Riddled with cancer but still eating & walking-should I put her down?

Question

I have a 14 year old Border Collie, Millie, whom I love very much. She is riddled with cancer but seems happy enough although last night she had a convulsion for the first time. Has the cancer spread to her brain? I think the time is close for putting her down but every morning she waits by the gate to go for her little walk, then comes home for a quick swim and always eats all her dinner. She is on pain relief and sashas blend. Do I wait until she has no quality of life ie/ stops wanting to walk or eat, to put her down???? She is in some pain.Please help me decide......

Answer 1

If her daily routine is still somewhat the same, and her pain can be controlled, let her live until she lets you know that it is time. And she WILL let you know when it is time to let her go. Either her body will fail her, or she will give up and begin to stop doing the things that she used to love, and this is different than a dog not being physically able to do what they love. I had a three year old Australian Cattle dog who got cancer on her throat, it was terminal, and although I was able to keep her comfortable for a while, she let me know when it was time for her to go. It is a very difficult decision, but if she can be comfortable, and if she still wants to go for her walks, ext. let her enjoy doing those things for a little while longer.

Answer 2

I have border collies too. This is such a personal decision. I know people who feel strongly about just making their dogs as comfortable as possible and accepting death as a natural process, but I don't feel able to do that.

Even though Millie has had a seizure you may still have some quality time with her. You will have to decide with her. I think if she's still got some spark in her eyes and is wanting to participate in life then you still have some time with her. Once she stops, I believe that the kindest thing is to help her end it.

I attached a link on dealing with seizures in a dog. And yes, the cancer probably has started putting pressure on her brain causing the seizures.

Answer 3

Thats a hard one. If shes in alot of pain you might want to. Also, you might be putting off the obvious, and making it worse the more you wait. BUT, if shes not in alot of pain and you need a little more time to say goodbye and prepare youself (like you really can), I'd say maybe a little longer. But don't wait long hun cause your hurting yourself and the dog in the long run. I know it's hard. I'm really sry for you and your dog. Best of Luck.

Rainbow Bridge


Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow
Bridge. When an animal dies that has been
especially close to someone here, that pet goes to
Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special
friends so that they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food and water and
sunshine, and our friends there are warm and
comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and
old are restored to perfect health and vigor;
those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and
strong again just as we remember them in our dreams of
years and times gone by. The animals are
happy and content, except for one small thing
- they miss someone very special to them, who had
to stay behind when the beloved pet went away.


They all run and play together, but the day comes when
one suddenly stops and looks up -- the bright eyes are
intent, the body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group,
his body flying over the green grass, his legs hurrying
faster and faster. You have been spotted, when you
and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in
joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The sweet
loving kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress
the beloved head, and you look once more into the
trusting eyes of your dear pet, so long gone from your life,
but never absent from your heart.

Answer 4

No one can really answer this question for you. Ultimately, it's on your shoulders, but I have a suggestion. While she is still feeling able to do the things she loves, maybe you could take a day and just devote it to her and let her enjoy all those things she loves so much. Give her a very special day and then in a few days or a week or however long it is before you know it's time, you take her into your vet's office knowing you both shared a special bond for many wonderful years and remember that day as a loving goodbye to your special companion. It will still be terribly hard to do, but I think it will help ease the pain to have that day to look back on.

Answer 5

I had an Australian Shepherd female that was 12 years old with mammary cancer. I waited until she no longer had a quality life and stopped eating. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do because she grew up with two of my human kids, but I knew it was time. You will too. You will grieve, but remember all the good times. My thoughts are with you.

Answer 6

First, I'm sorry to hear you're having to make this decision, it's never easy.

I would suggest that as soon as you see her quality of life going down, that would be the time to say good-bye.

You don't want to hold onto her and have her suffer just because you are having a hard time letting go.

Our lab had been deteriorating for a few months, then we woke up to him having had a stroke overnight. As much as it hurt we knew the time had come.

Good luck with your decision.

Answer 7

You will know when it is time to put her down. Last March we had to put our 11yr old Dalmatian down due to the same issues. She was a deaf Dalmatian that we rescued at 3months and was one of the sweetest dogs. The last month of her life, the cancer hemhorraged her eyes, blinding her. Even though she was deaf and now blind, she would still find me in the house to be closer to me. It was so hard because I loved her so much. I hope now she is pain free and in peace. Good luck...I know the road ahead will be a hard one for you.

Answer 8

Only you and your dog can make this decision. Look into her eyes. Is there still a spark? It sounds like with close consultation with your vet you can manage her pain. Most cases like this always refer to as long as the dog can eat, drink, go potty (and it sounds like she still can) then she still maintains a good quality of life. It is very encouraging that you admit 'the time is close'. I feel you will make the right decision when you know it is time. Good luck to you! I have been there...

Answer 9

I had a Boston Terrier that at age 13 was dignosed with a tumer in her mouth, It was visible but did not seem to bother her or affect her eating..
The vet told us to take her home & say good bye & have her put down in the next week or so...
I made at least 4-5 appt's. to put her down & ended up canceling every one..
I just couldnt do it..
She was still herself & seemed happy & not loosing weight..
I kept her on small amount's of pain med's & off & on antibiotics for another year & she passed quitley in her sleep in bed beside me..
and she had her normal usual quality of life up to the end..
I'm not saying every situation is like this but I just knew I would know when it was her time & I still feel she ws happy to the end..
I just believe no one know's you'r dog like you do & when the time come's you'll know & have no doubt's..
Sorry for you'r situation, I still rember exactly how I felt :(
Best Of Luck

Answer 10

Sounds to me that her quality of life is still good and she is enjoying life. If she were my dog I couldn't do it now. True time may be nearing,but believe me when it IS the right time you will know. There will not be that question in your mind at all!!!! I am so sorry for your pending loss and I know exactly how you must be feeling. That question ran around in my mind for a long time.