[Wren]

Hi everyone! I posted here not too long ago about my Jack Russell pup who had a bad reaction to being put under general anesthesia. For a while we were not even sure he would make it. He seems to be doing some better now though thank goodness!

I come back to you guys for a little advice. When I was told Trexon was blind you all supplied wonderful links and advise of things to do to help him adjust. Since then I have been told he is deaf and has no sense of smell. I am not sure if I really believe this...since at times he seems to hear me just fine, other times not at all. It is the same thing with his food. Sometimes he seems to smell...and other no so much.

But anyway, I was curious if there are things I can do...any tricks or tips for helping him navigate and learn since he is without pretty much all of his senses now. He has learned the house some...he can find his food and water on his own, and does not bump into things as much but he still has problems.

Just looking for a little advice, and maybe someone who has had something like this in the past. Thanks!

[CorkyMax]

That poor puppy has sure been through a lot in his young life. I am still in the process of finding info but here is a link you might want to read: DDEAF FAQ's
Near the bottom of page (above link) is a paragraph titled: Do I Need A Vibrating Collar that is something that I don't like the sounds of and has a lot of bad points. But in your situation--If your dog has not many senses left--The one good thing about this might outweigh the bad but still being a small breed and just a puppy I think the weight of the collar would be a big burden on him for sure at this time. And if you waited to use it--by the time he is full-grown maybe he will have learned to compensate.

One thing --Your puppy must be a little fighter to have survived what he has so far!

Will be back with more info as I find it--so check back on this post later too.

The first 2 paragraphs of this link of course -do not apply to your dog but the rest can be helpful: Why the Deaf Dog Barks

This link is only about a dog that is blind and deaf but some things there that might be good for you to read: Living with a deaf (and blind) dog: Keller's amazing story

[COLOR="DarkRed"]I could not find any info on a dog that has all 3 things gone--hearing, sight, and smell. I am no expert but from what I have read in my searching that the only way your puppy is going to react to anything is through vibrations. To me this means you are going to have to be a very educated (in this only sense your dog appears to have) loving, patient, strong, and committed person to be able to 'handle' all this and make things work. On top of this can this (apparently little fighter that he is) little guy handle this too? If after a certain amount of time-time for your puppy to try and adjust --If you can see he is 'suffering', not able to cope, is unhappy with life---I hate to say this as I just had to put my Corky down, but if it comes to doing what is best for the dog--Don't let him suffer in silence--Do what you feel in your heart may be better for the dog.

I would first make sure if all these senses are completely gone--as you indicated --You think there is sometimes evidence that they aren't! And is it a fact now that he will not regain any of these in time--- I would talk in depth to your vet on any possibilities there (tests?). -- maybe get references to a vet specialist in these matters. And maybe you need to see another more competent vet anyhow---Sorry but I think your vet 'screwed up' in the 1st place by causing the problems your puppy now has and I would not have much faith in this guy's abilities if it were me! Can you get info from your vet--resources he can recommend for much needed help on this situation?

I would gather (write it down--take notes) as much info as I could and confront your (or other vet) vet with things--Be informed and knowledgeable as you can so you have the right things to discuss with the vet.

I hope I have helped some and sorry that it is 'bittersweet' in content. Please keep us updated on your baby--We care and worry if we never hear back and usually assume the worst if not heard from again. I am still battling with my loss of Corky so I am overly sensitive right now.COLOR]

[cigwyllt]

Poor little Texxon - I was wondering how he was getting on. I have no experience or knowledge of deaf blind dogs but I hope you find some answers soon.

[Yogi]

I think it is important to first note, this is just a puppy who has yet to even develop ie: mature. There is a good chance that this pup will overcome disabilities if not regain its sight and hearing if in fact they are actually totally gone. As for the sense of smell, I am hard pressed to believe the dog has lost this. For the time being best to let the pup learn at his own pace and acclimate himself. Given time you might be surprised at his ability to adjust and likely you will see improvement in his sight and hearing. Being a puppy, they live in their own world so not responding every time you call them does not surprise me.
Good luck.

[Wren]

Thanks everyone!

Corky/Max - Exactly what you are talking about it what I have been so worried about. How much quality of life is Trexon going to have? Will he be able to be happy? Can he interact with things around him, play, and live a good life? Also, will *I* be able to give him all the care and attention he needs? I have 3 kids (9,5,and 4) I work full time, and have a house to run. I worry that I may not have the resources (time, energy and yes money) to care for a special needs dog.

Right now he seems to be getting better a little at a time. A week ago he was almost a "zombie" not moving at all, having to hold food directly under his nose for him to eat. Now he finds his own bowls and eats and drinks on his own. He walks around the house, and interacts with the family. Because I am seeing these, what I like to think are, improvements I am going to give him more time in hopes that he will at least get one of his senses back. I know that deaf or blind he can function very well, so I hope that because of his age perhaps some of the damage will repair itself.

As for another vet..I already have an appt to take him to someone else. While I believe this Dr. did everything he could to help Trexon after the fact...I feel that he is still responsible for putting us in this situation in the first place.

Thank you all very much for all your advice and I will be sure to keep posting updates as I get them.

[Todd]

The dog should probably still be able to navagate by drawing a mental picture of where things are. Just like what was suggested last time don't move things around. I am so sorry to hear this...

[CorkyMax]

So glad you are not giving up on the little guy yet and that you are seeing another vet. This brave little boy deserves some time to see what may improve. It sounds like he is already adapting to his present situation really well. Another thing to consider--in the future if things are not going to change----Sounds like you have your hands full but if you had another dog--'motherly hen type' so to speak that Trexon could bond with and follow her/his direction--that might be a big help too. An alpha dog that would take Trexon under it's protection, etc. (A seeing eye dog for a blind dog so to speak). When do you see the new vet? Hope he can give you some good news! Good luck!

[CorkyMax]

Just read your last post --in a different thread that you did to Cheryl. Am glad he is getting along so well. About the 'potty' problem--Wonder if you try training him all over again from the beginning and taking him out frequently to catch him before he really has to go. I know this could be a lack of control for him due to what happened to him but maybe not and he just needs to learn all over again--things have changed so much for him that he needs to relearn?---one can hope!--and he isn't very old to be able to control it yet that well either. (I forgot exactly how old he is but thinking he is still on the tender age for 'potty control').

Did you see the new vet yet? Very curious as to his take on it all.

[cherylmartin]

Wren,

Keep us informed of your little one's next visit.

Thanks

[Wren]

I had not been able to take him to the new vet yet. I have been out of town for about a week and am just getting back and settled in again.

As I said earlier, Trexon is doing really well. The only problem is the potty issue, which is really only a small issue relatively.

I am going to try to totally start over with training and hopefully that will help. Is was born on Valentine’s Day of this year so he is still pretty young, and maybe relearn everything.

As far as rx's are concerned...I am not sure if there is anything they would be able to give him since isn’t not just urine. But I certain keep in mind to never give ProIn. Thanks for the heads up!

Again thank you all for everything. As soon as Trex see's the new vet I will give you all an update!

[cherylmartin]

Thanks Wren for the update.