what should I do - is it time?

[olliegarchy99]

apologies for the name change (when mumsnet changed recently my username did not work!)
my 'lurch' who is 13 had been having problems last autumn - lump on his leg and general lassitude and after numerous vet visits his chronic infection in his front leg seemed to heal up so I have cosseted him since as best I could.
The last week or so he is having accidents (poo and wee) in the house although I have been making the point of trying to get him outside (5 times a day if possible) and he had previously been so good with his toileting. Short walks seem to make him short of breath and reluctant (as they do me but I have angina so not unexpected) and he seems unsettled.
Should I consider PTS before he gets worse or hang on in there and soldier on (as he is doing). He does not seem to be in pain but I am so aware that I should not leave it too late.
It will break my heart to lose him but I want to do the best for him.

[BiteyShark]

I would go to the vet and see if any of these issues are treatable to improve the quality of his life. If his quality remains poor then you know you have done everything for him which will help you make that decision as to when to PTS.

[SparklingRaspberry]

I would visit the vet and see if there's anything you can do. It's not about length of life it's about quality of life.

It's absolutely heartbreaking to have any animal put to sleep. I recently went through this.
If there's absolutely nothing you can do to help them, and their quality of life isn't great, then it's the kindest thing you can do.

I wish you well

[olliegarchy99]

thank you for your kind thoughts. I will give him a few more weeks and see if there is any deterioration or he is reluctant to leave his bed for even a short walk. I know it will probably be soon that I have to make the decision but hope it is not quite yet .

[Goodgriefisitginfizzoclock]

In the same boat, day by day i think but someone said to me rather a day too early than a day too late. Xx