My five-year-old German Shepherd, a magnificent dog that barely two weeks ago was chasing rabbits through the brambles with reckless abandon, is about to be put to sleep with an insidious disease called Degenerative Myelopathy. A couple of days ago he awoke unable to walk. He stumbled, dragged his knuckles, and suffered the ignominy of being unable to relieve himself without help. The progression of the disease was frighteningly rapid; which may be a blessing for the dog, but makes the sadness in this house palpable.
To others suffering similar tragedies, I may not know you, cannot hold you, but just know that there are others who share your despair.
2007-12-18 03:05:22 · 10 answers · asked by Dr.T 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
So sorry to hear about your boy.
I lost a Great Dane to Degenerative Myelopathy many years ago. She was 6 years old. One morning she was fine, that night she tripped in a small hole one of the other dogs had dug and collapsed. She was gone within 48 hours, a 100 lb. dog who could no longer walk or relieve herself on her own.
Very shocking, very upsetting. But at least, like your dog, the progression didn't erode at her quality of life. I almost think it would be better to lose a dog this way, than to cancer or some other slow destroyer.
Again, I'm very sorry.
2007-12-18 03:20:04 · answer #1 · answered by Loki Wolfchild 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry for what you are going through. It is extremely hard to put your dog to sleep. I know in our family, our dogs are considered to be a family member. Our 10 year old chow lab mix was healthy and fine until one day I noticed that she hadn't moved at all from her sleeping spot. She couldn't get up at all. My father had to carry her to the car and take her to the emergency vets where they did the best that they could. That was on a Friday and by Sunday we found out that she had bone cancer and we decided that we couldn't let her suffer anymore. She was her normal self the day before and playing with my pit bull. That was 2 years ago in November and we still miss her.
2007-12-18 12:17:54 · answer #2 · answered by TNiswheremy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I too share the feelings you have, we saved ours from post surgery paralisis by a non medical masage treatment. But she left us on the second day of an overseas trip we had to take. There was a kind friend who stayed in our house just to look after her( Teesal-our dog). She must have been terribly upset and shocked to see new people in the house. An unforgetable animal friend, she was was part of the household. Never liked the word bye, bye. Left us when we were not at home. I can feel your sorrow.
2007-12-18 11:17:30 · answer #3 · answered by wisma29 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
OMG. that is sad. Sadder than the aweful christmas song I heard this morning about some kid buying shoes for his ailing mom.
My husband had to put his parents cats to sleep. We took in a young cat that was pregnant and died while we were away one night in labor. It sucked. I freaked out and hubby had to go bury her at his granmas house.
I'm so sorry that you have to go through this, especially close to the holidays. I think in time it will get better.
2007-12-18 11:12:13 · answer #4 · answered by slgraff✪✪ 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So sorry for your loss. I know how much these members of our families mean. I had a black lab many years ago that had something similar, a puppy only months old, we had to put down.
Unfortunately, I think all the inbreeding that has been done with some breeds has attributed to many diseases that are being experienced now.
2007-12-18 11:10:17 · answer #5 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Sorry to hear about your situation, its tough when you lose an animal that you love and care for. I hope that he/she didnt suffer too much... Good luck...
2007-12-18 11:08:47 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
that sounds like what happened to my 10 year old dog,Ginger.i miss her so much,we had to put her to sleep as well.just know you're not alone.
2007-12-18 11:08:30 · answer #7 · answered by darth_mango9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to hear this. We all feel for you, and know how this hurts.
I know it can't really help, bu I'm sending warm thoughts your way.
2007-12-18 11:12:12 · answer #8 · answered by Laceyd5 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of this, but I'm really sorry. Best wishes for you guys.
2007-12-18 11:09:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I dont know what i would do about that, it sounds very sad. try not to get frustrated and kill it like my family would
2007-12-18 11:08:43 · answer #10 · answered by sam l 1 · 0⤊ 5⤋