My Great Dane Hank

[Rabbit\Squirrel Killer]

As most here know, Hank is 12 years old. Yesterday afternoon he was frisky and running around like a puppy.


  But this morning, Hank had some kind of health episode that culminated in him looking confused and stumbling around with very weak back legs. Even falling over once. Since the event whatever it was, he walks very cautiously and slowly when he has to but is mostly just laying down. He hasn’t acted like he wants to eat since and gets occasional shivers.

  He did go up and down the stairs to the backyard once.
 
  It looks like his life may be drawing close to an end. 

 He has had a good life and been a great, smart, and obedient dog.

[avator]

Very sorry to hear Dan... the pain from Rambo's passing is still very fresh.

[Blowpipe Sam]

You know that twelve is a remarkable age for a Great Dane.  You done good Dan.  Sounds to me like he has had a long, happy, and healthy life.  You should be proud.

[dk1677]

Sorry to hear that Dan

[Airspace]

As a long time dog owner I have seen this is a couple of doge. What your describing sounds like a stroke. It can happen to dogs regardless of age, but is more likely in elderly dogs.
I feel for the pain your feeling. Every dog I've had has been a member of the family.

[Rabbit\Squirrel Killer]

  I agree that it seems like he had a stroke. Hank is moving a little better this morning from what I have seen so far.
  With his old age and we have decided not to take him to a VET and spend a bunch of money but let nature take it's course, while we do what we can for him at home.

  One weird thing though is he was outside in his kennel bed and content to stay there when I got up at 5:30. Normally he just wants to be in the house to sleep. After asking him to come in the house several times he finally did come in and go to his bed though. He appeared more stable and walked better but did take extra time to lay down.

  I had put a portion of food in his dish yesterday and it's empty now so, Hank did eat at least a little before my wife let him out earlier. maybe he will recover this time?

[Madd Hatter]

My wife and I have a rule, as long as our dogs are eating we keep them going. When our dogs stop eating it's time 😭.  I'm 🙏 he makes enough of a recovery that you can get more time with your boy.

[anti-squirrel]

Dan- I very much can relate.  Hopefully he keeps eating and gets back on his feet.  He's doing really good to see 12 years as a Big Dawg, and hopefully he can get a few more before he decides on his time.

Our dog Butters (Pug-Boston mix) had a similar episode a couple weeks ago.  Frisky, playful and energetic Saturday, Sunday he couldn't walk without stumbling and falling over.  Head cocked, eyes with rapid twitching.  He had a stroke.  He was nearly 16 and led an amazing life.  But with that stroke, he quit eating, as if to say, "I'm done here.  Y'all have a happy life and keep me in your memories, but I'm tired and wanna go join all my former pack-mates".  The following Friday he went and joined his pack.  Our adopted cat Tillamook is still a wreck; she bonded with Butters and it is very obvious she misses him.


Everybody who responds to these threads knows the type of pain, but we'd all do it all over again a thousand times over just because our 4-legged friends make such good companions.

[avator]

My wife and I have a rule, as long as our dogs are eating we keep them going. When our dogs stop eating it's time 😭.  I'm 🙏 he makes enough of a recovery that you can get more time with your boy.

That's exactly what the vet told me about Rambo so that's what we did until he didn't.

[Madd Hatter]

That's how it goes. They eat until they just don't have a Appetite.

[Sqrl Klr]

Dan in my Mastiff's case he had seizures that took him down. He went down quick too. Hope he gets better man.

[Rabbit\Squirrel Killer]

Update: Today he seems better at walking, he is walking slow and deliberate though. He is just laying around most of the day but I got him to take 3 walks around the 5 acres and he did OK. Now, normally he would run or trot ahead and he is only doing a slow walk though. Yesterday his head was hanging low and now he is lifting it to an almost normal posture.

  So far as eating goes, we are giving him canned chicken which he is eating along with a little bit of dog food.

  He is definitely not his old rambunctious self but is doing what I ask of him when I take him outside the yard for exercise.

  Still, he acts like he doesn't feel good, but is better than he was.

[Dozer]

Love on that big boy every chance you get.
Get on the floor with him if you have to.
Don't overdo it on the long walks and give him some warm food every meal.
I rue the day already that I'll have to live without my #1.
My Brutus is 12 as well.

[Sqrl Klr]

Hang in there Hank!

[Rabbit\Squirrel Killer]

Hank is doing a lot better today, he is walking belter, with his head up too and even trotted around a little.    

[avator]

That's good to hear.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Hang in there Hank!!!

[Sqrl Klr]

Dan good to hear. How's big boy today? Hope you're doing better too.

[Rabbit\Squirrel Killer]

Dan good to hear. How's big boy today? Hope you're doing better too.

  He seems to be almost back to normal for now.

[Sqrl Klr]

Great Dane indeed! War Hank! My mastiff had numerous events like that. Didn't last as long as Hank. Got 11yrs out of him. I did get 12yrs out of my Newfoundland though. I look forward to seeing them both again when I get to my eternal home.