| Ask The Vet -
Q&A |
Question
My Cross breed dog is nearly 15 years old and keeps walking
around the edges of rooms and sitting as far pushed into corners
as she can. Also when there is a loud noise she runs outside. I
gather this is to do with loss of hearing. Medically what can we
do to help?
Ann Hotchkiss - Perth, Scotland
|
Answering questions:
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS from
Vet
Help Direct |
| Answer |
Hi
Ann,
The behaviour you are describing does not sound normal, even for
a dog that is hard of hearing. Just like humans, older dogs can
develop problems with senile behaviour. There are also a number
of other conditions, both medical and psychological, that can cause
changes in behaviour.
It
is well worth taking your dog to the vets; let them know about the
strange behaviour that you have described here. It may be worth
keeping a diary of any abnormal behaviour. Take this with you to
the surgery so that the vet can get an idea of the type and severity
of the problem. Your vet will examine your dog to check that all
her reflexes are working normally. They will assess her vision and
ensure that there are no other signs of health problems. It may
help if you also collect a urine sample from your dog and take it
with you to the surgery.
Depending
on what your vet finds on examination they may wish to take a blood
sample. There are other tests that may be indicated that can be
worthwhile. The decision of whether to go ahead with these tests
will be a joint decision making process between you and your vet.
If
senile behaviour does seem to be the main problem there are a variety
of medical treatments. It may be a process of trial and error to
find the best treatment for your dog. Response to treatment can
be variable; whilst some dogs don’t seem to improve at all
others can respond brilliantly.
Good
luck with this.
Kind regards,
Susie Samuel MA VetMB MRCVS www.vethelpdirect.com |
| ©
D for Dog www.dfordog.com |
| |
Only
one question per week will be answered. Unanswered questions will
be retained and may be selected at a later date at the vet's discretion.
Disclaimer:
'Ask The Vet' is not intended to be used for as a substitute for
visiting your vet. If your dog is showing any sign of poor health
or discomfort please contact your own veterinary surgeon. If you
are not sure how urgent the condition is use www.vethelpdirect.com
to help you decide. Any opinions given in the answers to these questions
are Ms Samuel's, they may not necessarily reflect the views of the
veterinary profession in general or any other individual veterinary
surgeon. |
| |
Aloe
Veterinary Formula |
|
Trimline
Recovery Collar |
|
Tick
Twister O'Tom Tick Removal Hook |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
