My Megan turned 10 in November and for the last week has been lying in my bedroom when I get home on top of "an accident". She will get up to eat or drink, but her back legs have been giving out lately. Last night she went outside and could not get back in. Her legs giving out again. We finally picked her up (ouch) and got her in. She has been crying all night. I'm afraid that its time. Any suggestions or ideas? Am I doing the right thing? She's seems like she is just miserable and disappointed in herself.
2006-12-12 02:48:51 · 24 answers · asked by Tracy C 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have talked to her vet and he said that they can treat her, but most likely it will not help as much as needed. Currently, I give her vicoden and bufferin for the pain.
2006-12-12 03:00:26 · update #1
Well, I did it. THAT WAS THE HARDEST DECISION I EVER HAD TO MAKE. I cried all night. I know I did the right thing, the only problem is as my husband was taking her to the car, she was "happy" to be going bye-bye again. She loved car rides. Thanks for all of your support!
2006-12-14 00:41:18 · update #2
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.
2006-12-12 03:05:48 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Only you know the answer to the question of whether it's time or not.
This will be the most difficult decision you will make and it's tormenting. But, you must look at the quality of your beloved dog's life. Her leg problems will probably not get better only worse, and there's a chance that there might be some pain involved for her now if she's crying.
You may want to ask the doctor if there's something that he can prescribe now to get her through the holidays. Something that can help alleviate the pain or swelling that might be causing her the problems. After the holidays are over, then you can decide on what would be the best course of action for her.
You'll be heartbroken no matter what you decide. Seeing her in pain or the choice of easing her pain will not be easy. Sometimes the thing that is the most right to do is also the most painful. No matter what, she's relying on you to make the right decision for her. And you will...
Prayers to you both.
2006-12-12 03:06:38 · answer #2 · answered by BVC_asst 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a great dane to live to a ripe old age of 10 human years is quite incredible seing that great danes tend to live from around 7 - 10 years. She's had a very long life and if you've taken her to the vet and there isn't much they can do for her... and she's crying and in pain there isn't going to be much more that you can do other and watch her pain and feel her pain as if it were your own. I think you know what needs to be done but it's so hard letting go isn't it? I had a yorkie boy who developed brain lesions and had to be put down at 4 years of age. It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my entire life but he was suffering and it wasn't fair for me to keep him with me any longer, even though I wanted to more than anything in the world. The pain meds may also have a long term adverse affect on her. I'm so so sorry for your situation. Many of us know exactly how you're feeling right now so you're not alone.
2006-12-12 04:05:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to make this decision with your vet. If she can be treated and have a good quality of life then I would probably want to treat her. But if she is just going to live out the rest of her life in pain, then it may be time. I'm sure you know that great dane's are prone to hip problems. I think that 10 years is a good life span for a great dane. I'm sorry that you are going through this. It is always hard to lose a pet, but if the vet says it is time then just know that you are doing the right thing for Megan.
2006-12-12 03:13:46 · answer #4 · answered by kat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That is the hardest thing for a dog owner to do, Your Megan was always there for you no matter what, loyal, faithful, when you were happy or sad she was there. Now she is hurting and can not tell you where or why, bring her to her vet ASAP, and see what the vet has to say. If it is a terminal then the best gift you can give Megan now is ease her pain, and let her rest in peace, and euthanizing, all be it hard to do is the right thing to do. I had to put my two Labs down within a year of each other, we had them for 14 years, hardest two days of my life by far, but I owed them that peace for all the years of pleasure they gave to my family. I wish you and Megan the best.
2006-12-12 02:59:12 · answer #5 · answered by aemalone1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, hon, you're doing the right thing.
It's the toughest decision a dog owner has to make; I've had to make it three times already. There are some things that the vet just can't treat anymore. It sounds as though all you and the vet can do is treat the pain, and even then you can't treat it all the way. In which case...are you keeping her alive for her benefit, or for yours?
With me, I've always known that its time when my dog is in pain all the time and isn't enjoying life anymore. Your Megan has had a good, long life. Just make sure you're there with her when it's time. E-mail me if you need to.
2006-12-12 03:24:06 · answer #6 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say that if she is in obvious discomfort and there isn't much you can do for her, then it may be time. Great Danes normally average a life span of 8-10 yrs, with some making it a little longer.
When I had a little rescue Shih-tzu mix, he got to the point of kidney failure and seizures. The vet suggested they could flush out his kidneys and give him maybe 6 more months, but couldn't guarantee it would be comfortable for him. As much as I would have liked him to stay with me a little longer, I decided not to put him thru all of that and allow him to be put to sleep. It was a hard choice to make, but I couldn't bare the idea that he might suffer.
2006-12-12 04:02:46 · answer #7 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So sorry to hear this and all the best for you with this difficult decision. It is quite common for Great Danes, actually for many big dogs, to have a shorter life expectancy than smaller breeds and to develop health issues at the age of 8 or 10. I hope that you can keep her longer and that the problem is temporary. Great Danes rock!
2006-12-12 04:00:11 · answer #8 · answered by Tina L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried taking your dog to the vet? There may be some underlying health problem that is causing this. If you do and your vet says there really isn't anything that can be done and maybe euthanizing her may be the best thing to do so she doesn't have to suffer anymore, may be the best thing to do. I know it is tough since i've seen a beloved dog of mine get to where it was very hard for her to walk and really do a lot of things she loved have to be euthanized. Good luck to you and I hope all goes well
2006-12-12 02:54:49 · answer #9 · answered by kerrberr95 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The poem that Chetco said brought tears to my eyes. Actually all out bawling on my part remembering my old pets that I decided, (never an easy decision until you wonder if your are thinking about you, or your beloved pet), needed to be put down. I had 2 Danes. I didn't know about some sites at the time, but since I have been reading Chetco's advice to questions here I would have liked to know about these sites long ago to help me carry on without my pets, (friends). You should email and ask for the sites that will help you through this tough time. Again I am sorry, but I don't remember the sites C advised, but honestly they helped me even years later. I will search for them, but right now I just wanted to let you know about on-line assistance and who to contact for them.
2006-12-12 04:17:05 · answer #10 · answered by lin 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋