My old dog is sick...?

Question

About 5 years ago we adopted this lively old dog.
Now he is 15 - 16, and he has a very itchy bottom / tail. There's a good chance that a growth that he came with on his tail has grown into a large tumor- it suddenly (littlerally over just a couple of days) and we're going to take him into the vet. However we are worried because he is so old, and we really don't have the money for surgery or things like that.
Over the years he has also had one eye removed- and the eye that he does have is almost blind. He is also almost deaf.
I cannot believe what kind of world he lives in. He does not enjoy walks anymore, playing- he will stand and whine because he gets lost just 2 feet from his bed. I'm not sure what to do.
Is he miserable? What should we do? Thank you for all answers.

He has a good appetite.

Answer 1

It sounds like you have given this dog a good home. I know he has never forgotten what a wonderful thing you did for him to adopt him as an older dog.
See what the vet says. Blind dogs usually navigate around a familiar home so maybe some other reason for the whining. I'd take him to the vet and see what he says. Sounds like he has pain? That can be relieved.
One great thing about being a dog with a loving owner. You don't have to go thru years of suffering before passing on to a better place like people sometimes do.
You will know what is best for your dog and when to let him pass on.

Answer 2

I have an 11 yr old myself, so I totally get where you are coming from. Would I let my vet operate? Absolutely. But I also am allowed to be just outside the OR. My vet and I know each other well. I also used to be a tech, so she knows I will not respond poorly to any aspect of a procedure. Having said that, I know that your vet might not be able to allow you to stand by. If the vet gives you a 50/50 outcome (dying/pulling through) I'd say go for it. Those are pretty good odds. Does your vet recommend exploratory? I can't imagine a ve that would on such an older dog. If the chances of pulling through fine are low, I would say to euthanize and hold him while he goes. It may be the hardest solution, but it is the most respectful and you will feel MUCH better knowing you were there to share that last moment with him. You just don't want to see him suffer any more than he has to. He's probably already in pain and confused. I think the worst part about a dog dying naturally is their confusion about what is going on. I know when it comes time for my girl to go, I will be there holding her, looking into her eyes and probably falling apart. But I will be there. She's been there for me. Its only fair to be there for her when she needs me. This is NOT an easy decision. I really feel for you and your best friend. Talk this over with your vet. Find out the probability of things going well vs not going well. Make an informed decision. But most of all, go with your heart.

Answer 3

We had a dog that was 13 years old that had cancer. I was not ready to put him down. He still was able to get around and he ate alot and always loved to get table scraps. he always wanted attention. So, I asked the vet since he was old and had cancer should i put him down or would that be selfish of me. She told me no. AND same as you, I could not pay for the expenses of his vet bills. And having surgery was not a guarantee if he would survive his cancer or keep him around a while longer. I decided to just by meds she prescribe to suppress the pain. I was not ready to let him go. She did say i would know the signs when it is time. Signs were, urinating on himself, loss of appetite and he no longer can get around. In my heart it hurt me to think of putting him down, 7 months later, those signs appeared and I took him back to the vet . Once again i asked her, is it time? she said yes. This was the most hardest thing to do. But, i know he is not suffering anymore. With all that said, I think you should take him to the vet and explain the situation and ask her should you hang on for a little while more or is it time. Dogs usually don't whine unless they are uncomfortable or are in pain. Talk to your vet.

Answer 4

Give him lots of treats and give him lot of love for right now. I am sure the vet can help you make the right decision. Whatever you choose will be the right one. It is a tough choice no matter what, but it sounds like he has been very happy for 5 years. I think that it is wonderful that you adopted an older dog. Please take care.

Answer 5

Sounds like his discomfort is bad enough to warrant putting him down. He's lived a long life but now life is difficult for him. I would recommend a final trip to the vet. I'm sorry.

Answer 6

I think consulting your vet is best. They will assess his condition and give you recommendations. At his age they may not even suggest surgery if he is in failing health. I'm sorry to say this but it may be more humane to put him down if he is suffering as it sounds like he is. That will be extremely hard to do but he would no longer be in pain. Best of luck to you! I've been there.

Answer 7

I truly think it's time just to let him go.
Here is a poem that might help.


PUT ME TO REST

Time to let me go my friend,
Because my life no-one can mend,
Its better to let me go this way,
Than watch me suffer night and day.

I'm happy to go, my time has come,
My quality of life is no longer fun,
Ive been so ill, so its not a bad thing,
To let me go forever resting.

Stay with me till I drift away,
Fast asleep forever I pray,
To relieve me from suffering and pain,
What more can I ask from my best friend.

Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain,
Never to be ill ever again,
I know you'll miss me being there,
But all the memories you have to share.

Thankyou for being my best friend,
And all my needs that you did tend,
Try not to be sad, try not to cry,
Now's the time to say GOODBYE PUT ME TO REST

Answer 8

If your dog is miserable and has no interest in life the answer hard as it may be would be to help him cross to the Rainbow Bridge. He won't have to suffer any longer.
Hugs:))))))))))))))

Answer 9

very difficult i think id have to put him down if he werent happy sounds horrible but really if things are good for him send him to sleep id always reccommend pet insurance because like you say it happened within a couple of days

Answer 10

sorry i dont have an answer for you..reading you question is making me cry