Dog....time to go?

[LolaTheShowgirl]

I have a 16 yr old yorkie who is blind and partially deaf but he copes with that extremely well. For a while now he has had a lump on the side of his face which the vet said they couldnt operate on because of his age, but that because of him still eating fine, leave it. Now it has got bigger and is bleeding regularly. The vet says there is nothing they can do for him. He also has the area around his lips has really swollen up by about 1/2 of an inch and he can't contain his saliva much. Is it time to let him go?

Even though I don't know you and feel sad about what you have said I think yes. It sounds like he is having a horrible time and will feel extra bad because you do

it's really tough isnt it

vets give the best advice, what do they say?

I agree with lapin - as long as the good things outweight the bad and he's not in pain or being stopped from eating. Then leave him but if he's in pain I think it's time for him to go.

Sadly, I think it sounds like the kindest thing to do in the circumstances

Poor him and poor you. It is so hard, but it does sound like it might be time for him to go. Euthanasia will give you a chance to plan his last moments and say goodbye. My dog died in the night with no farewell -- something that still makes me unhappy.

I would be asking if this is cancerous and if so, it seems to be spreading?? Sorry to be blunt. 16 is an amazing age and you would question whether surgery would be fair in his twighlight years.

If he is still eating and enjoying life )pleased to see you, not in any obvious pain etc) then see how he goes. He can have pain killers i guess, but how effective would they be?

A vet can only advise, and they try to avoid telling clients to have an animal put to sleep, they will but they prefer the owner to decide, as they know the dogs quality of life. My boss would say, listen to your gut reaction. Don't listen to your head, it will rationalise and say things like, well he had a good day yesterday, etc. Your heart wont want to let him go. But you will have a feeling in the pit of your stomach and that is what tells you the time has come.

If he were my dog i would consider his quality of life and his dignity, i feel for you i really do, its a gut wrenchingly awful decision to have to make but ultimately the final kindness we can do for our pets.

Well thanks all for taking the time out to answer.

I've been sat beside his bed crying all night. I still don't know what to do. He seems well in himself...he still gets up to greet me, jumps on the bed and runs up the stairs when he thinks i'm not looking ! If he was in obvious pain it would make the decision so much easier but because he is still eating and going about himself in his normal way I just don't know what to do because it looks absolutely dreadful! I think I will just watch him over the next few days and see how he manages crunching his biscuits etc. Lucyellensmum, do you work with animals? If so would you advise against surgery on a dog as old as mine? Just our vet said my dog might not survive the anaestetic and that's why they don't want to do anything about his lump.

Mutt - I think I love you for saying those words! He is still happy in himself but it still looks nasty. I'm going to see how he manages his dinner tonight

Dogs have a very clever way of telling you when they are ready to go.

I had my lovely 13yr old labx PTS earlier this year. I could tell just by looking at her she'd had enough. Her eyes were sad. She didn't wag her tail any more. She had no get up and go.

The last time I saw her alive she told me, through those sad eyes, that she was ready to say goodbye.

If your dog is still able to get up and about, make the stairs, eats ok and acts as though he's not in pain then I'd let him get on with it! Good for him! xx

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