dogs illness?

Question

my dog is 13 he has broncitis arthritis breathing problems and was diaganosed with senile dementia 2 days ago does any one know how long they have to live with senile dementia the vet says hes not in much pain but they told me it was up to me how much time i want to spend with him they were waiting me to say put him to sleep he is my baby ive had him since he was born i saw him being born as i had his mam and dad its breaking my heart as i love him like i love my daughter so does any one know how long he has left please help im so upset and cant bare to lose him

Answer 1

I share your pain I had a little dog put down in July, she had a stroke caused by a brain tumour, and was in a lot of pain, so that was the best thing I could do for her. I also breed my own and she had had 3 litters I still have her daughter and the father of the littlers.

I would put up with the dementia as long as he wasn't in pain. When the quality of life goes thens the time.

Answer 2

So sorry you are having to go thrugh so much pain. I had a dog from a pup and had to make the heartbreaking decision when she was 15. She had similar to your dog. The vet gave me one piece of advice and said when your pet is no longer content and senses things are not right then that is the time. With dementia it has got nothing to do with the pain. I would feed my dog and 10 mins later she would be crying for more food. She would ask to go outside to do her business then come in without doing it and do it on the carpet as she couldnt help it then she would get upset because she knew it was wrong even though we never told her off. After a month I had her put down she was not a happy dog. Hope this helps. At least animals have the luxury of not having to suffer unlike humans. All the best

Answer 3

I am so very sorry to hear about your dog and whilst I appreciate totally how devastating it is to have to put our animals to sleep, I see it more as a last act of love rather than a death sentance. The fact that the dog is not in 'much' pain indicates there must be some degree of pain. I had the same scenario 3 years ago and I think the vet giving you that bit of time is basically that...just a bit of time to say goodbye. Why don;t you try discussing the matter further with your vet? Your poor dog has been a faithful loving friend to you and is a big part of your life, vets deal with this every day and should be able to advise you. I spent time with my pet, even helped when he finally passed away and then was allowed quiet time with him after he has slipped away....I know its hard, devastating and desperately upsetting but in your heart of hearts sometimes I think you know the answer to you question...your dog needs your help now....stay strong....remember the good times and take care. thinking of you xxx

Answer 4

Hi sorry to hear about your dog.

About 3 months ago, I took my 12 year old German Shepherd to the vets and she had an xray and was told she had a large cancerous tumour in her stomach, my vet operated and saved her life, but i was told that the cancer will come back as it is an aggressive cancer, every day is a bonus and I can't bear the thought of loosing her. She also is suffering with arthritis in her hips, and on bad days give her metacam, but this drug has a bad side effect that it can cause cancer in her kidney, but I realise that she knows she is in pain with her hips but does not know about her cancer.

I live every day with my dog like its the last, take lots of photos and video footage while you have him, and when the time comes, these will be of great comfort to you.

My thoughts are with you at this horrible time, just love her, talk to him and his quality of life will improve.

I rescued my dog when she was 2, my husband and I do not have children, she is my child and know exactly what you are going through, hope he is around with you for many more months
yet to come.

Answer 5

Sorry to hear this. One of my old dogs had arthritis and had a cancerous lump on her belly, the vets sais put her to sleep but I refused as she was still walking about and playing with our 3 other dogs(2 where alot younger which I think kept her young at heart), she was eating etc, she lived another 3years plus after that, she was 17.

I always say while there is life there is hope. Hope you have many more happy years together.

Answer 6

Sorry for your news. I understand fully how you feel. Personally if the Vet says the dog is not in pain and the dog is happy then I wouldn't put him down. But once I saw that his illness is effecting his quality of life or it did start to cause him pain I would start to say my goodbyes. I know it's hard to let a dog go that has been in your life for so long and only you can make that decision. All I can say is enjoy the time you have with him, spoil him rotten and make what ever time he has left really good.

Good luck

Answer 7

Hello Chantell
I am sorry to hear that about your dog,especially since you watch him from birth. You poor thing, its not something i would like to hear about my own dog and i love her dearly. You will have to take into account to what your vet has told you as in time your dog wont know who you are and you don't want him to be in pain. I watched the same thing on a pet programme and the owners stayed in the room with there dog and spent an hour with her then let the vet put her so sleep. I know this is very hard on YOU but i also know you DONT want you DOG to suffer. You have to let him go. I will pray for you and your dog. Its so sad and not a decision i would like to make. I will be thinking of you both

Answer 8

Awwwww.....I'm so sorry, hun. It's always hard to watch a pet we've loved all their life start to slip away, and to know what to do.

The best way to figure it out is to consider quality of life. Now, we all have bad days from time to time....that's no big deal.

But think back over the past 2 weeks. If the good days are outnumbering the bad, the good days are enjoyable to him, and the bad days are not too bad, he's eating, interested in his environment, responsive when you call him (mostly), and has bladder/bowel control....then by all means, let him be for as long as he's enjoying life. Make sure he has medication to keep him as comfortable as reasonably possible.

But when that shifts....and the bad days start to outnumber the good, and the good ones aren't even really all that good anymore....it's time to accept that he's had a good, long life full of love, and that anything you do at that point is essentially just dragging out the dying process. Personally, I think it's unfair to ask that of a pet who has been a constant friend to you and loved you unconditionally. He would never ask you to hang on in misery, just to keep him company. He would want you to be able to rest comfortably in peace. You owe him the same thing, in repayment for the unconditional love and companionship he gave you for 13 years. Usually we humans tend to hang on too long, because it's sooooooooo hard to let go. But like I said...that's not fair to him. (Btw...you didn't say what breed/size he is. A 13-year old Yorkie or poodle is not really all that old....but a 13-year-old German Shepherd is usually getting near the end.)

Please read my post in this thread and see if it helps:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnEIjt1XDGjOb2BDftBjPkzsy6IX?qid=20060926071952AAHuukn
(There are several good posts in there which might give you some comfort during this difficult time for you.)

Answer 9

I feel your pain. I had a dog until she was 16 years old and she had a stroke.
You said: "vet says hes not in much pain" which suggests to me he is in some pain.
He could "live" for some time yet. As the dementia takes over he will become less and less the dog you know and he may well forget who you are.
It comes down to you to make the decision, but may I just say this: you are responsible for his quality of life. Please be responsibe.
It is a hard decision to make, but may you be guided.

Answer 10

I too love my dogs and have one that's elderly. She is on Rimadyl for her arthritis which allows her some degree of comfort. She has had all her front teeth removed and can hardly walk. I too have raised her from a pup and will grieve for her as I know she hasn't much time left. My main concern is her comfort and quality of life, not so much my hanging on to her as letting her live without making her suffer from her illness. Her eyes tell me the whole story. It will be hard for me to say goodbye and I hope I have the strength to do the right thing when the time comes.