On the Decline

Jake, our oldest dog (about14 years old) has declining health lately. They all went to the vet this week and we learned that he has heartworms, and has had them for sometime. Paul has had Jake sent shortly after we started dating, so this is very sad for us!

We have been misinformed - we had always been told (and Paul has an animal science degree and worked with a vet) that dogs get heartworms from drinking water that has mosquito larvae in it. He was not on heartworm pills, but we were very adament about them getting clean water daily (he is an outdoor dog). We found out Monday that dogs get heartworms when a mosquito that has bit and infected animal then bites an uninfected animal.

They do not recommend treating him because of his age. The treatment itself could kill him and frankly, he probably does not have much time left anyway. The vet said he could, however, outlive us all WITH the heartworms - there is just no way to know.

Realistically, we knew he was not doing well, he can't hear, he can't see and he basically just sleeps all the time. The heat REALLY gets to him now (which - in Louisiana could be a problem). We did not expect great news from the vet, just did not expect heartworms either!

We took Jake and Trip to the groomers yesterday. They shaved Jake. He is so much cooler now and really enjoying it much more. It could also help that he has been in the house since he got home. Bella figured out this weekend while we were gone how to get out of the kennel. Luckily, she won't go far from Jake - so when we got home she was asleep next to him (with a fence between them). Since she dug the hole and figured it out, she won't stay in the kennel. So, she too has been in the house. They are much happier and VERY well behaved! The boys are enjoying the excuse that they need to be walked for a reason to go outside.

This morning, though, Jake decided to try to climb the stairs. We think about half way up he changed his mind and tried to turn around. Paul turned around just in time to see Jake falling down half the stairs (head over bottom tumble). He hurt himself. He is walking, but limping pretty bad. There is nothing swollen or obvious, we think he sprained something or tore a muscle. He limps worse after he lays on the hard floor, so we went and got him a cushiony bed and he is basically staying on the bed all the time.

Heartworms or not, unfortunately I will be surprised if he makes it through the summer. :(