With him being old (14) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels don't usually live that long, they say he won't survive an operation. He's a very happy dog and a lively one too be it slower and its not hurting him one bit.. Its getting bigger is the tumor but at what stage do I say this is the time to let him go? This is killing me because I just don't want him to suffer!
2007-02-19 21:56:59 · 15 answers · asked by Carol 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
May I say that I totally understand the situation that you are facing with an older, and clearly, much-loved pet. I think that provided your dog is not in pain, obviously not suffering, and enjoying a quality (albeit slower-paced) life, then you are right to let him keep going. However, at some point this may well change. When the time comes, your instincts will tell you that it is kinder to review that position and do whatever is necessary. It will not be easy, but when the time is right, I believe it is the kindest thing that you can bestow on an animal that has given you so much pleasure over all these years. Please enjoy whatever time you have left together. I send you both lots of love.
Best wishes, J
2007-02-19 22:07:57 · answer #1 · answered by sirjulian 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he is not showing any signs of suffering let him be. My Butch was 14 too. But his hips were gone. he could barely walk. We had 3 tumors removed but for some reason the vet missed one.
The tumor burst at 5am one morning there was so much blood. we had to take him outside till the vet opened at 8. You should have seen him he was so happy. his tail was wagging he never layed down or cried. He was happy all the way to the vets. He knew it was his time and he was ready to go. We cried so told him we loved him and he was the best dog ever. then he went to sleep. But he was so happy to go. His tail wagged the whole time. Just like people they know when it is there time and they are ready. You will know and remember your dog will be happy. Be happy for him too.
2007-02-19 23:52:21 · answer #2 · answered by Shelly t 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So sorry to here about your dog, 14 years is a long time to share your life with a dog. All I can say is that you will know when the time is right and you will let him go with dignity. He's a lucky dog to have such a caring owner who can do the last kind thing for him. Enjoy your last times with him, as long as he has quality of life & is enjoying himself & remember the saying "better a week too soon than a day too late"
Thinking of you X
2007-02-19 22:06:12 · answer #3 · answered by anwen55 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He is happy and doesn't seem to be in pain. So you are fine for right now. He will let you know when the time has come. He will slow down and will not want to move much. The best sign will be he will quit eating and maybe drinking. When this happens it is time. Consult with your vet so that when this occurs you can just bring your friend to him. For now, love him, take lots of pictures and store up memories. I know how hard this is but you are doing the right things.
2007-02-19 22:11:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have answered your own question!
If he is happy and isn't suffering then there is no problem - let him get on with his life.
No caring owner wants their dog to suffer so if he does become ill and is in pain then see your Vet to decide on suitable pain relief.
If it gets to a point where medication is no longer helping him then have your dog humanely put to sleep.
Unfortunately having to make this decision is the price we pay for caring so much but if you bear in mind that whatever decision you make is for the dog and not for you it will make it a little easier.
2007-02-19 22:37:10 · answer #5 · answered by DogDoc 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I totally feel for you. I have just experienced something very simular with my baby puppy Leah. Leah got colon cancer and I was left with the choice of not waking her after her operation (where the tumor was discovered) and bringng her home for whatever time she had left. I chose to bring her home. leahs cancer was to far gone for chemo so she was put on 6 hourly pain killers, codeine and cortizone to try slow the tumors growth. I took Leah for weekly checks at the vet and during the this time I learnt what signs to look for (if she was suffering etc) Leah had a great quality of life and we got an extra 8 weeks out of her.. (Her cancer had spread and was very far gone) I knew when the time was right and I was not going to be selfish, as soon as she started to really suffer and her life quality was leaving her then that was the time. I had the opportunity to stay with her as they put her to sleep, my vet made it as beautiful as it possibly could have been, We have since made a garden in memory of our baby Leah with beautiful roses and and loving plaque... Leah was 18 months old when she died... Our first family pet, she loved us and we totally loved/love her. Your dog will tell you when it is time to go. Until then enjoy him and allow him to enjoy you. Spoil him and let him emjoy whatever time he has left with you and your family..... You will know when the time is right but until he is suffering enjoy every day
2007-02-19 22:09:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A difficult time for you. If he isn't showing signs of being in pain then I wouldn't worry about him at the moment. However, if he is starting to get distressed then it will be time to let him go. Remember it is a better a week to early than a day too late. Thinking of you and give him a huge hug from me.
2007-02-19 22:07:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
my dog had a tumor on his head,it was removrd but they didnt get all the cancer. eventually after about a year later. i could tell he wasnt his normal self, he started weeing in the house,but more importantly when he went to lie down he was begining to feel a bit of awkwardness and his coat was definately deteriorating. he was not in a lot of pain but i could just tell he was begining to go down hill, at which point i had him put to sleep. hardest but best desision i have made. i think it kindest to put them to sleep before they start being poorly and suffering/sometimes the hardest things to do are the kindest, and do remember the dog will know nothing about it, its you who will do all the crying,tne dog will just think its a routine visit to the vet and will experiance no fear or upset at all,
2007-02-19 23:27:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think as long as you know he is having an enjoyable life, let him and you live it to the fullest! I just lost my beloved Cassie yesterday to bone cancer and dysplasia and it was a tough decision, but that last decision is the painful choice we owe them for a lifetime of unconditional love...
Here is a site that I find always helpful that might help you make that dreaded decision when the time comes...
http://www.smalldogsparadise.com/health-care/how-am-i-supposed-to-decide-whether-or-not-to-euthanize-my-dog/
Blessings and I hope you get months and months with your pup!
2007-02-19 23:07:47 · answer #9 · answered by dedum 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Add that if you'd neutered him 13 & 1/2 years ago,he WOULDN'T have the tumor,would he?
Castration is NO BIG DEAL! If you wait too long,it'll SPREAD!
2007-02-19 22:56:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋