Dog Lovers? Sad day for me. (page 2)

SPAZnik

Sorry to hear it.
If you can afford the confirmation test, it might give you some peace of mind.
I'm not sure if I would wait for pain or spare him the pain.
Perhaps letting "nature" take it's course would allow time for everyone involved to grieve the situation.
Do what you need to do.

Alpheta

I am so sorry for your situation. It is a horrid situation to be in. I had three faithful companions with me for many years, one died on the vet's table after going into convulsions and a frantic ride to the vet, that was in 1999, two doggies died from combination of illness/old age and I had to make that decision to end their lives before "nature" did it, in 2001 and 2004. With my last 2 dogs, the decision was basically made for me because neither dog could stand up anymore, and they refused food and water. So, I knew it was time for them, even if it wasn't time for me to face it. It's the hardest thing I ever had to do, and even though I knew it was time and it was the right, humane thing to do, I haven't gotten any more pets since Tasha died. I don't ever want to make that kind of decision again. Only you can answer this - you know your dog best. Are you sure your dog is not in any pain? As I understand it, dogs do not experience pain the same way people do and you can't always tell if they are suffering although they are tremendously suffering. But you see, they so want to please us, and be with us.

I still suffer guilt pangs - it's that "oh, if only I'd waited a few days, perhaps she'd have gotten better" syndrome, but rationally, I know I did the right thing by not keeping my dogs with me until the bitter end. I miss my companions terribly, and will miss them as long as I live. After seeing Spencer die (he's the dog who had the convulsions) due to "natural" causes, it hurt like hell but it was "easier" in a way to be with my other two dogs when they were euthanized. They didn't experience any pain or suffer during the procedure and I had other people with me who were supportive and helped me through the process. A sense of "control," I suppose, in an uncontrollable situation, and someone to drive you to the vet and then drive you home afterward (no way I could have done that myself), and get drunk with you if you drink - I got rip-roaring drunk all 3 times.

juni

I've had quite a few dogs.

You had the biopsy done - have it sent in so you know for absolute sure that it is cancer. Otherwise you may have a hard time later not knowing if it was actually cancer.

My last dog died of cancer. He slowly went downhill so at the last he wouldn't eat and had a hard time walking to do his business outdoors. But this was a cancer inside of him.

Your animal will "let you know" when it is time. Sounds like she is still enjoying life. Don't be too quick. And again, I would have that biopsy confirmed. Really why would the vet take a biopsy if he didn't want to send it in? Doesn't make sense.

Take care and make a decision that you can live with. Don't be hasty.

Juni

Jez

I totally agree with Juni. My 14 year old Lab/Shep is sick. He is skinny, has lost 15lbs in about 2 months. I took him to the vet, he is running an internal temp of 41 degrees C.

BUT he is eating. He was throwing up, but I switched to older dog food, easily digestable AND some puppy canned food, (more fat in it and protein) AND I mix rice with it as well.

He is not throwing up anymore.

He wants to go outside for walks still, but I won't take him because I don't want him to waste his energy and get skinnier.

He is in no visible pain.

Until he shows worse signs, I am letting him decide when it is time.

Jez

Warlock

In my opinion, if the dog is acting like you say, keep her alive. You will know when to put her to sleep.

Warlock

unique1

I had a long discussion with the vet last night. Apparently when he took part of the tumor out, part of her bone came off and was obviously decaying. He said that is a tale tale sign that the tumor is something more than just a fatty tissue. He said the only benign thing it could be would be a SUPER bad tooth infection and he gave that about a 1% chance. She is already on antibiotics and he said if it is a tooth infection, she will start getting better. His bet though is that the tumor will just get bigger and bigger until she can't eat anymore. Even if it is cancer it will be inoperable. This is because the tumor already takes up half of her snout and they have to cut out 2 cm past the tumor, this would leave her with less than 1/2 a face. My hubby and I discussed it last night and we decided to let her live as long as possible, but if she starts showing signs of discomfort or stops eating we will schedule it the next day. We really don't want her to suffer.

Thanks for all your support. I did drink myself silly last night, but not too silly because I had to give her medicine before going to bed. Poor sweet little girl.

nsrn

Dear Unique1, I just went through this same thing with oral cancer in my 18 year old cat. She lived about 6 months after diagnosed. We had her put to sleep, the hardest thing I've done in a while. She was losing weight, hungry but couldn't eat, and having urinary issues because she couldn't drink enough. She still purred and was very alert. I am grateful that she had such a long and pampered life.

Watch your dog carefully, and look for signs that it no longer enjoys the things that used to be fun--going outside, favorite treats, sitting on the couch. You'll know. And look on the internet, you can find lots of supportive stuff about grieving for lost pets.

Blessings!

juni

Thanks unique1 for your further explanation. It sounds to me then that you are making the right decision. Enjoy and love her until she just can't eat and is showing signs of pain and going down hill quickly. They let you know and in your heart you will know too.

It is soooo hard. But it is showing love to let go when your pet is telling you good bye.

Love to you and your family. I know how hard it is.

Hugs to all of you,

Juni

unique1

I am so sorry to hear that NSRN. Poor kitty. I appreciate you sharing even though I know it was still hard. It is comforting to know others have gone through the same thing.

Thanks Juni. I appreciate all your input.

exjdub

I am so sorry Unique1...those doggies sure get into your heart, don't they?

My wife just pulled out of the driveway with our dog to go to the Vet to discuss quality of life issues and whether or not we should put her down. All of the comments directed at your situation have been very helpful to me as I have seen the "light" leave our dog's eyes in the last couple of days and I feel it may be time to let her go. It has been difficult deciding what to do, but I think what all of you have said has been very helpful. It is going to be a rough decision, but one that we will arrive at as a family. Thank you.

exjdub

Dog Lovers? Sad day for me.

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