Old dog, is it dementia related

[utepoot]

My husband took the dogs to the vet today for their jabs, and a quick check over. I couldn't go because I had to work. Our Utonagan had nothing wrong, he's only five years old. Our collie, who is fifteen can't see, can't hear and is very stiff...apparently (according to what my husband said the vet said) can see fine, and has nothing wrong with her ears. I only got a bit of the story, since I wasn't there, but I find it mind boggling that the dog is clearly blind and deaf, but the vet says her eyes and ears are fine. And a mention of Dementia. The vet said something like it's her brain that isn't processing things correctly. But I don't see anything about that when I look up Dementia in dogs. Can anyone shed some light on this?

[wolf63]

Maybe it's your husband who is going senile?

At 14 my last dog was blind, deaf and creaky in his joints - and a bit confused. Dogs/cats do become senile. This is normal - they get confused.

Men don't listen so it is possible his version of the conversation is a bit odd.

[woofgang]

my guess would be that the vet means its neurological rather than to do with the individual organs..so no cataract and nothing blocking the ears. If this is the case then the vet is maybe gently saying that there is nothing that can be done to help with either her vision or her hearing. People who have strokes, either mini ones or a big one can have their vision or hearing affected in the same way, The actual organ is undamaged but the brain can no longer interpret what is seen and or heard.

[lankeela]

At fifteen she is entitled to be a bit deaf, blind and creaky, but as long as she is eating well, able to get herself out to go to the toilet and has a good quality of life then I wouldn't worry too much, dogs cope quite well particularly if these things have come on over a period of time. If however, any of these things are affecting her you need to seriously think about whether her quality of life is still good enough. She may well go on for another year or two, but unless those years are spent comfortably and in no distress or fear then you have to ask who are you keeping her going for - her or you? Most dogs let you know when they have 'had enough' and if the vet feels she is ok then you just need to make the most of your remaining time with her. I hope you have her for a while yet and you both enjoy your time together. Just remember though, when you have to make the decision its better a day too soon than a moment too late. xxxx

[utepoot]

Thank you all for your answers. She is actually doing pretty fine...she eats well, still comes on walks and evens runs around, can get herself out to the toilet too. Just can't hear or see too well!