Dogs are "people" too...

[Juana Cookie]

I wasn't sure what to name this thread, but I thought it was worthwhile information, so I went for an attention grabber! *LOL*

Recently, my best (human) friend, had been having a problem with her 13-year old Basset Hound. She and I were talking on the phone, and she was afraid that maybe she would have to have her "put down". As she described what the old girl's symptoms were (constant thirst, having to urinate frequently, lethargic), I blurted out..."I know this sounds strange, but have you had her tested for DIABETES?"

She called her vet the next morning, and set up an appointment for blood work, and sure enough, the dog was diabetic. A couple of days after she started on insulin injections, the she was back to her old self again.

The point I'm trying to get to is, as animals age, their bodies go through some of the same types of changes OUR bodies go through, too. Although it's not really common, dogs (and yes, Alex, cats too) CAN develope diseases sometimes associated with advanced age, such as diabetes. And vets don't always think to test for these things, unless you ask.

[Mark]

Very good points, Jo, very good. Yes, indeed they can. Our furry friends can be diabetic, they can have cancers, leukemia, all sorts of 'human' ailments. You made an excellent diagnosis. You could be a 'dog whisperer' - I think you're very intuitive.

[Dabbit]

Myown cat Bea had diabetes Jo so I realised then that they do and often have 'human' conditions. A friend recently had to have her own dog of ten years put to sleep due to liver problems - it made me appreciate my own little fudge a bit more after all she is coming up for 5...

[Mark]

Oh, yeah, Charley just passed 5. I watch him very closely - he's very dear to me.

[Juana Cookie]

Seems a lot of us are "parents" of five year olds! My Beau will be turning 6 on the 1st of February!

On a sad note...Lady, the basset hound that inspired this thread, had to be put to sleep this past Tuesday...due to cancerous tumors in her tummy.

[Mark]

Sorry about Lady. I'll bet she was a nice old dog.

[Dabbit]

I hate it when animals have to be put down - I know when my Bea did this year although I was very brave in secret I did shed a tear. My fudge is ALWAYS happy to see me (for some reason) and will give me a big welcome when I come home. Whereas the other half simply says "when you going out again?" -lol

[Juana Cookie]

I do so love Mrs. Dave! When Hubby calls to tell me he's on his way home from work, I tell him "no!" *LOL*

[Dabbit]

I think you and Mrs Dave would get on well Jo...