Senility....

or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. I'm worried that Stella may be in the early stages of this condition as I have noticed some changes in her behaviour over the last few weeks and some of these changes seem to be getting worse.
I was putting this down to 'normal aging' but senility is a condition that can be treated. I have done some research on different websites which have helped me with my concerns.
Her symptoms are as follows:

Weeing in the house - even though she has access to outside and on one occasion she came in from outside and had a wee inside in front of us
Sleep patterns have changed - waking up through the night or very very early and sleeping more throughout the day
Whining - when she is resting.
Shaking - she seems stressed or anxious
Forgetfulness - does'nt seem to know where she is sometimes and stands staring
Enthusiasm - Not as excited when greeting us and other family members

I must stress this is not happening all the time but there is definately changes in her behaviour.
She is eating and drinking fine.
There could be other underlying health conditions showing similar symptoms such as kidney desease therefore I have decided to make an appointment at the vets as soon as possible. There is no cure but hopefully, if this is diagnosed, we can help her with medication. If that does'nt work I will go down the holistic route.

It's so upsetting seeing the changes in my beautiful girl.

Aww hopefully the vets can help xxx

Aww love 'S for you both. Hope the vets get to the bottom of it xxx

She still is a beautiful girl! Never owned an older dog - my ex kept my first Xx I hope you can get some help x

Oh Sheila, I can't imagine how it must feel to see this happening. I hope it is something that can be treated, Stella's such a lovely girl    

Fingers crossed for you both that the vet can figure it out  

Stella. update
At the vets this morning about stellas recent changes in behaviour and  he said her symptoms may be senility but also that she may have the onset of a brain tumour. Apparently very similar signs in both conditions.

He gave her a thorough physical examination and her urine was checked for other conditions and all showed normal.

He did speak openly about an MRI scan which would confirm a tumour was present but with her age and condition, advised against it. . If she had the scan and the tumour was confirmed, he wouldn’t recommend invasive treatment again due to her age. I was so shocked at what he was telling me that I didn’t take it all in.  She had a shot of prednisone and then 2 a day until Friday to see if she perks up

Oh hun I am so sorry - I wish could help with your worry - we are thinking very positive thoughts for you all X

So sorry Sheila. Must be so awful. Hope the preds help. Loads of love xxx

Aww bless hope u get the help she needs

Poor Stella, old age is a beggar I do hope something can be done Sheila to help her, we are always here hun Xxxx

Oh Sheila hope the meds help     x

Aww Hun I'm so sorry   xxx

Oh I'm so sorry sounds like you have a good vet tho

Fingers crossed whatever it is she stays pain free and still has many years ahead.

My parents dog has had 3 strokes to a level where the vet said he would have expected one to be fatal but each time after a course of steroids she still she battles on at 16 and the senility symptoms have just become normal behaviour

Thanks Jules xx

Hugs for both of you   

Such a shock for you Sheila. I hope the meds do the trick, Stella's such a gorgeous girl   

Hugs from Flo and me to you both