Winter cold

It's a difficult time at the moment with Sonny, over the last couple of weeks he has deteriorated and become more immobile.  He has also been shivering quite a lot which can be a sign of pain.  After seeking advice from the hydrotherapy centre I phoned the vet who agreed it was time to give him some additional pain relief, Tramadol. It has helped a bit but I notice him having spasms in his front paws when he lies down.   These fluctuations in his condition are a daily part of our lives now.

Yesterday at the hydroptherapy session they noticed him being less able to place his rear legs even in deeper water which is supposed to give him additional support.  She said it might soon be time for someone to get in with him to keep him stable or he won't be able to do it any more.  Would he cope with it?

Yesterday he allowed her to put her hand on his side for the first time and looked up at her.  This is the first time in 6 months he has allowed this and she was almost in tears.  He is so fearful and takes so long to trust, it was a big moment.  I wonder how much longer he can go on, even how much longer I can as it is all so emotionally draining watching your dog go downhill slowly and silently without any complaint, without so much as a whine.  He is a very stoic boy and I love him so much, it is almost unbearable but I know that I must stay strong for him.