If you are hoping for an update on using the sleep tracker app on the dog, you're in luck. I tested the app by putting it in Freckles' bed. (See previous blog.) She slept the whole night through, so I couldn't test the awake/sleep part. No surprise--her results were the same as mine. I still don't know if dogs have REM sleep but I do know that the dog and I "measure" the same on a free app. Not sure if that's good or bad. Next, I will put my phone (and thus the phone app) by the wife and see what happens. She's always awake in the middle of the night, so she makes it easy to test. To ensure the data is not corrupted or skewed, I will not be telling her about the experiment.
I lead a VERY exciting life, as you can tell.
My pupils are dilated right now, so typos are not my fault. Nothing says "good time on vacation" like going to the eye doctor to get your pupils dilated. Ate the ice cream (technically, custard), got off the couch, drove to the mall, picked out some new glasses. Since the glasses cost what I would have spent on an actual vacation, it made taking a stay-cation feel that much more festive. Do not focus on the bags. Focus on the giant pupils. I shall now hypnotize you. You are getting sleeeeeepy.....
You might be wondering why we are home during my vacation? We're taking care of the dogs, putting eye drops in four times a day, carrying Freckles out the door when she is ready to do her duty, placing gates in strategic places so she doesn't do another tumbleweed imitation, staring at Lucy to make sure she's okay (of which she most certainly seems to be). Someday, we will one again vacation on tropical islands but that will have to wait.
While the wife was in the Cheddarlands for the Packer game last weekend, I was at home wondering what the hell was wrong with Freckles: she was wandering around in circles, tipping her head to the side, walking into things. She looked lost or drunk. I thought she might be trying to figure out the lay of the land but the noticed she made smaller circles when in the middle of the room. She was in slow-but-constant motion, wandering around even in the wee hours of the night. After 24 hours of this, I took a close gander and noticed a very bizarre thing--her eyes were doing this weird pendulum motion, quickly going back and forth, back and forth. Further observation noted her head was also moving in the direction of her eyes but in a much slower, less noticeable motion.
So, what did I do?
I took a video and sent it to MJagger. I only go to the most reliable sources: friends.She thought Freckles' eye movements were probably normal for a blind dog, noting that blind people sometimes have the same problem. I wasn't satisfied with this answer; besides, Freckles wouldn't wear the sunglasses I kept trying to put on her face (who the hell wants to look at a blind dog's eyes going back and forth? Very disconcerting.). I didn't think anything was horrible amiss--I was more intrigued than worried.
So, what did I do?
I googled "eye movements in dogs." Oh, the answers I did find!
There are some things in life you should not miss. Here is the visual evidence (pun intended). If you get this blog via email, you may have to go to the actual website to see the video.)
I knew Freckles wasn't in crisis, wasn't having a stroke, wasn't having a seizure. I was confident she wasn't having a brain tumor issue. I didn't take her to the vet. I didn't even call the vent because I was so sure of the correct diagnosis made via the internet....my "research" led to the conclusion that she has a case of nystagumus.....the "involuntary and rhythmic oscillation of the eyeballs."
No wonder she was walking around in circles--she was dizzy. Tell tale signs of the issue include tilting of head and walking in circles.
Nystagumus is mighty common in older dogs, shows up unannounced and goes away whenever it is damn ready to hit the road. As the Addiverse always aims to educate it's readers, know that Freckles' diagnosis is officially known as "Old Dog" vestibular Disease. There are different kinds of issues that might be tied to this weirdness but what she seems to have is idiopathic and only needs time, love and patience.....
So, she's old and dizzy. Not much different than the majority of my friends. (I couldn't resist.) Best news? She's already on the mend. After three days of this nonsense her eyes have stopped spinning around in her head and all seems well. She's no longer wandering around in circles and she slept through the night.
I'd never heard of this nystagumus thing before. I'd guess you haven't heard of it, either; hence, I find it of important mundane value to share with you, beloved reader. It happens in people, too. In an effort to educate you further, here's a video of which demonstrates not only the eye movement but also the "left ear shuffle" and the "ever so slight head tracking:"
Reminds me of my college days. Just sayin'.
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