Old sick dog question?

Question

Our 12 y/o Golden/Lab mix has stopped eating. We think he has a bleeding gastric ulcer. No appetite, nausea, black stools, etc. He has gone from about 95 lbs to 65 lbs. He is so weak. Our vet gave a course of Sucolfate but that didn't really seem to have much of an effect. What should we expect, what should we do and when?

I am so grateful and overwhelmed by all of your kindness, support and wisdom. Thank you so much.

Answer 1

May I go now
Don't you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be,
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first.
I fought with all my might!
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go! I really do!
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day .
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and are afraid
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I loved you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time,
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.
Copyright © Susan A. Jackson
Written for a beloved pet and friend.

Answer 2

What did his chemistry profile, CBC, and urinalysis show? What about abdominal x-rays? Did they do a barium series? An ultrasound?

If you want to pursue diagnostics, that's where to start...but to be honest, it doesn't sound good. Gastric ulcers are not common in dogs like they are in humans....and if that's what it was, the sucralafate would have helped some, and an ulcer wouldn't cause that drastic of a weight loss. The chances of finding something 'fixable' at that age, with those signs, are slim. :-( 12 years old is pretty danged old for that breed type. Some sort of gastrointestinal cancer would be the main thing I would be looking for, given those signs.

I agree with what everyone is saying regarding quality vs. quantity of life. See my posts in these threads, and see if they help you (there are a lot of good posts in both threads):
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AlN1AFsqV2mqILswTgyDC4Psy6IX?qid=20060928003112AATfdDz
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjhGMpO8SVq8ZTXZJu.KMRLsy6IX?qid=20060926071952AAHuukn

***Edited to add: LOVELY poem, Chetco. Hope you don't mind if I borrow it and pass it on....giving proper credit to the author as you did, of course.

Answer 3

It sounds to me as if there might be a cancer in the stomach or intestines.I had a collie who had the same symptoms and it was cancer.You need to take him back to the vet and let him go.Just tell him he's been such a good dog and that you love him and hold him close while the vet ends his misery.Twelve years is a good ,long life, and you don't want him to just slowly waste away and be in pain.I know it's hard,but really it's the kindest thing you can do for him.

Answer 4

Im sorry your pet is ill. Im sorry to say but it dosent look very hopefull. my dog had the same problem and he later collapsed at home. We took him into the vet as an emergancy and it was decided it was time to let him go. It was one of the worst feelings ever. i would stay with your vet as he knows what is going on and it would be a pain transfering your details. I used to work at a vets.I hope that you are able to make the right desision for your dog. it is going to be hard. xx

Answer 5

In a dog that age, I would be suspicious of cancer. Black stools are definitely a sign of bleeding high in the gut. Has teh vet done any blood panels? That's something I would have done ASAP.

Answer 6

First of all... I am so sorry your pet is ill. I can't really offer much except to say when his pain is so great that it exceeds his quality of life the loving option is to put him to sleep with you by his side.

You need to go back to the vet asap and decide on new-- or no course of action.

This is a question of quality of life over quanity of life and you, as your dog's family will have to make the call.

Answer 7

Love your dog!!!! That is the most important thing. Check with the vet and decided if you want to continue treatment or let nature take its course. When it is time for him to cross the Rainbow Bridge, remember him, remember all the good times.

Answer 8

would recommend switching to a liquid diet, have supplement at vet's office they use for dehydration in puppies and adult dogs, would be the easiest way to tell of black stool from parasites or from blood. from how it sounds, need to have the vet also do an internal to see what the problem could be, running the risk of loosing your beloved friend,not only from malnutrition, but by severe dehydration as well. Get that poor baby to the vet ASAP, if they aren't willing to help, take him to another one. have helped foster several animals and miss my own labs, had to put 2 down due to parvo

Answer 9

I would also like to add of how sorry I am about how sick your dog is . I had to make a decision one time for a very sick female Pitty I had. It was the worse day of my life .She was loosing her dignity and qaulity of life , so we decided to pts .She had bladder cancer at 14 months old.Your dog will let you know when the time is right .Noey did with us .You just have to look at your dog and decide what would be best for your dog .

Answer 10

I can see you have loved your dog for a long time. I recommend now that you give him the ultimate gift - a peaceful death with a modicum of dignity.
He sounds like he is suffering. Be unselfish, hold your arms around him and have him peacefully put to sleep. Sometimes it is for the best.