Adopted from the SPCA. She had been shot and abused. The last 4 years she has been a perfect companion. We had her on all of the meds that are normal for dog. She got a cold. Then her abdomen enlarged. She started using the restroom in the house, she slept all the time and doesnt jump on the bed or couch anymore. The vet took an xray. Her heart is inlarged and has little fluid in her lungs. He wants to do expensive tests. We love her. she is 15 years old. We decided to put her down. We havent yet. We want to know if this is the right thing to do.
2007-09-25 18:56:08 · 13 answers · asked by MeShell 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm so sorry about the decision you're faced with. You know her far better than anyone else, and you can make the best judgement about whether or not she's getting much enjoyment out of life.
If she has congestive heart failure (which it sounds like she does), there are medications that can be used to help manage it, but ultimately it is a terminal condition. They're much more useful when started early in the disease course, but may help to improve her quality of life in the short term if you're not quite ready to say your goodbyes yet.
I think deciding to put her down is a reasonable decision to make. She's had a long life. You have rescued her from some bad times and I'm sure the last 4 years that she's spent with you have been happy ones. If you're not sure that it's the right decision, try to think it as a final gift to her. She's been a wonderful companion to you and letting her go without any suffering is a way of thanking her.
Take care now.
2007-09-25 20:29:00 · answer #1 · answered by Loz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your dog could have congestive heart failure or something like that. IT wouldn't be unusual at her age. I am not a Vet and can't take the place of a Vet exam, but it sounds strange to me that the Vet wants to do a bunch of tests at her age. I couldn't suggest to you what to do, but if I was in your shoes I'd come to the same decision. Your dog has had a very long life and survived a lot AND had four great years with you all!
I know how painful this is. Fortunately, when I faced the end of the road in treating my sick German Shepherd, I had a Vet who knew how attached I was and how hard it was to say "I think it is time for me to let her go". At that time there was no rally to say "Oh wait, here's all these surgeries or tests we can do". I think if you tell your Vet what you are thinking, the Vet will agree. If the Vet insists that you go ahead with the tests and in your gut you feel it's the wrong decision, get a second opinion from another Vet. This way you will have the support from a professional and won't second guess your decision.
I feel for you all and think you are great to have opened your home to this dog and to have given her the four best years of her life!
Here's a site with info on Congestive Heart Failure:
http://www.2ndchance.info/dogdilcardiomyopathy.htm
2007-09-26 02:34:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My heart goes out to you. I am going through a similar thing with a cat, I have had for 12 years. This is the first cat, I have ever had, I have always been a dog person. I still have dogs.
To your problem. Spend time with your dog, ask her to give you a sign. She honestly will.
You didn't;t mention her breed, but 15 years is a good long life for a dog. What does that make her about 105 years in dog life?
If you think she is in pain and her life is no longer of quality, love her as much as she has loved you ans DO stay with her and hold her and tell her you will see her in heaven. THERE IS A DOGGY HEAVEN.. Tell her Sly, Mark, Tiffany, and Star will all befriend her until she sees you again. They were all about her age when they entered doggy heaven..
Its tough it is not an easy day when you must make this call, however YOU ARE DOING WHAT IT BEST FOR YOUR CANINE FRIEND. Why subject her to a lot of test that may not be able to detect the real problem? Sometimes we have to just do what is necessary for our friends to rest easy. It is the right thing to do for them.
2007-09-26 02:17:06 · answer #3 · answered by Grace P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a decision only you can make. It sounds like you and your family has given her a great life, and that you have no reason to think she doesn't appreciate it. But if she's used to being on the furniture, and can't get up there any more, and she can't control her bodily functions, and you factor in the enlarged heart and fluids on the lungs, I think it may be time to let her go. You gave her the best 4 years of her life. She will be grateful that you care aobut her so much. Letting go is never easy. Good luck whatever you decide to do.
2007-09-26 02:27:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One human year is equal to 7 dog years so at 15 she's already about 105 yrs. old. So i think the best thing for you to do (if in pain) is to put her to sleep. Even if you could do those tests its not an assurance that you'll lengthen her life. If not in pain then wait up to the end and enjoy the last remaining moments of her life. Give her a big hug. That's what ill do.
2007-09-26 02:40:47 · answer #5 · answered by duh?? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AS you may now, 15 years for a dog is a relatively long time for one to live. And because your dog has a extensive injury (maybe causing her discomfort) you may want to consider putting her down. If it is for money reasons, then find some other way of getting these scans.
2007-09-26 02:12:29 · answer #6 · answered by Andrew T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're faced with a very difficult decision. I've opted for expensive tests when given the choice. You'll have to weigh the decision for yourself. Fifteen is a good old age for a dog, and as difficult at it is, it may be time to say goodbye. I know that if she were my dog, and there was anything I could do to save her, I know I would do it (and I have). I wish you comfort in your decision.
2007-09-26 02:06:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is what you have to decide. is it worth trying still? Do you think that is best in the situation? Or is it ONLY for the money situation? There is medical insurance now that you can get for pets..not sure how to find it..but I believe its based on what you can afford to pay. Maybe worth looking into
2007-09-26 02:06:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, Ky...you are a jerk!! Yes, it is time to let her go, unfortunately. She has lived a long life and it is only fair to put her to sleep so that she doesn't suffer any more. Your pain will be real at the loss of your beloved companion, but her pain will be gone. You owe it to her to love her enough to let her go. Please don't feel guilty in doing so. My sympathies go out to you...Joy
2007-09-26 02:06:32 · answer #9 · answered by jynoll 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Best thing to do is talk with your vet about putting her down. Only you will know when it is time, if she still has quality of life left in her then no but if not ......just talk to your vet,
2007-09-26 02:07:45 · answer #10 · answered by Buster 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋