So, how do we live with a very ill dog? He is currently on a drip, does not eat, and needs constant supervision. Do I stop my job? Are there dog sitters available? It would be rather difficult to transport him, daily to a sitter...Oh dear...
We brought his home, from the vet hospital, as I could not bear to see him so sad. He is definitely more comfortable and loved here, but...
Does anyone have experience with this situation?
Vets simply do not advocate putting animals down if they can see any chance of a positive outcome.
My own very much loved dog died of kidney failure a couple of years ago, so I can totally understand how you must be feeling. One of the reasons I chose his breed of dog was because they normally have a very long life-span ( some 14 years ) but my dog died after only 7 years.
That last trip to the vet, and staying with my dog to the end, was very hard but, although I still think of my dog and miss him every single day, I am comforted by knowing he didn't suffer longer than was absolutely necessary.
Believe in your vet, they're good people and, if there is any chance of a good quality of life for your dog, your vet will do his utmost to save his life.
It sounds like your dog's condition is definitely terminal given that your vet recommended euthanasia. Please consider the fact that in this case the outcome is certain and you can affect only two things: the timing (by deciding when to allow the vet to intervene) and also the amount of distress and/or pain your dog must endure (since you make the decision of whether/when to allow the intervention) . Your sweet doggie cannot articulate his distress or pain. Maintaining a drip and needing constant supervision is, like ceppych said, no way to live.
Thoughts and hugs to you and yours, two- and four- footed.
My heart goes out to you. I have been in a similar situation two years ago. My young dog (1 1/2) was diagnosed with bone cancer. The vet sad that I could attempt chemo therapy, but that would only give Snoopy some additional eight or ten months. I knew very quickly that I was not going to do this neither to my dog nor to me, but I still did not know when the right time for euthanasia would be. The vet said, that most pet owners in retrospective feel that they have waited too long. I took this piece of advice and Snoopy (happily) lived some more weeks with the aid of pain medication.
One morning, I drove to the park for a walk, got her out of the car and saw her limping. She was in pain, before we even started our walk. I called my husband and told him that he needed to make an appointment at the vet and come home.
Believe me, that this was the hardest decision I ever had to make. And still now, more than years later, as I am typing this, tears run down my face, but I never regretted to have let Snoopy go that day.
Allowing a severly ill pet who suffers die, wether you are ready or not, is the biggest act of love you can do.
I send you a big hug and wish you that you can take the decision that is right for your dog, you and your family.
I know your dog is very young and this makes it that much harder.
It's a difficult decision but one that has to be made given your dog's situation.
My heart goes out to you.
If the dog is that sick, then listen to your vet and put the interests of you dog and your care of him into easing his passing, don't prolong his suffering. I would guess that he's already in pain and ditresss, so the best way to show your love for him now is to say goodbye and let him have peace. Not easy I know, but it is for the best... have strength and remember him how he was.
Look into your beloved pet's eyes - your answer will be there.
Sending you lots of hugs xxx
Susan, you have my heartfelt empathy. I've been in your shoes in the past, and am currently standing in them now with my Haifisch.
When struggling with a decision over euthanasia, the question is not 'Am I ready?' but rather, 'Is my dog ready?"
Only you can decide when enough is enough. Only the owner, who loves the dog, who knows the dog intimately, who lives with the dog 24/7, can be an accurate judge of quality of life. No outsider can possibly make that judgement.
Yes, we can all share our own opinions and experiences - but as quality of life can only be assessed individually our stories should only be taken as background information, to give you some perspective.
I've said this in several other threads - but even among my own dogs decisions on how far to go or when to call it a day have been radically different. It has all depended on the character of the individual, the prognosis, the dog's 'will to live', his ability to adjust to and enjoy his world post-diagnosis/treatment - and on my ability to provide the care needed. No two times have been alike, even when facing the same diagnosis.
I know that does not sound very helpful... but that's the reality of the situation. One thing has been consistent every time I have been in this situation: my dog has told me if he/she wants to continue, or not. This is my guiding light - the look in his/her eyes tells me what to do.
That said...
I have recently made the decision to go far, far, further with my 17 year old Haifisch than I have ever gone with any of my other dogs, further than I had ever though I would - or could. Why?
Because when the crisis came, he made it crystal clear that his time was not yet up. I opted for a radical treatment that is still only palliative - because that was the best - for Haifisch - of the options available to us. This is a dog with an incredible will to live - and so as long as he wishes to live, I will do all that is sensible to support him.
I can honestly say, however, that it is unlikely that I would have made this decision with some of my other dogs - simply because they were of a different character. We do what is right for the individual.
I know that I made the right decision for Haifisch, he is happy, still as full of beans as ever, he has adjusted very well to his new world. But I'm under no illusions; he is living on borrowed time.
Haifisch will head off to canine Valhalla when he is ready - but not before. Until that day I will do all I can to support him as long as he continues to enjoy life. When the sad day comes that he shows me he is ready to go, I will help him on his way. We have no idea what the future will bring, we are looking no farther ahead than tomorrow. Each day is a gift.
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Yes, this decision has meant that I must adjust my routine. So be it. I have been fortunate in that the wonderful lady who used to sit for us, who has known the dogs for years, has agreed to come out of retirement to help me during this time. I do not feel that I can ask anyone, even this sainted lady, to take over Haifisch's primary care - but she is helping me with the other dogs, making sure that they get the attention they deserve while I am caring for Haifisch. Obviously all unnecessary travel has been cancelled. (I'm also juggling eldercare concerns with family in the US - so my husband has stepped up to the plate to help as well; we have a contingency plan should I need to fly home unexpectedly.)
My sitter is comfortable caring for Haifisch for short periods if I need to run errands, but I've cancelled all entertainment-type outings.
This hasn't been much of a problem, as my life pretty much centers around the dogs as it is; the extra care Haifisch needs now isn't much of a stretch for me.
But I should add that I know this will not go on long. Anything is do-able in the short term. But had I not felt that I could devote the time needed to his care, I likely would have made a different decision for Haifisch - because it would not have been fair to him otherwise .
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If you and your dog together decide that continuing on is the right thing, I hope that you can find a sitter to help you. Or if not a sitter, perhaps someone to help with other tasks around the house. Do be aware, though, that a sitter who is able to provide back-up care for an ill dog will likely be expensive.
ETA:
If you decided that continuing on is right for your pet, and if you need help, have you seen this post?
http://www.englishforum.ch/pet-tradi...et-sitter.html
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Are you comfortable with the diagnosis and treatment? Would a second opinion be of any value to you? If so, I am so very pleased with the care we have had at the Spezialistenklinik and the Animal Oncology and Imaging Center - they have coordinated with our private vet, given me all the support I need to help me make decisions, they have been available to me any time I need help or information. They are very customer focused - and they keep the best interest of the animal front and center at all times. They will only go as far as is right for your pet, the animal's quality of life is always the first consideration. They are in Hünenberg ZG, about half an hour from you.
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Please focus first on what is right for your dog. Should you decide that carrying on is right, I'd be happy to share tips to make your routine easier. But if you decide that euthanasia is the right thing for your friend, know that everyone here will support you.
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I know only too well the heartbreak you are going through. Whatever decision you make, rest assured it will be the right one for your dog - because decisions made out of love always are.
I sincerely feel for you at this time. Sending you sympathetic cyber hugs - and wishing you strength as you make these decisions.
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-lo...-care-faq.aspx
Wishing you and your doglet all the best.
Your words bring tears to my eyes and warmth in my heart. Thank you.
Indeed, the question is what is best for Porthos. He is most definitely the important one. Unfortunately, his acute illness came on, while I was in England and he was put into the pet-spital. Since my return, we have visited him, twice daily, and could see he was getting weaker. Worse of all, he looked very depressed, with huge droopy eyes.
The decision to bring him home, over the weekend, was for him. Once home, his expression changed dramatically, and his eyes returned to the sweet Porthos we have known. He has been showered with love and attention, gingerly moved from garden to living room, whilst maintaining his IV.
The decision for euthanasia certainly raises many questions and is a process for the family, as it is our first time. However, we would never let him suffer. We only struggle to know the timing. Currently, he is quite peaceful, sleeps and breathes calmly, but does not eat, nor drink. His end is near.
Thank you for all your kind words and encouragement. Clearly, you have loved, or do love, your pets, as do we, like members of the family. What a gift they are, even if we must grapple with such difficult moments. xx
Meloncollie, this is an excellent site. Thank you so much.
There was a great post published here a few months ago but I can't find it. It was something to do with how awesome dogs are and it might be nice for you to read and remember the good times - does anyone else remember this post??
As soon as we had him home, (with his IV), his expression changed completely. Although he could not lift his head, or stand, his eyes made contact and they were no longer droopy. We spent a very intense weekend, loving on him, and thinking about the decision at hand. During the night, on Saturday, ...somehow.... he moved off his bed, and came to sleep, next to our bed, next to me. (with IV)..
On Sunday, I chatted with a wonderful Vet via www.justanswer.com who made us think of more questions. For this reason, we decided to go directly to the University Tierspital in Zurich, to Notfall, on Monday morning. They were very professional, and even came to the car, with a gurney. Believe me, I had a HUGE lump in my throat, as they wheeled him into the emergency room. After a detailed medical history was taken, and initial examination made, he stayed the day for future tests. By 4pm, Dr. Baumstark phoned with the news of acute Renal dysfunction. At that point, she suggested dyalysis in BERN Tierspital...I needed to speak to my husband...
THen, at 5pm, she spoke to my husband and said the new antibiotics had suddenly started to work, and Porthos was walking around!! She asked to keep him, over night...
So, as you can imagine, I am an emotional wreck...thanks for your support. It is honestly very sweet. Tomorrow, I shall be cleaning teeth, and waiting for the phone call...
Just a dog...touching...
You are in good hands at the Tierspital.