Put ill border collie to sleep, now or later?

Question

We have a 12 year old border collie, with a large cancer tumor on her right side lower jaw area. Part of the tumor was taken out, but extracting the rest would've ment taking out portions of her jaw. The tumor is increasing in size causing her lip to sag and is also spreading down her neck. When she uses her jaw too much {barking, eating} the skin covering the tumor erupts a bit and it bleeds a little. The vet has put her on a series of pain meds and antibiotics. She is still an active and alert dog. She doesn't act like she is in any pain, she can still eat soft dog food.
My question is, When is the best time to put her to sleep? I don't want to wait till the cancer breaks her jaw, but I don't want her to suffer either. What is your opinion for this situation?

Answer 1

With the dogs I've lost, I've learned that making the dog with cancer linger on until they are suffering, just to make ourselves feel less guilty, is probably wrong.

Do you really want to see her go to the point where the jaw shatters and she is experiencing horrible pain, or would you rather have 24 wonderful hours with her, take her to the "magic Window" for a hamburger, maybe one final walk while she can still enjoy it, some belly rubs, maybe an ice cream sundae at Ben and Jerry's, then peacefully send her to the bridge full of love instead of pain?

I've done the other, let the dog go too long to please myself and regretted it.

We just lost a dog to bone cancer, and it sucked, but we had 24 good hours with him and he got to go peacefully.

Answer 2

This is never an easy thing to do, and unfortunately one of the worst parts about being a responsible pet owner. So the best way to answer this is for you to ask yourself: In who's best interest is prolonging the inevitable? I know, believe me, I know how hard it is to decide to put down your beloved family member...I just had to do that to my dog I've had for 12 years on 1/2/07, he was, is and will always be my favorite. Being that attached to an animal does make it a bit harder to say goodbye, but in the same respect this is the animal that has been there for you no matter what for the last 12 years...it deserves enough respect for you to say goodbye before the suffering. No one says you have to do it today or tomorrow...just ask your dog to tell you and you will "feel" when it is time. This is something you're going to have to face, start preparing yourself now and do right by your sweet angel. Believe me, there is much peace in knowing you did the right thing...I just went thru this, hon. ((((hugs)))) Be strong for her.

Answer 3

The big issue is quality of life. You will likely know better than anyone when that happens. A poor quality of life is usually assumed when a dog stops eating, does not care where he urinates or defecates, has lost interest in you, has lost interest in all things he used to love, is in so much pain that no meds help. Also, in your dogs case, metastasis, which is the spreading of cancer. Your vet will be able to quide you through this. I hope you have a very long time left, but I really think you will know when the time comes.

Answer 4

I would first give this or another 'alternate' cancer therapy a try, myself:

Hydrogen Peroxide Cancer Treatment
Freely Available info, at cancertutor.com ...
"Nothing is sold on this website, you don't need to spend a single penny to find out about these treatments. Just do a lot of reading."

The Many Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide
By Dr. David G. Williams
http://educate-yourself.org/cancer/benefitsofhydrogenperozide17jul03.shtml

Pets—How Do You View Them? :
~ Animals--A Gift From God
~ Pets--Keeping a Balanced View of Them
~ Animals--A Pleasure Forever!
http://watchtower.org/library/g/2004/2/22a/article_01.htm

IF you do try the H2O2 or another alternate cancer treatment that proves effective, I'd appreciate hearing about your results!

Answer 5

When she stops being active no longer has an appetite. I am so sorry to hear about your dog but let her live out her quality days and when stops doing what she's doing you will know that it's time to say "Thank you ole friend for being such a wonderful part of our family and to show you how much we truely love you like you have loved us, we are going to let you go and keep you from suffering a painful death you deserve that. Good bye girl, we love you."

Answer 6

this is a decision only you can make. as long as she isn't in any pain and is capable of eating, i probably wouldn't put her down if she was my dog.At this point it sounds as if her condition is worse on you than it is on her. What does the vet recommend.?
i will tell u this i had to put my cat down because the meds they were going to give her came with no guarantee of mending her and i knew she was in pain. they gave her a shot and she went to sleep, no pain, no nothing . It neared killed me but i knew i had done the right thing. Only you can make this decision and you will do what is right at the right time.

Answer 7

Everyone has there own opinion on when to put them to sleep. so here's my advice. Ready? You have lived with her for 12 plus years, therefore you know when she is hurt, depressed, up, down--get the hint?Our dogs or pets in general always have a way of letting us know when its time for them to go. Most times we put it off for ourselves. However you already show that she comes first by asking us what you already know. Follow your heart and her signs of quality of life. She trusts you and you should trust your gut. My heart goes out to you and your family.I will say an extra prayer for you. FOLLOW YOUR HEART it won't let you down no matter how much it hurts to do so.

Answer 8

Omg my dog had the same thing,
we thought it was a fat lump though and just left it not knowing it was a tuma on her jaw but then when she became 13 she was losing the plot and started to pee herself and poo none stop!.
TRUST ME PLEASE PUT YOUR DOG DOWN!! i know it might be alot of grief but think how much paint he/she is! the day that we took her to the vet to get put down was the worse day cause i could see the pain in her eyes and the groaning she was doing made me cry and it was dreadfull!.
If i was you i would but your dog down cause either though it may look like she isnt sick,! trust me she is in pain!!

Let the pain go away please!

Answer 9

oh :(

firstly .. i really really feel for you .

and ... well while it's hard .. I THINK i would prefer to let her go now ... I think it would be safe to say that she has been a great pet and that you really do love her dearly but i guess you have to ask yourself .. Is this what you want for her...Are you putting off the inevitable because it just seems so hard to say goodbye..

Mind you I don't blame you or condemn you .. I have been in the same situation myself.

Let her go .. :( you love her dearly .. and your heart WILL feel like it's breaking .. but I think it would be best .

sorry :(

jen

Answer 10

If she is still active and alert, and seems to not be in pain....DON'T put her down! Let her live out her life with a loving family, just show her extra affection and care. If your Grandma was sick but not in pain, would you put her to sleep?