure he’s fine, but, I think he might bored or lonely and I just simply miss the heck out of him!!