should i have my dog put to sleep?

Question

He is a 12 year old lab, he has a growth on his rearend that may be cancerous. The surgery will be at least $500. The reason I am not sure weather to go through with the surgery is that he is having difficulty going up and down stairs, he has a hard time getting up from lying down, he has lost almost all the hair on his tail, he has 2 small growths on his face and all he does is sleep. I mean literally he sleeps all the time. He only goes outside to go to the bathroom and then wants back in and goes back to sleep. I am just not sure I should invest that much money in him at this time of his life. This is a hard decision for me I love him and would miss him.

Answer 1

12 is really not that old for a lab. his hips might be arthiritic, or he might have hip displasia, all of this can be helped by homeopathic remedies or supplements. if he's got growths..... it depends, old dogs get all kinds of lumps and bumps, and only a vet can tell of they are cancerous. the hair on his tail being gone, can be from him scratching due to excema, or a dry skin, or even hormonal.
how is his eating habits. if he's eating strong, and of a healthy weight, then he is not suffering in that regard. if he is overweight, that could also make walking and climbing difficult for him. does he cough or wheeze, making it hard from him to breathe?
maybe switch him to a diet specifically for elderly dogs. it helps maintain their coats, joints and hearts.
he might be bored, thats why he is sleeping so much. maybe force him for a nice, brisk walk once a day. it will limber up his joints, and improve circulation to his organs and muscles. it will give him something to look forward too as well.
but after it all, you know him better than anyone else. if you feel in your heart that he is suffering, and that there is nothing you can do to improve his last years on earth, then it is your duty to end his suffering.
its just like when old people start deteriorating. its not nice to watch, but as soon as they discover a new interrest, they get a new zest for life.
i really must say that 12 is not all that old for a lab.

Answer 2

Yes you will really miss him. I have always been one to try and save a pet when you can but in your situation I almost think I would have him put to sleep. It sounds like he isn't doing to well anyway. With all his other problems I am actually a little surprised the vet hasn't suggested it as well. The money part I don't even consider period. That matters not. If he could live another few years by having the surgery then yes you should do it. It doesn't sound like that will happen. He has other growths too. He has mobility problems. I think the surgery will be very hard on him and he may not survive it. If he does his recovery will be slower I bet. Is it worth it to you to have him suffer through this surgery. I 'm quite sure I would not do the surgery and keep him until he is not happy with life anymore and then have him put to sleep. I wouldn't bother him with the pain and recovery of something that will likely not help him much and also probably will not prolong his life much at all and will cause him lots of pain.

Answer 3

Yes it is a hard decision, probably the hardest actually, so I'm sorry you have to go through it.

This question is best discussed with your vet, because they're the ones who can give you the right information to help you make your decision. They can tell you what the prognosis of surgery would be - will it dramatically improve the dog's quality of life? Or is he likely to be further debilitated by it? How does his age affect the prognosis?

The dog is certainly old and sounds like he does not have a good quality of life. Cancer is the toughest thing - get your vets honest opinion on whether s/he thinks surgery is really going to help.

Personally, from what you've said, I can't imagine having a growth removed is going to change your dog's quality of life, particularly if it is malignant as the liklihood is it will reappear, depending on the type of tumour of course.

Have a good long chat with your vet. Don't feel guilty if you do decide to have doggy put to sleep - 12 is a fine old age for a lab, and it does sound like he might be reaching his natural end.

Chalice

Answer 4

Does your vet say that his quality of life will improve after the surgery, or is it just to maintain what your dog has now? Maybe the surgery will really improve things for him. Has your vet expressed any concerns about how your dog will do under anesthesia due to his age? Some vets won't recommend surgery unless life-threatening after a certain age. I'd say to talk to your vet, but take what he or she says with a grain of salt. Sometimes we really have to ask ourselves if we are keeping the dog alive for them or for us. My springer spaniel is an old man, and he has chronic ear problems and allergies which I treat enough to keep him comfortable, but no more expensive allergy shots or anything. He has a small growth on his leg and limps a little from an old injury, but generally he's happy. It is my choice not to have that growth removed unless it becomes life-threatening or my vet can do it without general anesthesia. He sleeps a lot too, but he does spend time outside playing, sniffing, and laying in the sun. I know the day will come when I have to have him put down sometime, and it will be easier, because I know he's had a long, full life. In the back of my mind I've planned his going-away party, with a big t-bone on the grill for him (people food given only for his last meal :), something I DO NOT recommend in every day life), ice cubes in his bowl, and some squeaky balls to destroy. But for now, he's happy and content.

Answer 5

Have you mentioned all this to his vet? Have the growths on his face been checked to see what their status is, too? If the growth on his rear and the ones on his face are cancerous, it could have spread internally, too. The difficulty he's having moving might have to do with the growth on his rear, which means that once removed, his ability and willingness to move might improve. Has the vet discussed any of this at all with you? Ask him, if he hasn't. You need to know if an operation this expensive will make any difference at all in your dog's quality of life. Has the vet said anything at all about your dog's lethargy, whether it could be caused by cancer or something unrelated? If it's unrelated, you might be able to improve his disposition in other ways that your vet might be able to suggest. Ex. changing a pet's food can do wonders in their energy levels.
Your boy sounds miserable. If your vet has not discussed any of these things with you, I would take him to a different doctor for a second opinion, so he can get a complete check-up to get an idea whether his lethargy could be because of cancer or something else.
If, in the worse case scenario, it is cancer or something unrelated that is part of old age, I would honestly consider having him put to sleep, simply because the alternative -chemo, multiple operations, etc.-will probably extend his life only a few more months, and he won't necessarily be happy. Also, treatment for cancer in pets can get very, very expensive, and IMO, it's not worth it to extend their lives just to have them suffer a little bit longer because we can't let them go. :(
Again, you should discuss all of this with your vet, who knows your boy's health background the best and should be able to advise you without trying to empty your bank account. If your vet isn't answering your questions, get a second opinion-you need to have an idea of the pros and cons of each option for treating your dog so that you can make an informed decision.
I hope everything turns out okay and that he gets better soon, but if not, don't be afraid of letting him go. He's lived a long, happy life, and he's been loved. That's what's important.

Answer 6

I think you have answered your own question.

Does he have a quality of life that would warrent the surgery? How difficult would it be for him to recover from the surgery? What is the possibility of him having to have another surgery within the year (a friend of mine has a dog that had a growth the size of a softball removed less than a year ago and it has returned)? Are you still getting joy from having him or are you having some negative feelings (he just sleeps, he doesn't play, wees in the house, etc.)? Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our beloved pets is to put them down humanely.

I have two geriatric pets and I know the day is not far away for one of them. My mother had a 20 year old cat who was attacked by another cat causing some serious injuries. My mother refused to put her down for over 6 months after the attck. She was no longer able to groom herself became completely matted and was skin and bones. I was finally able to convince her to let her go. That cat had the best life ever. Just think about how good of a life you have given your boy and he was loved and loved you. It is a hard decision, but in most cases, it is the best and most humane choice you can make.

Answer 7

Absolutely have your beloved dog put to sleep. Smaller dogs can have a longer life span, but your lab is at the end of his. You gave him a wonderful life. You are doing this to spare your best friend of further suffering.

I am a serious dog lover and have three dogs myself. I know the agony of what you are going through. I wanted to answer this question right away, because you may get a lot of people answering back to "don't give up" and "try this and try that". There are many animal lovers who do not believe in putting animals down, so please don't let anyone guilt you into thinking you are considering a "bad" choice.

I put a 5 year old dog to sleep and she was the love of my life but had ongoing health issues. This was 3 years ago. What helped me through it was that I still had one other dog at the time. I also had someone close to me take me to the vet so I didn't have to drive there or back. Have someone with you that will hug you.

When my boys asked me if dogs go to heaven as some people will say only human souls will go to heaven, I answered yes. I am not a very religious person, and I know I have a lot of room for improvement in that area, but I do remember that I read in the Bible that "God will provide you with everything you need in Heaven". If you need your dog in Heaven, he will be there waiting for you when you get there. Isn't that wonderful to think you will see him again!

The choice is ultimately yours and you will probably know deep in your heart what is right.

Answer 8

I have a 14 YO Mastiff mutt (90 lbs). SHe has lumps and bumps all over her. My vet has told me that this is normal for large breed dogs and that unless they start growing very quickly, to just ignore them. She is also having a very hard time climbing up and down stairs (she often falls going up or down even a small flight), but as long as she doesn't seem to be in pain, I keep giving her her meds and watch her and love her.

Just because you can't see the value in spending $500 on your aged dog, does not mean you are a bad owner. Just watch the growth and make sure it doesn't get too big too fast. Make sure she is comfortable and as happy as can be and you are better than most.

Answer 9

I put my pet to sleep yesterday and I hate wondering myself.

My other lab was 12 when I had to make the same descision. Labs are prone to lumps and non cancerous growths. Has it been determined that this is cancer? If not, then a quick biospy may be in order. If your dog can manage without pain that can be controlled, you can possibly wait. Just don't let your pup get to the point that he is terribly uncomfortable.

Answer 10

We had a golden retreiver that went through the same situation we didn't want to put him down but one day growths and missing hair he had a stroke he was fighting to stay around for us but was paralyzed. We eventually had to put him down. Looking back now at pictures we didn't realize how bad he was cause loved him so much . My advice for you is you may want to put him down before pain or sickness goes anyfurther. He can't tell you that he is in pain but if you think he is there is a chance he is. I know its hard to let go but sometimes its to stop the suffering before it starts. :( good luck with whatever you decide.