Multiple problems in Malt
by Peggy Wallen
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Our wonderful "Star" is 9-1/2 yrs old. She has been a joy and a wonderful companion through many years with us. With only two laps to choose from, she sinks into blissful sleep several times a day. She has multiple problems, though, as she has epilepsy and has been on primidone(increased slightly to just over 1/4 pill per day. She still has the seizures, though, and just as one of the other readers wrote, comes to me and wants me to hold her. Her body will sometimes pull to one side and it is excrutiating to watch her struggle with it. This is going on her 3rd year with them. She has also had a kidney problem almost since we have had her and is only allowed to eat one kind of food and nothing else. She is on the dry Hills Prescription Diet k/d. I tried the wet k/d and she got diarrhea, and if I crush the dry k/d, her bowel movements change with that. If she even gets a small bite of something dropped on the floor, there will be blood in her urine the next morning. Lately, the vet has given her Orbax for the kidney infection and it is slower working than Clavamox, but seems to clear it up o.k. She has also been developing fatty tumors. The vet said we should just watch them. They are not real prominent, but I notice them. I could not believe the number of lickers in that other forum. Star does that too! I have learned a great deal about caring for this breed over the years. Because of the kidney problems, we certainly go through the pads and I couldn't make it without the "Little Green Clean Machine". I agree with so many things I have read on this site and there are many things I could tell you about our life together, but one thing is for sure, I will never own any other breed. They are truly the most loving, sensitive and satisfying companion to own. I don't think you can stress enough how sensitive and fragile they are. They are not for everyone and I just hope other breeders will be as cautious and careful. Thank you for your site!
DISCUSSION:
Hello, so sorry to hear about your wonderful little Star. It's so hard to face our little ones growing old. Their lives are way too short for us. You are doing a wonderful job in taking care of her and being so patient. I'm sure she appreciates the love and support you give her. I wish you all the best.
Charlynn
It is very difficult seeing our babies grow older expecially if they are having problems. My little Cotton is 14. Focus on the joy of every moment--every bark, every whisker on her nose, and every look of love.
Georgiann and Cotton
Peggy, you are doing a great job and I think you are an angel. It's wonderful that Star is getting the love she deserves. I found also that when my previous Malt, Chico (who passed at age 16) took special care as he got older. Of course he became more spoiled than ever. At age 15 he started having liver and kidney problems. He lost energy and just layed around. I carried him everywhere. I even had a big fluffy pillow on the couch for him to lay on. I cooked for him and hand fed him. I made sure the last year of his life was wonderful. I too, would have no other breed as you said. Yes, my Buster is a licker/kisser. Loves to give mommie and daddy kisses. Good luck with Star and please keep us posted.
Libby & Buster
Peggy, How wonderful for Star that she has someone so loving and patient to take care of her. Licks and wags to Star and keep up the good work.
Trish & Heidi
I am the proud owner of a 12-year old Maltese, Buddy. Buddy has multiple problems also. He has been epileptic all his life: currently he is on Phenobarbital and Primidone twice a day. He still has a seizure periodically: about once every 2 weeks. The severity is not nearly what they used to be on medication. He had bad teeth: just recently 6 had to be pulled. I've had to change him to a soft diet, and so a change in his bowel habits has occurred. I have also noticed that he has a problem with urinary function just in the past year. I had a papilloma removed from his back just recently: it took twice for it to heal. The vet says that when they age, sometimes they don't heal. It breaks my heart to see him aging, getting more feeble and sick, but I remind myself that he is happy getting all the affection and admiration that he gets from us. We absolutely dote on him. The epilepsy is controllable with good veterinary intervention: I am faithful with his medications and just pray that I can continue to keep the seizure activity under control. It was interesting to read about your baby. I agree with someone's earlier thoughts...appreciate every day with your white-haired friend! They truly are the most wonderful breed!
Becky
| Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advice. |
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