I know i HAVE to and tmmrw i will, can someone prepare me with the worst, is it likely he will come back home..... He's 16 yrs old and has been coughing, similiar to whooping cough as though somethings stuck in his throat...sometimes he pants, his eyes have started running and he has dioerrea..other than that he is eating and drinking fine, wagging his tail etc......This is the time i wish i didn't have any pets.... :-(
2006-09-19 11:04:48 · 17 answers · asked by Rosie 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We are both facing the same thing! I have had a knot in my stomach all day. I have to take my six year old German shepherd to a specialist tomorrow for a possible ultrasound, colonoscopy, and heaven knows what else. I know exactly how you feel. I am hoping they find what is causing his problem and that it's something that can be cured. I've had moments where all I can do is hug his furry neck and cry. He just looks up at me with his big goofy eyes and wags his tail like I've completely lost my mind.
Just know in your heart that you're doing the right thing by taking him to the vet (look at how many people on here don't!). He is so lucky to have a caring owner who has looked after him his whole life. Most importantly, don't think it's "the end." They can do A LOT with medication these days. The fact that he has good attitude and he's eating and drinking is a huge plus! As long as he is still happy, not in pain, and his quality of life is good there is no reason not to have hope.
I will be thinking about and praying for both of our dogs tomorrow. Good luck with everything.
Take care.
2006-09-19 11:38:22 · answer #1 · answered by GSDoxie3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a good sign that he is still eating and drinking well. Running eyes and a cough sound like minor concerns. But you DO need to take him to the vet. The longer you don't, the longer he suffers. Just remember that you have to put him first, and put your fears aside.
You do need to realize, however, that your dog has lived a very long life. He is getting older, and it is likely that he will develop more serious health issues. You need to begin realizing and coming to terms with that unfortunate part of living and loving. He will need you to make the best decisions for him.
I know it's always a worry when you have a sick pet. I have and have had plenty of pets myself. Just remember to do what's best for him.
Stay positive! He loves you!
2006-09-19 18:23:10 · answer #2 · answered by class act 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could just be kennel cough, which is hard to live with but easy to cure. Antibiotics will clear it up if that's the case, and an older dog definitely needs them - the sooner the better. If it is something worse, remember that 16 is very old for a dog (around 112!) and you have done right by him by caring so much. Do not wait...
2006-09-19 18:12:31 · answer #3 · answered by brooklyncpl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could be a number of things some minor some seriosu. I wouldn't push any panic buttons yet until you have taken him to the vet and gotten a proper exam. Also no one can diagnose an illness here even if they are licensed vets/vet techs. 1) it is illegal to do so 2) there is no way of knowing exactly waht is going on without seeing the dog in person and doing a thorough exam which might include bloodwork and/or x-rays.
2006-09-19 18:24:22 · answer #4 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most dogs don't live that long you are very fortunate to have him with you for so long. He is very old and may not be around for very long he sounds pretty ill. If the Dr says he is suffering and not getting any better you'll have to put him down. I know it is a terrible thing but to make him suffer is worse. I had to put my dog down on 07/08/2003. It broke my heart but if you really love the dog and it sure sounds like you do I'm sure you'll do the right thing. My heart goes out to you and I'll keep you and your dog in my prayers. Good luck.
2006-09-19 18:22:39 · answer #5 · answered by Janet lw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like it could be kennel cough or related to his heart (i.e. congestive heart failure or heart worms). Your best bet is to take him to the vet. They may do some bloodwork and possibly x-rays. These diagnostic procedures are important for ruling things out and aren't really painful to your pet. 16yrs old is a long life for a dog but that isn't neccessarily a death sentence. I suggest taking him to the vet and seeing what he/she says. This could be a simple thing! Good Luck!!!
2006-09-19 18:19:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't give up hope. Sounds like he has some problems but they may be manageable. If he is still eating and drinking, the vet will probably just want to put him on some meds for his symptoms. My heart goes out to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and hope that he will be around for a long time to come.
2006-09-19 18:08:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be a flu bug, or it could be pneumonia. The vet will be able to help. Just because the dog is old doesn't mean he's going to be gone by next week...
Keep providing the TLC, and let the vet take care of the things you can't.
2006-09-19 18:09:57 · answer #8 · answered by Bub 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Carrie, you just have to face what is happening. 16 years old is pretty old!!! My pets have all passed around 11 or 12, so just be thankful for the time you have spent with your dog. He is probably nearing the end of his life, just be strong about it. It is a sad thing, but remember... All dogs go to heaven. :)
2006-09-19 18:17:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it could be any number of things from something minor to something serious. I do understand your reasons for being nervous, and that's completely normal.
Whatever the problem, the vet will know if it's something that can be treated with medication, or if it's something more serious and he can advise you what's best for your dog.. I know that it's easy for me to say this, but try not to worry.
Good luck k to you both.
2006-09-19 19:17:20 · answer #10 · answered by HDB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋