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Original poster

How to know when it's time?

26 replies

LetThereBeRock · 28/02/2010 07:56

My 16 year old Tibetan spaniel has been taking what appear to be seizures, over the past few days.

When she has them she hunches her back and walks sideways, and makes the most awful incredibly loud guttural noise.

We took her to the emergency vet yesterday and he said it sounds as though it's seizures or a bleed on the brain.

He's unable,or at least reluctant to give her medication, because of her kidney problems and says it's likely to get worse.

He said that in spite of appearances that he doesn't believe that she's in any pain.

She had a seizure at 12pm, then at 1am then 4am then 6:30am. They last about 5 minutes though she's confused afterwards for some time.

I'm taking her back to her usual vet on Monday and part of me feels that she'll have to be euthanised but at times she perks up and is her usual self.She's eating her favourite treat at the moment and was playing with me.

I'd appreciate any advice on how to know when it's time to let her go. I think it's likely that time is now but it's hard to tell when she behaves like her old self inbetween.

TIA

OP posts:

thehillsarealive · 28/02/2010 08:08

oh sweetie, I lost my beloved 10yr old GSD last May and it broke my heart to PTS. But we knew it was time, sadly he had prostate cancer, despite having him castrated when he was a puppy, just bad luck. I knew because he wasnt himself, weeing on the floor which he had NEVER done with a combination of other things. My Vet was excellent and very very kind to him and us.

It is a horrid decision to make but when we look at pictures of him we can 'see' how ill he was towards the end.

I think it is about quality of life and you know when your dog isnt having what it needs.

Bella32 · 28/02/2010 09:05

If it were me, and my dog was having seizures so frequently (and I have, sadly, been there) and there was no prospect of a dramatic improvement, then I would have her put to sleep.

But that's easy for me to say - it has to be a decision you are comfortable with. Maybe ask the vet what he/she would do if she were their dog?

All the very best x

BertieBotts · 28/02/2010 09:11

Most vets will do home visits for euthanasia if you were not aware of that. Can be nicer for the dog to be in their home environment, especially if they are stressed by the vet.

Original poster

LetThereBeRock · 28/02/2010 11:50

Thankyou all for the advice.

She had a good morning. She wanted to go out, was quite excited about that, and ate a chewstick and has been drinking,however you could tell she still isn't right as she wasn't barking and jumping about as she normally does.

Then at 11:15 she had another seizure.

I'm going to call the vet tomorrow to speak to them, then go, or perhaps they'd be willing to make a home visit.

I've recorded the latest seizure so that the vet can see,and hear, exactly what's going on.

Unfortunately I think tomorrow she will be euthanised.When she's having more bad times than good then it isn't fair to keep her going, in spite of how normal she was earlier.

I'll certainly miss her. She sleeps in my bed every night and she's such a special dog. She's practically a local celebrity.

We lost three pets in 6 months last year. It's certainly not going to be easy to lose another but at least I know they were well cared for, spoiled even, and that she'll go peacefully.

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Bella32 · 28/02/2010 13:04

Will be thinking of you x

MrsL123 · 28/02/2010 13:18

It's a very difficult decision to make, but I think the perfect time to let her go is when she's still having moments of being herself. It means you can give her one last walk, her favourite dinner and a cuddle before the vet comes, and then let her slip away peacefully in your arms or in her favourite bed or curled up on the sofa (the reason I've always had the vet come to the house instead of going to the surgery). Often people wait far too long because they don't want their animals to suffer the hardship of dying, when really the animals don't know what's happening - they really do just fall asleep and it's very peaceful. I think most of the time hanging on a bit longer is for the owner's benefit, as they're not ready to let their pet go. But thankfully you realise that it isn't fair to let her suffer and that it's her time. It's heartbreaking losing any pet, but a dog really is your best friend and it's hard to think of them not being around anymore. But when you look back, I'm sure you'll cherish the memories of your last day together, because you can give her a great day and have a proper goodbye while she's still the dog you know and love, rather than letting her decline into sickness and feeling rushed into the decision without a proper chance to say your goodbyes.

lulu2 · 28/02/2010 13:26

what a lovely post MrsL. It made me cry.

Bella32 · 01/03/2010 07:05

Thinking of you & hope everything goes as well as can be expected for you x

Original poster

LetThereBeRock · 01/03/2010 15:26

Thankyou for all for your advice and kind wishes.

I took her to her regular vet today for a second opinion.

He's given her some medication to try, phenobarbitol and something else that I can't remember the name of.

She was very bright and active when she went into his office,though I did show him the footage of her seizures.

He said as she's still so obviously enjoying life that he wouldn't be happy to euthanise her and thinks she has time left.

I'm thrilled to know that and we'll try the medication. If it doesn't work we'll have another talk.

She hasn't started on the phenobarbitol yet but she did have a seizure this afternoon, which lasted 5 minutes, 10 minutes after it began she and I went out for a walk, 20 minutes later she was playfighting.
She's obviously rather tired now but quite alert and enjoying the sun.

Even if the meds don't work I may consider keeping her until the balance tips the other way, at the moment though she's having a few seizures a day they are brief and she's still doing all of the things that she loves.

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Bella32 · 01/03/2010 16:02

Terrific.

Would never contradict a vet's advice but I have always been taught that they should be left in a quiet and preferably darkened room after a seizure - I'm assuming the vet told you it's okay to walk her straight after?

Really hope the meds settle her back down

Original poster

LetThereBeRock · 01/03/2010 16:36

He said it's fine for her to be active afterwards so long as she's able to do so without stress.

She wants to rest about half an hour after the seizure and does so but seems to want to go outside and to eat and drink immediately after.

OP posts:

Original poster

LetThereBeRock · 01/03/2010 16:38

She is in season at the moment so that may be why she's so anxious to go out.

OP posts:

Original poster

LetThereBeRock · 01/03/2010 16:45

He also said that he doesn't believe she has a bleed on the brain as the seizures occur at intervals.

The other tablet she has been given is Prednisolone 1mg.

There are no guarantees the medication will help of course but so long as the vet is happy that she has a reasonable quality of life then we'll keep her with us until that changes.

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MrsL123 · 01/03/2010 18:24

Really, really pleased to hear his

At least if you give the medication a chance, you won't have any 'what if' thoughts in the future. And hopefully it'll do the trick and allow her to continue the great life she's had over the past 16 years. It might only give her another two weeks or it could give her another two years, but either way it's more time with her to enjoy, and it sounds like she's very happy in herself. She's still wanting to chase after boys, so she can't be feeling that ill

Original poster

LetThereBeRock · 04/03/2010 12:55

Unfortunately she seems to be getting worse. I spoke to the vet yesterday and they said to try her for another few days with the medication but she's worse again today and I know it's time. So I'll be taking her to the vet for the last time tonight at 5:15.

I'm dreading it but I know it's the right thing to do and that it's best to let her go while she's still able to get some pleasure from life and not when she's suffering.

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Bella32 · 04/03/2010 14:10

I'm so, so sorry, LTBR

Knowing it's the right decision doesn't make it any easier.

Will be thinking of you x

girlywhirly · 04/03/2010 14:16

So sorry. I think we know in our hearts when the time is right. You have made a selfless decision with your dogs best interest foremost, which is brave. You are losing a friend. Allow yourself to grieve.

starmum1 · 04/03/2010 14:37

As a fellow dog owner, I cannot imagine how I'll feel when this time comes for us. My thoughts are with you today. x

FabIsDoingPrettyWell · 04/03/2010 14:41

LTBR

My cat is on phenabarb and has been for nearly 5 years. Have no idea how she will get on.

I hope your dog has a lovely last day with you if that is what happens. So so sad when this happens.

junglist1 · 04/03/2010 16:51

Original poster

LetThereBeRock · 04/03/2010 18:32

Back now. Thankyou for all your kind wishes.

There were some tears but I feel relief more than anything now, relief that she's no longer suffering in any way.

She had a good time before she went, she was spoiled, though she always was, went for a long leisurely walk, had a good meal and non stop attention.

They gave her a sedative first so the last thing she knew was falling asleep in my arms.

We had her for just 4 years of her life, but they were worth all we've been through. She was so special. A dog that even dog haters loved.

I'm quite at peace with the decision at the moment,though perhaps that will change, but it was the right one.

I really do appreciate the kind words from everyone. It means a lot.

OP posts:

FabIsDoingPrettyWell · 04/03/2010 18:56

Oh no

I was so hoping things were going to get better.

Have a drink to toast your lovely friend and enjoy your memories.

You did the right thing for him. That is massive.

RIP LTBRDoggy.

MrsL123 · 04/03/2010 19:04

Oh letthereberock, I'm so sad to read this, and so sad to know there is one less waggy tail in the world tonight. You definitely made the best decision for her, and she has gone to rainbow bridge after the most wonderful day, and after a wonderful four years with you. She sounds like a very special little dog who will be sorely missed by everyone. Tears are completely normal, but I'm sure you'll have plenty of smiles and laughs too, remembering how she was.

ilovesprouts · 04/03/2010 19:10

ive got tears in my eyes reading this post ,i know how you feel i had my dog put to sleep 6 years ago and she was 17 years old she will be running round whith my doggie up there xx

FabIsDoingPrettyWell · 04/03/2010 19:29

Sorry, her.

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