I think my dog is dying . .EDITED: The medicine is working!

[kaguilbeau]

Just because y'all are a worldly group of people, I figured someone here would have experienced this.

I've only lost a pet due to being hit by a car. Actually have lost 3 dogs that way. Now our Black Lab of 13 years has slowed down tremendously. About a month ago, I noticed that she can barely get up on the couch and hangs her head real low to the ground (as if her equilibrium might be off). The last couple of days she has stopped eating. I know she's getting old - so it wouldn't surprise me if she died, but I feel like I should 'do something'. Am I supposed to run her to the vet? I thought if the vet could just check her out and confirm that - - I don't know what - - she's dying of old age? DH doesn't want to spend alot on vet bills.

It seems inhuman to let her starve herself to death. DH has talked of buying soft dog food thinking she would eat that.

I guess I'm just looking for some feedback from some of you that might have experience with this.

Thanks - Kim

 

[g8trmom1]

I'm so sad to hear this. I've had alot of dogs. It sounds like maybe she may have cancer? I would take her to the vet, sometimes the vet can feel a mass and determine without running a bunch of tests. I'd hate for her to be suffering, kwim? At first I thought arthritis, but if she's not eating, I don't know. Take her to the vet. Poor baby.

 

[loveDmouse]

PLEASE take your dog to the vet as soon as possible and let the experts figure out what is going on. There are lots of things other than just old age that could be going on. I am sure you don't want her to be suffering.

Hope she is ok.

 

[Whipperwhirl]

I would take your dog to the Vet - just make it clear you are not looking for extreme measures - you want to confim that there is nothing minimal you could be doing to prevent the animal from suffering. And good luck - I hope everything is Ok - Whp

 

[2goofycampers]

I agree take her to the Vet, if you absolutely can't afford it I would call your local shelter to see if they could help with quickly and humanely helping her fall to sleep.

 

[big kahuna1]

We have had 3 pets live out their lives with us. 2 Yorkies, one lived to 16 and we put her to sleep due to a heart attack that just left her with no quality of life. Her replacement, another Yorkie, had that liver shunt crap and they wanted over $5,000 to operate and try and fix it. We just did not have that kind of money back then and she died that night sleeping next to us. She was 8 years old. Her Replacement, another Yorkie, is now 9 years old and is healthy and a little 4 1/2 pound booger. The third was a Golden Retriever. He lived to be age twelve and then became anemic. We tried 2 blood transfusions that only worked temporarily. One of the hardest decisions to make is to put an otherwise healthy pet down but I had to make that decision. I stayed with him while he peacefully went to sleep. We cremated all three pets and have them in decorative wooden type urns.

I guess what I am saying is that we personally would do what we could within reason with our pets. If I was in your situation I would take him/her to the Vet to get an opinion. It could be something simple but if you wait too long it becomes major and then too late.

I hope everything turns out well.

 

[kaguilbeau]

Thanks - I'll call today!

I didn't have any experience with older pets. Once we took this lab in to the vet because she had a cut that needed stitches. The doctor commented that she looked old and worn down and didn't know if we wanted to spend the money to fix her. I guess by the vet making that comment, it made me second guess the efforts to save her. Poor baby.

Thanks again for the words from the experienced!

 

[Just Beachy]

I know the Vet can be a very expensive place. I know it all too well, unfortunately. I would definitely take your dog in and let them have a look. In my experience, when animals stop eating, you need to see the Vet. You never know, it could be something simple.

 

[Cindy F]

I teared up when I read your post....I'm such a wimp

I hope the vet finds something easy to fix and your pup will be on the mend soon, if it's something more serious-I hope it is quick and painless.

 

[3gr8kids]

Having been a veterinary technician, I would recommend bringing her to the vet. If she was just "slowing down" due to her age, that would be one thing, but as soon as an animal stops eating, it's time for a vet visit. (A good rule of thumb - if the animal stops eating their "regular" food, it could be something simple such as gastrointestinal upset (stomach ache). If that's the case, you can try feeding her a bland diet of something like plain white boiled rice or (human) baby food, in small amounts until her stomach feels better. (Making sure she is still drinking water). But if she stops eating "treats" or won't eat something they usually do not eat (hot dogs, chicken, etc.), it's time for a visit with the vet.)

One thing you didn't mention, and I'd be curious, is she still drinking water?? How frequently is she needing to "go out"?

In any event, good luck with whatever decision you need to make. It is certainly one of the hardest things we have to do as pet owners, but the most important thing to take into account is her quality of life.

Keep us posted.

 

[Brer Bear]

I recently buried a rat terrier mix that had had good quality of life for 14 1/2 of his 15 years. I had him on furosemide and enalapril for congestive heart failure the last six months of this life. I really wish that I had let the Vet put him down several months before he died, but I just couldn't bring myself to take him on that "last ride".

Our 13 year old Lab is exhibiting all the signs of Cushings disease (weight loss, excessive thirst) and I'm faced with the same problem all over again.

I really, really sympathize with you.

 

[Disney Ron]

9 weeks ago we had to put down our 14 yo Golden. He stopped eating even his snacks, was losing weight and was losing strength in his hind legs. As hard as it was to do we didn't want to see him suffer, but we miss him dearly everyday.

 

[2goofycampers]

I can't read this thread without blubbering. To you all.

 

[3gr8kids]

A Pet's Last Request

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, this I know,
Don't let your grief be allowed to grow,
For on this day, more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stands the test.

We had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
Would you want me to suffer so?
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they tend,
and stay with me until the end,
And hug me tight and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see,
It is a kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail it's last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve that it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

 

[Mmketeer]

I can understand your struggle, but I would take my pet to the vet.

Putting a pet down is a really tough decision and I have to admit I have not been brave enough to make the decision myself. I pray that this is not what your vet visit will come too. Be positive, it could just be your dog needs some medical attention.

My last two BT's died without me putting them down. I just can't do it and bless my vet's heart, he'll get to go through this horrible time with me again (hopefully in a few years from now as my 4 legged kids are turning 7 on Sunday). We always told our vet we don't want our pets in any pain, yet we have a really hard time letting go. The first BT we had died of pancratic cancer and that one we should have put down as she was in alot of pain in the end. We had rushed her to the vet that last day and left her their sobbing when the vet called and she had a heart attack and they had to let her go....
My second BT lived to be 16 years old, my vet said he was the oldest BT his ever had. This one was much easier as he got pretty bad one night and by 7am that morning, he had a heart attack and died in our arms on our bed. It was very sad, but he was with us and he knew we loved him.

Personally as you can see I would do anything to keep my kids with me for as long as I can. If it means going to the vet once a week to get a injections, special food whatever I would do it. Just becuase I am not strong enough to let go. I sometimes wish I could be more like the folks that can say good-bye and let their pet go. But, I am not and my poor vet of 18 years will just have to continue to put up with us or retire one.

Why is it dogs only live for a short amount of time? It's so unfair!!!

I'll say a prayer for you and your pet.

 

[Cindy F]

A Pet's Last Request

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, this I know,
Don't let your grief be allowed to grow,
For on this day, more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stands the test.

We had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
Would you want me to suffer so?
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they tend,
and stay with me until the end,
And hug me tight and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see,
It is a kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail it's last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve that it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

 

[kaguilbeau]

3gr8kids - I'm sure the poem is sweet and special. I'll have to read it later as I'm still at work now. It'll make my cry.

Just wanted to report that I did take our lab to the vet this afternoon. She has a tumor/growth/something hard the size of an egg around her jawline/mouth area. (I didn't want to touch it - but that was the general area). They injected a needle to test the cells - some looked 'suspicious' - but she said that it could mean some are cancerous or just an infection. (Please bare with me - as I have a hard time obsorbing all this technical stuff). Basically, we decided to put her on a round of antibiotics to see if she picked up her strength some and the swelling went down. If it seemed to work, we'd do another round. If it didn't help - then they could do more testing - but I'm not sure how far we want to go.

I had noticed severe drooling on the side where this tumor was - vet said it could have blocked the saliva glands. She also suggested soft foods. (Thanks for the suggestions about rice and baby food.)

I just didn't feel educated about what one is supposed to do when a pet gets down like that. After a week - we'll reassess things.

Speaking of the poem, I liked to have cried my eyes out when I read the story on Natasha's website. Come on, y'all know the Ft Wilderness poster I'm talking about! The unconditional love that a pet can give is amazing. If you haven't read this, and you've had a pet for a long time(through marriage and kids) I suggest you find it and read it. But get a tissue handy.

Anyway - thanks again for the thoughts and suggestions. I've appreciated learning and knowing that I can handle this. I'll let y'all know what happens.

Kim

 

[Just Beachy]

Many of us have been through this. I'm glad you took her to the Vet. I hope the antibiotics work and your baby gets better! We're here for you. Please let us know how she is doing...

 

[des1954]

Kim- I hope all comes back normal for your baby & that it is as simple as an infected salivary gland.

As much as we would like to keep our beloved pets with us forever, there is no escaping the inevitable. <sigh>

I just said a prayer for your pup & family.

Best wishes.

 

[Disney Ron]

Kim, here's to a full recovery and many more wonderful years.