My husband took our 12 year old boxer to our local vet because he was not using his back foot/leg. We thought maybe he had broken or sprained it. They did x-rays and they diagnosed him with cancer/tumor of the hip joint. Duke has a really hard time getting up, walking..etc This has come on so sudden. Does this usually happen? Anyway, they have him on pet morphene pills to ease the pain. It seems to have help a little with the pain, but he so weak and having a hard time moving. We're having to guide him here and there, sometimes carry him. He hasn't cried but maybe once a little when we were trying to lay him back down on his bed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm not shying away from putting him down, but I don't want to make a mistake and regret it later. I guess I'm just needed some support. Thank you for listening and for any responses.
2006-12-09 13:12:06 · 18 answers · asked by P C 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If he's in pain despite the medication and can't do much for himself now, I would say sooner rather than later. 12 is a great age for a large dog, he's been well loved.
It's such a hard decision I know, I had to have my cat pts a few weeks ago and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do.
*hugs*
2006-12-09 13:17:34 · answer #1 · answered by ~*falling*~ 1 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Dogs rarely cry out it pain; when they do it is terrible pain causing it. This is a very hard thing to do, facing the loss of a beloved family member.
What people have to realize that if the dogs were still in the wild, they would walk away from the pack to go pass away in peace. Since they have become domesticated and family pets this has been taken away from them.
Owners need to look at the situation and decide if they are attempting to keep the animal alive for the benefit of the animal or for the benefit of the human family members. I am sorry to say that from your message above, Duke seems to be in terrible pain.
It is a very touch decision that needs to be made. I hope that you are strong enough to let go of Duke so he can end his pain.
2006-12-09 13:21:15 · answer #2 · answered by jpbofohio 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, I had a Doberman with the exact type of cancer (osteosarcoma), I feel so sorry for both you and your dog. If the pain medication isn't working it is probably time to say goodbye. I took my dog to a cancer specialist and they put him on medication called Deramax. Ask your vet if he has it,if not see if he can get some in. I don't know if it is better than what your dog is taking now,but you can ask the vet. My regular vet didn't carry the Deramax,but after I returned to her office and told her what the specialist put my dog on she ordered some. My dog lived about ten months after he was diagnosed and was taking two of these pills a day. One every twelve hours. I hope you can try this medicine and pray that it helps your dog be free of pain for awhile longer. The cancer in my dog eventually spread to his lungs and that is what took him to the end. Still, I had a few enjoyable months with my baby boy.I miss him something terrible. I pray the Deramax helps your dog out. Good luck!!!
2006-12-09 16:00:17 · answer #3 · answered by ® 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you are getting close to that time. A good guide line: Is he still eating well, enjoying being with his people, and having a decent quality of life in general? If things are too difficult for him to enjoy being with you or enjoying his food, then I think you need to talk about making a decision. Those are the things a dog enjoys most in life. I am so sorry that you have to go through this with your friend- I know how hard it is- I recently lost my 10 year old golden to a brain tumor. Tumors that involve the bone can be quite painful and agressive. I think you will know when it is time and when the discomfort is too much for him. You have my sympathy and I will keep him in my thoughts.
2006-12-09 15:01:36 · answer #4 · answered by vettech 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the dog is in constant pain and has no quality of life I believe it is time. And yes It does come on quickly, a friend of mine (last month) finished the UDT title on her dog and 22 days later he was so ill that he had to be euthanized. It was all in a matter of days. I do not think you should regret letting your dog go if he is in constant pain and has to be drugged to just to make it another day. I feel bad for the decision you have to make but you really need to face it and let him go, and I know how you feel because I had to make this decision a few yrs back, only it was for a 2yr old dog and I agonized over the decision.
2006-12-09 13:23:39 · answer #5 · answered by Shepherdgirl § 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear about your dog and the pain your family is going through. From the description it sounds as if it is time to put him down. I had a dog that was 8 years old in a similar sitution and she started losing her bowels and finally couldn't even stand and it was heartbreaking to watch; especially when it came on very rapidly; she was in great pain and weak also. Even though it broke my heart it was the best thing for her.
Since he can't hardly move he can't enjoy his life and it is more humane to put him to sleep. The morphene pills probably help but if he is already that bad it will get even worse and it is even harder to watch then.
2006-12-09 13:17:44 · answer #6 · answered by Melissa B 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why not just go to the vet who has taken care of your dog during its life? No matter the price... if that isn't in the works, call some local vets and see what they charge for big dogs and if they will do it even though you are not one of their clients. I have always used my own vet whenever an older pet, or if need be for another reason, had to be put down and we've stood there and cried together during the procedure. She has then always handed their body to me after they took them in the back and placed them in a casket shaped box covered with a little baby blanket. On top of the box she would have flowers. One of my pets that she loved as much as we did she even carried out to my car. Tears everywhere. Price? Love
2016-03-29 01:26:01 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to hear about ur dog. I have had to put 2 of mine to sleep. One stopped eating, drinking and would not stand up - all happenend over night. The other started losing her sight and had a bad hip. She would get so turned around - we found her behind the fridge she was n tight. We decided it was time for her to have rest.
Both were hard decisions. It sounds like ur dog may not have the best quality of life and it will not get better. It will only get worse.
Sympathy to u and ur family. Think of what ur dog might want not how much u will miss him. Nothing will ever out weigh how much u will miss him.
2006-12-09 13:31:17 · answer #8 · answered by Krystle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, that's a tough one. Dogs don't normally show pain in front of humans so he was probably in pain for a long time before you knew it and for him to be showing it now you should know that the pain is tremendous. If he can no longer get up and around on his own I think you know the answer to your question. The time is very close. Please do the right thing for him and help him over the rainbow bridge that's where he wants to go.
Via Con Dios.
2006-12-09 13:28:35 · answer #9 · answered by PRS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are getting close to making that decision. I had to euthanzie my 22 yr old cat last week because her kidneys could no longer support her in a happy life.
It's an agony, "Did I do it too soon?" "Did I wait too long?" You should not distress yourself with the decision. When there is no longer hope for a happy life it is the right time.
My sympathies to all of your family.
2006-12-09 13:21:44 · answer #10 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋