more questions about meggie sue?

Question

meggie sue, retriever mix, 6 years old, had attacked and killed my pomeranian that i had for 4 months prior. Their were no signs except for twice i heard a low growl from her. She has been passive her entire life & this is so out of line for her. I put her on clavamox due to answers given by all you,
maybe problem is illness. What do you think?
Abnormal behavior, tiredness, listlessness, clear drooling like saliva, not much appetite. Had her blood checked for tick borne disease and heartworm just in case. Blood test came back perfect. Ex-rays taken on stomach area where she tightens up when touched came out fine not even arthritis. I love all my dogs and do have another pom which she has growled out now under her breath. She has growled at the pug yet though. I need opinions to help me to figure out what to do.
Do you think she is just becoming mean? Or, do you think this is a health issue. Two vets say put her down. One vet said we can try to look for reason. What do you think?

Answer 1

Kathy gave you some good advice. Six isn't that old for a dog, but since she's a mix, you don't know what other breeds are in her that may have a more aggressive attitude than just a retriever. I love my pets and I know how hard it is when they have to be put down. I've been fortunate that mine were done because of illness or old age and not your problem. However, I think I have to agree with the two vets--you really don't have a choice. You've done all the reasonable tests--especially the stomach x-rays which would have shown a strangulated hernia or twisted bowels or something. Blood tests would have shown cancer. It sounds like she's just old before her time and the aggressiveness is only going to get worse. You don't want her to kill your other dog--that would be unnecessarily cruel. As Kathy said, you have to worry about her attacking you. It's also possible that if a plumber or mailman or delivery person came to the door she could attack them as well--even with no apparent provocation.

I'm really sorry. I know you're holding out for any hope, but you may have run out of options. I'll pray that her passing is quiet and dignified and that you get through this.

Answer 2

in some cases when a dog gets older it becomes aggressive and will turn on other animals, some times they will turn on the owner.i would watch her and try to keep the other animals away from her. be very careful how you approach her, she might be loosing her hearing and she gets frightened when approached unexpectedly.