Degenerative Myelopathy

[deemower]

I have a 13 year old German Shepherd who was diagnosed three months ago and has quickly started deteriorating. My heart hurts because I have to put him to sleep and he has guarded and protected me all his life. He can't play or do things that he has always done and so now I have to protect him from sadness and anxiety. I have tried everything I could to help but nothing is helping so tomorrow I will protect him most by letting him go & I am struggling so any words of wisdom would be appreciated from anyone who has experienced what I am going through right now.

[Girlintheframe]

I'm so sorry

I have no words of wisdom I'm afraid, it's such a hard thing to do. Our vet came to our home to put our lovely lab to sleep which made things the tinest bit easier.
We talked to him, held him and stroked him. I like to think he left this world feeling loved and safe.

[RuggyPeg]

No words of wisdom from me either I'm afraid. It's heartbreaking and I howled for weeks when I lost my last dog. What I can tell you though is that it was quick and peaceful and not in any way traumatic for him. He just immediately went to sleep. I'm so sorry though, it's such a devastating thing to have to do.

[Fortheloveofscience]

I’m so sorry. I’ve also lost a shepherd to degenerative myelopathy and it’s heartbreaking to see them get weaker and more and more restricted in what they can do. In retrospect, I left it too long to have my ddog pts because I just couldn’t bring myself to accept it, with a deteriorating condition it’s so hard to call when it’s time .

It sounds trite but 13 is a good age and it sounds like he’s had a wonderful life with you .

[spiderlight]

I am just so terribly sorry. I've had to let three beloved dogs go, and two cats, and it's the hardest thing I've ever done. It's the last great gift of love you can give them though - I try to think that we suffer so they don't have to. Thinking of you and your beloved boy.

[Booboostwo]

I am so sorry. I lost my GSD to DM at 10yo, it was heart breaking. Sadly there is nothing that helps with this awful disease.