Senility?

[sherrylynne]

Thanks for understanding Greyghost. We've been in the position with him a few times now, of forcing fluids and food. Not going there anymore with the poor old guy. I just figure he deserves better than that, as well as a chance to pass with some dignity intact.

[GreyGhost]

Every Vet tech in the world would thank you right now and understand. You are so right. They all deserve to live happy and with dignity till the end.

[Bonkers]

 I read an interesting article the other day concerning natural treatments for senility, which is also commonly referred to as Cognitive Dysfunction.

 In this article it suggests that supplementation with antioxidents and essential fatty acids may help in keeping the mind working at its best. It specifically recommends the best EFA to use for this condition is cod liver oil.

 

[sherrylynne]

Cod liver oil? That's interesting! He gets salmon oil on a regular basis, would that be similar in the properties?
Right now, we're looking at a different Bach's flower remedy as well, since the rescue remedy doesn't seem to be working for him anymore. He started to refuse food if that was in it, so I'm giving him a dab on the nose, as well as rubbing some in his ear. I've sent off an email to Bach's, to see if they have any recommendations for me.

[Bonkers]

 Dr. Jean Hovfe routinely writes articles for onlynaturalpet.com. This is where I found the information. In the article she states;


Cognitive Dysfunction (senility)

"Both dogs and cats can develop cognitive (learning and memory) problems as they get older, which are increasingly recognized as a form of dementia or even Alzheimer’s. Antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids (cod liver oil is best for this condition) are valuable in keeping your dog’s brain functioning at its best."


I am not sure as to what the difference would be between salmon oil and cod liver oil, but obviously there must be one, at least when it concerns the benefits of it's use for this condition.

[sherrylynne]

Thanks, Bonkers! It's worth a shot, anyway. I'll pick some up today!
I've also bookmarked the discussion page there, to go through it later!

[Bonkers]

sherrylynne,

How is Mr. Stubbs doing?

[sherrylynne]

I've been putting a capsule of the cod liver oil in his food every other day, and unfortunately, his senility is only getting worse. He's started spraying in the house the odd time(I think I've caught him every time, as he only does it in front of me), and as soon as I say his name loudly, he stops.
Physically- he's still fine. His attacks on Watson are growing frequent enough that we have to basically keep them separated whenever possible. When we go to work, Watson is shut in the bedroom with Herne for company, while Ligiea and Stubbs wander about(he backs down from Ligiea). When the ferrets are out, Stubbs and Ligiea are shut into the office, as that room isn't ferret- proofed.
Stubbs and Ligiea still get outside every day with us in the yard, and will continue to do so as long as the weather holds. It's the only time he's ever truly happy, after all.
I'm not going to be surprised if he starts to go downhill once it's too cold for him to go out at all.
So- basically we're keeping on keeping on!

[Bonkers]

 Just curious, but did the spraying happen to start after you started giving him the cod liver oil?

[sherrylynne]

It just started last week. I really hope it doesn't continue. So yes, after he was started on it. Why? What would be the link with that?

[Bonkers]

 Refrain from giving him the cod liver oil for a few days and see if there is any change. Possibly for some reason he may be sensitive to it or to something that is added to the oil.

 Are the capsules you are using specifically for use in cats or dogs??

 

[sherrylynne]

I just picked them up at the pharmacy, so they'd be human grade. Yeah, I'll leave off with them for a few days, and just give his salmon oil again. I stopped using that one for him when I started the CLO.