'How do you know when it's time?'

BadGRRL from the pound (Contact Member) -

I have a Shepherd who is coming up on 12. For a Schutzhund that's better than average and. However, he is developing problems with his back legs, among other things, and today he had an episode where I could see the muscles spasming, it was painful to watch and he was crying and whining and his whole body was shaking. there was not much I could do. I did give him an aspirin and I heated my rice bag and laid it over the spasming muscles, but it took 20 minutes before he stopped crying. His appetite has decreased and he has lost 20 pounds over the last 6 months zlthough he still drinks as much water as he did before. I am thinking that he will not be with us much longer. I do not want him to suffer and I wonder how you know when it's time to take him to the vet and have him evaluated for possible euthenasia. Can vets tell when an animal is no longer enjoying a reasonable quality of life?

Comment #1 Robert (132.239.142.130) -

I have a Great Dane/Boxer/Rhodesian Rhidgeback mix named Mutly.

He is 16 years old wich is twice the usual life span for his breeds. He tore an ACL and has responded well to a Pharm Grade Glucosamine Supplement (Synflex) in the past, but now that his knee if frozen he just holds it up and uses the other hind leg.

That leg is now starting to go the way of the former. His mobility is fading away daily. I know it's just a matter of days or weeks at most until he will no longer be able to function as far as bowel and urination or eating or drinking.

I adopted him at 6 months of age, 15 1/2 years later is not long enough, I am beside myself wondering if I'm giving him the benefit of doubt or just postponing my loss selfishly.

My heart is beggining to lean towards euthenasia and it hardens my emotions with anger and fear. I am gratefull for the length of time I had with my dog, and I want him to leave with dignity, I am just as confused about when as a smoker is about when to quit. I'm sure the time will come when the answer is clear and as simple as just to look at him and evaluate his function. That day cannot come late enough for me, I'm sure he is holding on for the very same reasons.

A dog owner in despair..

Robert.

Comment #2 sreyes (69.233.195.67) -

I have a 15 year old Black Lab mix with serious hip problems. We feel that euthenasia is coming soon, but do not know how to go about it. Buck has always been aggressive and when he is hurting he even snaps at us. The vet trip is always tramatic and he has to be muzzled. We do not want him to go through the trauma of such a trip at this point, so, what do we do? If the vet comes here, is there some way we can sedate the dog before he comes?

Comment #3 CE (173.71.43.189) -

My golden retriever mix is 14 1/2 years old. At times it is very difficult for him get up. I can still get him up if I offer him a treat. He's lost over 20-25 pounds from his normal weight. I think one of his front paws is in pain; he walks with it curved in. He has lost his housebreaking, and is defecating right where he sleeps.But his lab tests were normal last summer when his littermate sister had to be put down. Some days he's a little active, but mostly he sleeps all day. My young dog is active. Although she's only about 20 pounds she can easily knock him down just by bumping up against him. I am tired of seeing him so weak, but feel very guilty because at times I think he still enjoys his life.

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