Saturday our Moxie couldn't walk without falling over. Thank goodness our new vet was able to get us right in and he within seconds he'd diagnosed the problem. We thought what was happening had come on quickly, but in retrospect we knew he'd been in slow decline. As it turned out, he had vestibular disease, which frequently happens in old dogs.
It was very apparent the room was swimming for the poor boy and he walked around in circles, a very sad sight to see. The vet gave him antibiotics for any infection and a motion sickness pills to help with dizziness. Our main goal for the weekend was to keep him hydrated, which was a challenge, as the the last thing he wanted was anything to eat or drink. When Smith took him out for walks he noticed Mox was eating snow and he realized snow might be a good way to get a little water into him. We filled a bowl with fluffy powdery snow and then watch him wolf it right down. There must have been something about the cold fluff that comforted him, as whenever we brought a bowl in he'd eat it right down.
Monday he still had a dazed and confused look on his face and we could tell he was still having spells of vertigo. Tuesday afternoon he seemed to be eating, drinking and bouncing around when excited. Although he is still a little unstable, Moxie is much, much better today. This situation may be his new normal, but since he'll be 15 in March, every day he's with us is a gift.
I love that little dog and I'm so glad he's feeling better.
Posted by: Carole | January 03, 2013 at 05:07 AM
Aw, Moxie boy. The same thing happened to Duke in the year before his death. Thankfully, the meds resolved the issue ... I will hope the same holds true for you!
Posted by: Ruth | January 03, 2013 at 05:27 AM
I Love the good news! Moxie is a trooper! I'm thankful you have a good Vet..Happy New Year and many smooches to Moxie!
Posted by: Dianne | January 03, 2013 at 05:41 AM
I adore that last pic of your little old man. So adorable. Keep on keeping on little man!! Oh, and that dizziness thing? I have it from time to time, too;-P
Posted by: CindyCindy | January 03, 2013 at 05:42 AM
So glad to hear he's bouncing again! (Just remind him . . . no yellow snow!) XOXO
Posted by: Kym | January 03, 2013 at 06:02 AM
So glad Moxie's feeling better and you know why he was acting strangely. Poor love. My dogs adore snow and crunching on ice.
Posted by: Manise | January 03, 2013 at 06:14 AM
So glad he is feeling better! I used to have a a schnauzer and the same thing happened to her when she was 14. Moxie is a very cute dog!
Posted by: Debbie | January 03, 2013 at 06:30 AM
Poor pup. I'm glad he got some relief.
Posted by: Maryse | January 03, 2013 at 06:36 AM
Aw, he is so cute! Hope he feels better.
Posted by: Lynn | January 03, 2013 at 07:00 AM
So happy to hear that Moxie's bouncing back!
Posted by: Vicki | January 03, 2013 at 07:19 AM
so glad that the Moxter is on the mend - every day is a blessing indeed
Posted by: Monica | January 03, 2013 at 07:27 AM
Poor sweet baby. Thank goodness he's doing better.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | January 03, 2013 at 07:46 AM
Glad he's doing better!
Posted by: Sarah H | January 03, 2013 at 08:03 AM
What a little sweetie--I'm so glad the vet was able to help and so glad he has such astute parents who thought to give him snow for hydration. It's hard when a beloved pet is ill, especially since they can't tell you "where it hurts".
Posted by: Jo | January 03, 2013 at 09:26 AM
Vertigo isn't fun; and it's scary. Ask me how I know.
Posted by: susan | January 03, 2013 at 11:42 AM
Wonderful idea about the snow! I just love all the old dogs I meet in the dog park! It so wonderful to see them with their wise eyes and gentle gait. Moxie is looking very handsome in his old age and I wish him a complete recovery and lots more snow to eat!
Posted by: Trista | January 03, 2013 at 11:58 AM
I'm so glad he's feeling better!! I'll confess, when I glanced at the bowl of snow before reading, I thought he had a bowl of bubbles!
Posted by: Beverly | January 03, 2013 at 12:28 PM
Glad Moxie is feeling better. He is adorable.
Posted by: Suzanne | January 03, 2013 at 04:15 PM
I hope he continues to feel better! he is very cute!
Posted by: tayloe | January 03, 2013 at 04:42 PM
So smart, you two!! Whatever it takes to get in what the patient needs. Of course a happy Utah (or is it Ewe-tah) boy would love eating snow!!! LOL! Understand about the precious time. Love to all of you.
Posted by: Susan Voegtly - aka CintiSue | January 03, 2013 at 05:29 PM
Oh he is so cute! So happy Moxie is on the mend!
Posted by: Patty | January 03, 2013 at 07:23 PM
*hugs* How stressful! I'm so glad he's doing better.
Posted by: Chris | January 03, 2013 at 07:44 PM
Hope Moxie continues to improve. Poor little baby.
Posted by: Mary | January 03, 2013 at 09:50 PM
Poor little Moxie! Good for you (& Smith) for noticing something was changed. Not everyone is so keyed on to how their pets are feeling. I hope things continue to improve and that you (& Smith) are feeding Moxie snow for a long time to come.
Posted by: Cookie | January 03, 2013 at 11:29 PM
Poor guy. I do hope that he is feeling much better. He's very cute.
Posted by: mrspao | January 04, 2013 at 02:02 AM