Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The doghouse

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

Original poster

Dr Jekyll and Mr Dog

50 replies

Empusa · 29/07/2011 22:39

Archie's behaviour is getting more erratic.

So far today he's spent half an hour sitting over the other side of the room, while DH and I have our backs to him, growling at us.

He's also been snarling if we go near him.

Or if he's not doing that, then he's cowering away. Tail between legs and ears back. I can honestly say we have never hurt him! And the fear is random.

This morning he was following us around, pawing our legs, attempting to lick us, and being playful. Then he suddenly switched.

He's also spent some of today just sitting there whining, again, we've been ignoring it. He's also jumped up and ran after something that wasn't there.

He's like a totally different dog to just 2 months ago.

Today he's even turned down treats!

The painkiller he is on seems to have helped his movement (arthritis), but that doesn't seem to have improved his mood.

We had to put his muzzle on earlier as he was being so aggressive. :( He tried to bite me twice last week.

It's getting so hard to deal with. I hate seeing him like this.

OP posts:
Joolyjoolyjoo · 05/08/2011 21:50

Poor boy Sad Do they know what kind of tumour he had? I guess there is a possibility it could even have spread to his brain, causing the odd behavioural symptoms. Has your vet done neurological tests on him?

Original poster
Empusa · 05/08/2011 21:55

It was a sarcoma.

He hasn't any tests apart from those on his previous lumps (all benign thankfully) otherwise they've just been using trial and error with different drugs to deal with his breathing.

OP posts:
Joolyjoolyjoo · 05/08/2011 22:05

Has he had any chest Xrays? (just wondering about possible tumour spread) sarcomas can vary in their nature.

It does sound like there is very probably a medical issue behind this behaviour anomaly. it really doesn't sound like typical aggression. It does sound as though you are doing everything you can for him, though, and I really hope you get some kind of solution. [we need a fingers crossed emoticon]

Original poster
Empusa · 05/08/2011 23:08

No, no one is keen on putting him under anaesthetic due to his breathing problems and age :(

OP posts:
Joolyjoolyjoo · 05/08/2011 23:21

It's difficult, isn't it Sad I have an old dog myself, who is senile and possibly getting close to the end, but who is still happy in himself. It comes down to whether or not he is happy and whether or not the situation is manageable in the end, I guess. Sounds like you have some tough decisions ahead of you Sad

Original poster
Empusa · 05/08/2011 23:54

Unfortunately, although he is still happy sometimes. It is definitely getting rarer, and he's unhappy much more of the time. He hasn't let us near him for a few hours now.

When he is happy, it's so hard to think of getting him PTS.

And emotionally I don't dare think of him not being here.

But I know, logically, that he's suffering.

OP posts:
Joolyjoolyjoo · 06/08/2011 00:17

Oh empusa Sad it's rubbish, isn't it? My old boy is 16 and really doesn't seem to know who I am any more. He wees and poos anywhere, and I miss the dog he used to be already. But, as I said, he is happy, and we have a tiled hall, so it is manageable. One night, however, i came out to find him lying sleeping, covered in diarrhoea Sad. It spelled the beginning of the end for me, but it turned out due to a dietary thing, and it hasn't happened since. But it was enough for me to get my head around the fact that he realistically doesn't have a long time left (and I howled accordingly Blush)

I do think you have to weigh up the good days and bad days at this stage. You seem to have really tried to do everything you can for him. It really does sound to me as if there is some problem in his brain, which is likely to be unfixable, so sorry. He's not "himself", and the chances are you are in a similar boat to me in grieving for the dog he was who has already gone. His happiness and quality of life is what matters. His current condition doesn't seem to be making you happy, and if he isn't happy either it may be time to consider your options, hard though that seems. I really do feel for you, as an elderly dog owner and a vet. These decisions are never as straightforward as some people would think, are they? Sad

Original poster
Empusa · 06/08/2011 00:27

Not at all.

At least with our pet rats it was always obvious when it's time to let them go. Guess it's just the conditions they are prone to. We've never wondered about our decisions. But with Archie..

Never thought the elderly rats would outlive him. One of them is barely more than skin and bones, but she's still going strong at 3 years!

Guess we'll at least still have them, though it's not quite the same.

OP posts:
Scuttlebutter · 06/08/2011 00:34

Oh, Empusa, I am so, so, sorry Sad

Poor you and poor Archie. I know I've said it before, but please be proud of the fact that for a part of his life he's known love and care, and when he goes he will do so in the arms of someone he loves and trusts. One of the saddest things for me about doing rescue volunteering is thinking about the dogs who are PTS without anybody special beign there for them - it's heartbreaking.

Original poster
Empusa · 06/08/2011 10:28

The vet is coming here on Monday.

:(

OP posts:
MotherJack · 06/08/2011 14:46

I'm so very sorry, Empusa Sad

bumpybecky · 06/08/2011 14:57

I'm so very sorry :(:(

but agree completely with what Scuttle said, at least he has been loved at the end of his life. I hope he lets you give him some final cuddles and fuss before monday :(

Joolyjoolyjoo · 06/08/2011 17:43

Sorry to hear that, empusa Sad But it sounds like you gave him a fantastic loving home in his later years, I hope you can take some comfort from all you did for him, and from the memories you will have of happier times. Will be thinking of you.

Scuttlebutter · 06/08/2011 18:09

Sad Will be thinking about you all.

Original poster
Empusa · 06/08/2011 19:20

Thank you everyone. You don't know what your support means to me and DH.

Archie is getting even worse now. So we know it's right.

He's getting a final run around my parents garden tomorrow (we live in a flat, and he hates other dogs, so it's the only real time he gets off lead).

OP posts:
Original poster
Empusa · 08/08/2011 11:04

Not long now :(

OP posts:
Joolyjoolyjoo · 08/08/2011 11:07

Sad Be strong, this is the worst bit, the waiting and apprehension. Thinking of you.

Original poster
Empusa · 08/08/2011 13:53

He's gone.

The flat seems wrong. So fucking wrong. :(

OP posts:
Scuttlebutter · 08/08/2011 13:58

So sorry. Sad

Been thinking about you all day.

Pisky · 08/08/2011 14:13

:(

He is out of pain now and happy wherever it is their spirits go..

Pour yourself a Brew or a Wine and take your time to grieve.

Don't forget to remember the happy times you had together.

Original poster
Empusa · 08/08/2011 15:53

Struggling now, as DH wants to deal with the grief by being busy. Problem is, he wants me to help him be busy, when all I want to do is sit quietly and deal with the grief my own way. :(

OP posts:
Joolyjoolyjoo · 08/08/2011 16:19

Sad Can you give your DH an errand or job to do, so that he can feel busy and useful while you have some quiet time?

I know it's tough, but at least now you only need to be sad for yourself instead of being sad and worrying for Archie. I know it sounds sappy, but loved dogs never really die, because you always have them with you inside.

I still talk with great affection about pets I had years ago, and the memories make me happy now, rather than sad. Hope you feel better soon

alowVeraWithPurpleTwuntyPants · 08/08/2011 16:36
chickchickchicken · 08/08/2011 17:50

been thinking about you all day. what a wonderful gift of a home you gave him. i do hope in time you will find comfort from giving him a home. i am so glad that he had love around him and wasnt alone. take care of yourself x

Original poster
Empusa · 14/08/2011 11:51

Sorry I never got back to you. Got suddenly very sick, so haven't been able to even look at a computer screen.

Thank you for your support, it has been much appreciated by both me and DH.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page