Need support and a kind word

[Crusty McPottydoodle]

Our terrier had chronic back issues - he was a jumper. We successfully kept him off the furniture after the first instance. The vet said that dog's backs were not designed for the type of stress involved in jumping down from furniture. Unfortunately, he would jump vertically when excited, so we still had times where he would do his back in.

He was about 5 when it happened the first time and we decided then and there that surgery wasn't an option. If he didn't recover reasonable quality of life without invasive procedures, we would put him down. The vet couldn't guarantee that surgery would be successful. Fortunately, our terrier recovered successfully everytime he did in his back (it was something disk related) and lived to be 15.

My sister, on the other hand had a beagle and they did pay for him to have back surgery. They had just come home with a new baby and didn't want the older kids to connect the new baby with the death of the dog.

As my german shepherd got older, he gradually lost more and more control over his back end (he had fabulous hips until he was about 11 or 12). It got to the point where he couldn't squat to poop without falling over. That was it for me - he was still happy, but once his dignity was gone, I knew it was time. He was almost 14. I was lucky - my vet came to my house. I gave Sabre a fabulous last day. I took him to work with me in the morning, fed him all his favourite treats and then we went home. We hung out together in the back yard until the vet came. We went into the house and Sabre lay on the floor in the living room and I lay down beside him and had him snuggled in my arms where he quietly passed away. As awful as it was saying goodbye to him, having him die peacefully at home in my arms was the last good thing I could do for him (and for me).


You will do what is right for yourselves and your doggie.

Remember to be good to yourself.

Cheryl

Edited to remove an open bracket oh and punctuation is my friend

 

[RachelFromTheBlackLagoon]

I don't know much about this type of injury but when I worked at a vet we had a Papillon come in with sudden paralysis. The owner was going to have her euthanized and signed her over to the vet. The hospital manager and one of the vets fell in love with her and decided to try and save her. We had a great veterinary physical therapist there and between the three of them they did accupuncture and water therapy. She eventually recovered and was taken into Papillon rescue! I don't know the nature of her injury or how long her recovery took, but it might be worth it to have a holistic vet look at him and see if accupuncture might be an option before you make a decision.

Good luck

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

Its very hard to make the final decision concerning your pet. We recently had to put my sons 21 year old cat down. He has had her since she was born. In fact she was born on his bed when he was three. She lived a long full life. She made it through his deployment and wasathere waiting for him when he came home. Then she started having small strokes. And one weekend she couldn't walk across the kitchen for food. I kept her on a warm rug with food and water but she was determined to try to walk into the kitchen. I found her several times flat out on the floor like she couldn't go any further. I called my son and talked it over with him and we decided it was time. It was very hard. I truly believe they let you know when its time. My prayers to you and your family Micki

 

[TexasVet]

Another option is to have a chiropractor evaluate the problem. We have one locally who works, not only on humans, but on dogs, cats, and horses too.

My brother is a UPS driver who slipped a disk some months ago. He was in such pain that he figured his career was over and back surgery was the next step. A therapist friend suggested that he give the chiropractor and back-strengthening exercises a shot. Said that if it didn't work he could always have back surgery. Long story short, he had therapy daily for two weeks, then every few days for another week, and went back to work. Hasn't had a problem since, although he keeps up with the exercises.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[equine623]

Chiming in a little late on this...but I just wanted to offer my support and condolences. This is not an easy decision and yes, you are doing the right thing.

One of the hardest things about being a pet owner is taking full responsibility for meeting their needs, even when it is hard on you. Keep feeding him his favorite stuff, make his last days the best they can be and know he will be waiting on the other side for ya. You gave him a good life and you have the privilege of taking away his pain and suffering. What a great gift...

I'll keep you in my thoughts