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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Is it time to let my dog go?

46 replies

MrsPresley · 11/04/2011 15:32

My boy Cracker is 15 and has arthritis (he gets metacam which helped at first but I dont think it's helping anymore).

He did have a problem with pooing in the house a few months ago, but we've more or less sorted that put by changing feeding times and smaller amounts, still have the ocasional accidents.

Anyway he's not eaten anything since about 3pm on Saturday and I dont think he's been drinking much either (if at all), his urine is very dark and not as much as usual.

He's also "just not right" in himself, cant really explain it but the "sparkle" has gone from his eyes. He struggles to get up, lie down and walk, sometimes his back legs give way other times it's like he's tripping up.

I take him out 3 times a day as he finds it very hard getting up the stairs (we live in a 2nd floor flat and he used to go out 5/6 times a day)

I really really dont want him to suffer Sad but at the same time I dont want to let him go. I feel guilty and selfish and dont know what to do

I've phoned the vet and I've to take him in at 4.50 today, so should I be preparing myself for coming home alone?

OP posts:
SingingTunelessly · 11/04/2011 15:34

So sorry. Sad Doesn't sound good does it. Trouble is at 15yo anything you do is really only buying time isn't it. I totally understand when you say you don't want to let him go, been there done that.

Fingers crossed for you later.

Original poster
MrsPresley · 11/04/2011 15:39

Thank you. I dont know what to do for the best. I asked my son to come with with me but he said no (fully understand) so my eldest is coming, I also need help to get him in the car.

I cant believe I might only have another couple of hours with him. Sometimes he seems alright but I think deep down it's either time now or it will be very very soon Sad

OP posts:
DizzyDummy · 11/04/2011 15:53

Sorry to hear you are facing a potentially heartbreaking decision, I don't think I am far away from making the same decision with one of mine sadly. I think that when the time does come you just know that the quality of life has gone for them. I haven't got any helpful advice, just wanted to say that I will be thinking of you and your darling Cracker. What type of dog is he?

Original poster
MrsPresley · 11/04/2011 16:00

Dizzy he's a pedigree mongrel Smile

He's a fantastic dog, I really couldnt have got one with a better nature, he was well named (previous owners)

I got him from the Dog Aid Society 13.5 years ago and we have been soooo happy with him, lots of lovely memories and fun. He's very gentle and fun loving and great with kids. Sniffs at babies an looks as though to say " hmm one of them they're not much fun" but loves older kids from about 3 upwards and loves to steal their toys Grin

Thanks for thinking of him I will come back later to you know how he got on, hopefully good news but if not, I have so many memories

OP posts:
gardenpixie · 11/04/2011 16:07

MrsP I don't have much advice really - I hope your vet can give you some guidance as well.

I am thinking of you and Cracker - I am sure you will make the right decision for him, whatever that may be.

Lots of love to you both,

xxx

BeerTricksPotter · 11/04/2011 16:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

kid · 11/04/2011 16:55

You're probably at the vets right now. It's so hard letting a dog go, only you will know when the time is right.

I made the decision to have our 14yo yorkie pts and I didn't feel any guilt afterwards as I knew it was right to let him go. I hope the vet either helps you make the decision or can help cracker in some way x

FAB5 · 11/04/2011 16:59

I hope you are at the vets now getting good news. I have to take my cat tomorrow and I am wondering how many more times she will come home with me. Animals really get under your skin, don't they?

chickchickchicken · 11/04/2011 17:39

I really feel for you. I have an oldie too and am dreading that time. I love her so much. Cracker has a great family and what a lucky dog to live with you for so long. I smiled at the pedigree mongrel - its the best type. Best wishes

Original poster
MrsPresley · 11/04/2011 18:24

Well everyone, first of all thank you everyone for our good wishes, it is very appreciated Smile

Good and not so good news at the moment. Good news, Cracker is home, well at my parents, they are a main door so no stairs, and they have agreed to keep Cracker from now on although I will go and see him every day as they are only round the corner.

The vet said it could be the metacam that is irritating his stomach and he could also be anaemic, so she gave a vitamin B12 injection and Zantac and Antepsin tablets.

He only has enough for 3 days and if his appetite doesnt come back we will take it from there.

I told her I didnt want any invasive treatment as I feel that is just prolonging the inevitable Sad so a decision will be made on Thursday. Hopefully he will start eating again, if he does he will just need the B12 jabs every 6 weeks, if not then I know that it is time for him Sad

BeerTricksPotter yes I did do a thread here about Cracker before, I think it was when we were trying to change his food to help his pooing problem. It didnt work Grin but we manged to work out smaller more often meals were better for him Smile Thank you for remembering

Once again thank you all for your kind words x (from Cracker xxx)

OP posts:
FAB5 · 11/04/2011 18:33

Hurray he is home Smile. I hope he sees being at Granny's as a holiday.

gardenpixie · 11/04/2011 19:00

Hurray for Cracker! That's great news Grin

kid · 11/04/2011 21:31

Glad to hear the vet hasn't given up hope on him. To help him start eating again, tempt him with his most favourite food.

I treated my (big 10 month old) pup to some cooked chicken tonight. DH wasn't impressed as I nicked it from his dinner Grin

DizzyDummy · 11/04/2011 21:38

I am so glad that he is back with the family, better for you and him if he is at Grannys with no stairs to contend with. Lots of cuddles and treats for Cracker over the next few days I suppose? Grin Give him a big hug from me!

anchovies · 12/04/2011 12:41

Oh I am so glad to hear that he is home! Hopefully the next couple of days will see him feeling better :)

coccyx · 12/04/2011 14:25

I think that as someone who really cares for your animal you will just know when is the right time to say goodbye.
My first dog was 16 when we had him pts. Its was an awful day but I know it was the right thing to do. I am having a few tears now, but thats because i remember what a fab dog and loyal friend he was!

SingingTunelessly · 12/04/2011 15:02

Hurrah! So glad to hear Cracker is home. Smile How is he today?

Original poster
MrsPresley · 13/04/2011 20:47

Hello again everyone

Just a wee update on Cracker.

TBH I'm not sure if he's doing well or not Sad. He's still not eating very well although he is managing very small amounts occasionally.

He wont eat his usual tinned meat at all, so I tried him with slices of roast beef and he didnt want that either, eventually I managed to hand feed him a chicken breast but it took about 1.5 hours Sad, he is drinking water though so I'm hoping thats a good sign.

I'm going to phone the vet tomorrow and make an appointment for Friday, hopefully I'll be able to come back with more good news.

Once again thank you for all your good wishes.

OP posts:
FAB5 · 13/04/2011 20:54

I hope he eats soon.

My cat is ill and hasn't been eating so has lost weight but the vet got some different food and she has eaten most of that so I am feeling happier.

Original poster
MrsPresley · 13/04/2011 21:08

FAB5

That's great that your cat is starting to eat Smile why do the wee horrors have to worry us like this Grin.

I really hope your cat is now on the way to getting better, as you said you start to wonder how many more times will they come home Sad

I know it will happen one day, but I keep hoping, I suppose that's all we can do and make things as loving and happy for them as possible.

OP posts:
Madsometimes · 13/04/2011 21:24

You are doing the right thing by taking him back to the vet. You clearly love your dog, I hope things work out for both of you.

FAB5 · 14/04/2011 08:41

Thank you but she won't get better. It is about managing her illness now.

Vallhala · 14/04/2011 08:52

Thinking of you both, MrsPresley and FAB5. I know all too well the sadness and pain felt when a much-loved pet is ill.

amythesecond · 14/04/2011 08:58

It's so sad when we are confronted with mortality Sad but at least we don't have to let animals suffer in the way that we make human being suffer at the end sometimes. Give Cracker a big hug from me, and I wish you well whatever your decision on Friday. Sometimes the hardest decision is the right one Sad and it sounds as if Cracker has had a long and happy life with you.

(Having said all that, I still have my fingers crossed for a miraculous recovery and a year or two more for him!)

SingingTunelessly · 14/04/2011 10:40

Hope Cracker is feeling better today and enjoying his chicken breasts. I'm sure you're treasuring all these moments with him. I'm with amythesecond in wishing for a miraculous recovery for him.