I have a 14 1/2 year old g.shep. Two months ago she stumbled down a stair and blew out the cartilage in her back knee. The surgery is $1500.00 and I fear she wont survive the recup. Her internal organs are all functioning at peak and doesnt seem to be in much pain, but a bit slow on the get up. She is starting to go #2 in the house mostly cause she cant get to the door fast enough when she realizes she has to go. I know she is old...but still so much life in her. Am i being cruel to her by keeping her with me? She is the sweetest thing, but does get testy with my 5 year old (but never bites). I really am not ready to let her go....are we ever?
2006-07-12 20:01:46 · 17 answers · asked by doggiemom 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We're never ready to lose such good friends, but I think it's coming close to the time for your dog. She has already lived two years more than the average Shepherd. Definitely DON'T do the surgery. She probably won't survive the anesthesia and old dogs don't heal well. You'll be putting her through hell for nothing.
The vet can give you a prescription for Rimadyl to make her more comfortable. You can buy or make a sling to help her get up and walk until you've made your decision.
http://www.handicappedpets.com/leggings/leggings.htm
When she's in pain and she has more bad days than good, then it's time to let her go - and remember all the great times you had with her. It's never easy and it always hurts like hell, but we've all been through it.
2006-07-13 15:25:43 · answer #1 · answered by Danger, Will Robinson! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I certainly can emphasize with you as I have gone from a group of 19 dogs to 12 and all the ones that die are from old age. Ours average at least 16 yrs old when they die and it is horrible, like losing a family member. Sounds like your German shepherd is older than average.
I won't tell you what to do with the dog but maybe one of the suggestions can help.
Maybe some wheels for the back two legs would help. They can be specially made for dogs who have a hard time getting around.
If the dog is getting feisty with the five year old, it is probably because of the pain. Dogs in pain howl or bark a lot also. If you find she is barking constantly for no reason, it is probably because she is in pain. Pet stores sell heated mats that would make her more comfortable. Ask the vet for a pain reliever that doesn't affect or do damage to her organs. The other suggestion about changing her feeding routine might help also. You may want to lay an old blanket under her and also have a spare for when accidents occur. When the time comes that she whines a lot or doesn't eat or drink, don't let her suffer any longer, get her to sleep quickly. Make sure the vet is familiar with your dog and aware of the medical problems because vets don't automatically euthanize animals these days just because someone wants to. I hope something from this helps you and best wishes.
2006-07-13 03:24:33 · answer #2 · answered by kriend 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, we're never ready, but sometimes it's best for them... The way I always make the decision is if I see them being miserable more than they are happy, and I can no longer make them comfortable. The choice is totally up to you, just make sure that you feel right about it. That's *very* important. Guilt is a terrible ghost. If you feel that you did right by her, you won't regret it.
It is always terrible, and it never gets easier, but I always know for sure in my heart that it's the right thing to do for them before I make the decision.
It sounds like she's not in terrible pain, so at least spend some really good times with her first... I spent a whole year making my last dog's life as good as it could possibly be, because she had a terminal illness and I knew I would have to let her go early... We did everything together, had special treats, went for walks constantly, and I brushed her twice a day because it was her favorite thing in the world. It was the best year of my life, and her's, too. Now when I miss her I remember those times, and how happy she was, and I am not sad... I did right by her, and I let her go when the time came.
Best wishes to you...
2006-07-13 03:36:19 · answer #3 · answered by doldaggabuzzbuzz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My heart goes out to you, as somebody who has gone through this with our dogs and friend's dogs. If you are a true animal lover, it is so hard as that dog is a part of the family, no matter what. I don't think any dog at the age of 14 1/2 years old needs to be put through any kind of surgery, it is not fair. I know it is a difficult decision to make as to when to let your sweetie go. I can tell you, if you know your dog, you will look into their eyes, and they'll let you know that they are very tired, have had enough and it is time. Also I have always used the idea that if a dog can't have a dog's life anymore, of going out to the bathroom, getting to play, enjoying eating, then it is time for you to look at having her be put to sleep............it is the hardest thing to do but the most unselfish thing to do for her. I wish you strength during this time, it is so hard. It'll be ok, you'll know when it is the right time as she'll let you know!!! Just always remember all the times you have had together and you've enjoyed, great memories. Do what is best for her, not for you and no, there is never the right time when it comes to us having to say goodbye and letting go.........my thoughts will be with you.
2006-07-13 03:43:04 · answer #4 · answered by Laurie S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I waited until mine would turn away her favorite food and just wouldn't eat. She had started to drag her feet, then trip, and on the last day, I had to carry her. I had two weeks to say goodbye as her body began to give out on her. Luckily for the both of us, she went downhill fast. I could have bought her a couple more months with surgery, but they would not have been happy months.
We're never ready to let go, but you will know when she's suffering too much. Don't be alone when you go in. You will need support because it is rough.
Best wishes.
2006-07-13 03:36:59 · answer #5 · answered by mia_violenza 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you cant afford the surgery you should put her down honestly. but if you can afford it why not give it a try? i mean if she means that much to you why not right?
although she is starting to go #2 in the house she did this as a puppy also right?
just like the elderly we all start as babies and when we get old we turn into babies again.
all she needs is love she needs you.
if she is in pain i would have to have her put down. i know its hard but shes had a great life right? yes it will be hard for you and hey my dog ran away when i was 12 i am 18 now and i still have his pictures hanging on my wall, and i only had him for 6 years.
i am still tore up over it.
its really hard to do this. but maybe it would be best to have her put down. i mean even if the surgey works how much longer do you think shell have?
the choice is yours, if it was mine and i had 1500.00 to use then i would try to save her, but if money was tight and i needed money i would porbably have her put down.
good luck and god bless! youll make the right decision i know
-Maria
2006-07-13 03:10:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is time to say goodbye, I feel for you but it is the best choice. You will just be putting off the pain for now and you don't know how long she will last if you go through with the surgery. She sounds like she had a good life and it was definitely long. All the best
2006-07-13 03:13:46 · answer #7 · answered by deejo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sooo sorry. That is absolutely the hardest thing for a pet lover. If she is like my dog was, she probably is feeling embarrassed and frustrated about having accidents in the house. It's not her fault, but you can't tell her that. I think she it is ok to let her be for now as long as she is not in pain. Give her lots of love....she'll let you know when it's time. I knew when it was time for mine. She got really bad and I just looked at me with those sad eyes of hers and I just knew it was something I had to do for her, to stop her pain. GB
2006-07-13 03:08:54 · answer #8 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
THATS SO SAD!! Well, personally I would discuss with a vet and family. If money is really tight you might not be able to have the surgery. I have lost animals before and it is sad. I am sorry. God Bless You.
2006-07-13 03:14:23 · answer #9 · answered by hottiemgj 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We are never ready for it. It's a decision you will have to make for yourself. Personally, I would do it, simply because the quality of life has been compromised at this point.
I'm sorry you have to go through this, and good luck with your decision.
2006-07-13 03:06:22 · answer #10 · answered by The Angry Scotsman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋