what do I do?

Question

My rottweiler is 13 years old, and she is having problems with her back legs,she seems to be in alot of pain sometimes, and she won't get up, she'll just lay down, and wine when she moves. But other times, she is really active, and she runs around and climbs everywhere. I took her to the vet, and he told me I might want to concider putting her to sleep, because there isn't anything he can, it just happens with old age.I don't want to put her down, thought...but should I? would that be whats best for her? what if she still wants to live? I just want to here opinion, just for a little help.

Answer 1

This must be very rough on you. I know that I have a 6-year-old dog who I love very dearly and would want nothing bad to happen to. It is possible that your dog has what is called hip displasia (sp.). It is very important that you take her into see a vet if the pain becomes unbearable for her. Remember that you love your dog and want your pooch to be happy. Quality of life is very important. For a dog to suffer is not only hard on you but on her. Be mindful of how she is on a daily basis. I know this must be rough on you. Take some photographs of her and show her all the love you can and when the need be, let her be free to run in the open fields of what I believe is dog paradise. Good luck.

Answer 2

Well, you need to do what is best for your dog. The pain she's in is probably arthritis. The doctor cannot give you any miracle cure, but some dogs can be given a portion of baby aspirine. Ask your vet about giving her some mild form of a pain killer (baby aspiring, etc.) and see if it cuts back the swelling and pain your dog experiences. This worked for one of my dogs, and she's still doing great. ALWAYS consult your vet before giving any dog "people" medicines (many times it's harmless, but you should always consult a professional). If it doesn't, you may want to consider putting her down. 13 is pretty old, and she will probably need to be put down in the next 1-3 years. I'm sure she had a fulfilling life, just make sure you don't keep her around for your own benefit (I'm not saying you are, but some people can't let go easily and their dogs suffer).

Answer 3

Go to another vet for a second opinion, especially if her good days still outnumber her bad days. What exactly did the vet say it was? Old age is not a diagnosis. There are a lot of crappy vets out there, they don't get weeded out as much as bad MDs. With the medications they have available for arthritis pain (usually the issue with older dogs), I find it hard to believe he didn't suggest one before suggesting you just put her down. If she were in pain and having trouble every day, then I would side with the vet and say end her suffering. Honestly, if it were my dog I would try to get one more opinion before making any decision. You may be able to give her some more pain free days, but I would use that time to come to terms with and prepare yourself for the fact that you may eventually have to make a an unpleasant decision to end her suffering. Good luck to you both!

Answer 4

Did your vet give you a diagnosis? I'm sorry, but "old age" sounds like "I have no idea what the problem is."

I'd suggest a second opinion. If your dog has arthritis, there are pain treatments and anti-inflammatory drugs, just like for humans. Or, another problem might be found, such as a tumor on the spine. That might lead to expensive surgery and/or a cart if her hind legs become paralyzed. Whatever the cause, be prepared for the fact that another vet might have the same recommendation, but at least you'll know you are making the best decision for your dog.

Good luck!

Answer 5

When a dog gets so old it can barely move, there's really nothing you can do but put her to sleep... If you truly love your dog and don't want her to suffer anymore, then it's something you must do.
I know how hard it is on you, I've been through it myself. But for the dog's sake, it's the best thing you can do. The vet will give her a injection, and she'll just fall asleep. It's painless for her and very simple.
And to want to keep her alive because you're not ready to go through the pain of losing her is just selfish. Let her go and be at peace where she doesn't feel anymore pain. You'll miss her, but you'll know that you did the right thing.

Answer 6

My old dog gets like this too. You may try putting her on a glucosomine and chondrotin mixture. This has dramatically improved my dog's livestyle - she can get up and around and plays somewhat with my younger dogs. It took about 6 weeks to really see the improvement - but what an improvement!

You can buy this in a powder formula from a tack (equestrian supply) store online (like statelinetack.com) for much less than you can purchase it in a pill form for a dog of human. So then you would have to calculate her weight and feed her accordingly (mix it with a little broth and pour it over her food). Hey, it can't hurt and it may help dramatically - and a huge tub for a horse (like 5 pounds) is only say 40 dollars.

Answer 7

There are these support things they sell for dogs that have wheels on them and support their back legs. Is your dog on anti inflammatory meds? Does he have hip dysplasia? I feel for you, our collie is only 4 and has problems walking (arthritis already!), she's on anti inflammatory meds but she is throwing them up (hurt her stomach).

Here are some links (below) you may want to go to. You also may want to try another vet if you don't think your current one is helping at all (like not trying some pain relief methods, sometimes you have to shop around, just like with MD's).

My sister's dog (11 year old collie) is getting accupuncture for dogs! She said it really helps Abby-her dog. Maybe see if any vets practice that! She lives in Denver, Co.

Good luck, I hope something helps your doggie.

Either your intuition or your dog will let you know when it's his 'time' .

Answer 8

Your dog is 13 years old. Larger breeds, unfortunately, typically have shorter life spans. Life is harder on their bodies than it is for smaller dogs.

When older dogs start to have problems walking, getting up and down and having pain, you need to think about the dog's quality of life. When the dog starts to have more bad days than good ones, you may want to think about letting her go, before it gets too hard for her, and all her days are bad ones.

You'll know when the time is right. It's really painful, but remember that your dog is counting on you to do the right thing for her, when the time is right. I'm sorry for your dog's pain, I know it's tough. Take care, and good luck.

Answer 9

It is so sad when the day finaly arrives, You've given the dog a good life its better for the dog - but wait and work your self up to it then do it, It would be better to remember the dog at this stage than to walk out and find her in too much pain to greet you or even dead for that matter. Good luck take a deep breath and have a long think.I can plant myself in your shoes and I feel for you. I had a dog that had diabetes and she was suffering so we let her go to doggy heaven.:-[

Answer 10

Well, what did he say was wrong with her?That could be arthritis, disc disease, or even knee problems.Some of those things can be treated pretty effectively with anti inflammatories or something stronger.You may need to towel walk her outside and make sure she gets enough to eat and drink.I also think that running some geriatric labwork would be a really good idea.Just to make sure it's not her liver/kidneys.Good luck and keep your chin up!!You may need a new and more positive veterinarian too.:)