I think my old girl is dying.......

[whojamaflip]

says it all really - shes nearly 14 and has been going downhill for the last 6 months or so - just old age stuff like getting slower, not able to manage as long walks etc.

Took her to the vets about a month ago as her coat had become really think and matted, almost like she wasn't shedding any of her fur - reminded me of a horse with Cushings disease. Vet scanned her and she has an enlarged liver

the last few days she has been like my shadow - following me everywhere, even to the point of trying to get up stairs after me - up till now she has hated being shut in to the point of chewing her way through doors to get out again. She's also drinking a hell of a lot.

Shes now lying at my feet and her breathing is sounding laboured, but if you speak to her she seems fine and her breathing quietens.

Its breaking my heart - shes been such a part of my life for the last 13 years - been with me though thick and thin, marriage, kids, problems on the farm - shes been my sounding board, my comfort and the one who has always been there with no demands......

Sorry for the long post - just needed to write it down - I'm dreading having to make the "decision"

I am sorry whojamaflip. They break your heart when they finally leave you. It's obvious you really love her, and as hard as it is, you will know when it is time to give her your final act of kindness.

I'm sorry she is so frail, but I think you need to take her to the vet asap. Sometimes with old dogs they have really bad patches but will pick up again, she may be ill with something that can be addressed, and the vet may well be able to make her more comfortable.

I'm so very sorry. I know how hard it is, having lost so many over the years.
The drinking is because of her liver.
She just wants to be close to you now, hearing your voice is comforting for her.
I hope she has been able to settle for the night & you can both get some rest.

Slept on the sofa with her last night and this morning shes jumping round like a 2 year old

Have just got back from the vets and according to him shes fine for an old girl (apparently shes the second oldest on their books!) He scanned her and the liver is more enlarged but everything else appears ok - no fluid in the lungs or signs of any other growths atm. Hes given her Metacalm to help with the aches and plains and has said I will "know" when the time is right to let her go. Hes also given me his mobile no and said phone at any time if she deteriorates and he will come out to the house - even if ihes not on call. Bless him I think he was as upset as me - hes looked after her since she was a pup .

I was very stupid brave and asked if he could give me a time scale and he said she could last for a few more months or we could lose her next week so only time will tell. Her heart is strong but I don't know if thats going to be a blessing or a curse.......

Thankyou for all the replies - Its so hard, I'm trying very hard to hold it together for the dcs but just want to sob every time I look at her which I know is not good for her peace of mind - somethimes I think she can read my thoughts and always knows when I need a cuddle.

That's wonderful news, absolutely brilliant

Don't take the vet's prognosis as gospel. With one of mine the vet told me to expect to have her just weeks, don't even think about months (heart problem she was only nine) I was absolutely devastated. She lived for four more years quite happily on meds.

That's good news. It's so hard when they are sick. It sounds like you have a great vet, and your girl is lucky to have such a caring owner.

Wow, just Wow - I cannot believe the difference the Metacalm has made! shes jumping round like a 2 year old, and actually asked to come for a walk with me and the younger dog - hasn't done that for months! We usually just have a potter round the field behind the house but today she set off with us along the bridleway (little dog wasn't too impressed that we had to turn back cos shes used to walking for miles!)

Feeling more positive at the mo - long may it continue!

my old doggie was on metacam too (hence my post above). I think we get so scared of them going that every bad patch we assume is the last time, but like elderly people, they are just rather more vulnerable and will be up and down. So glad she is happy.

Metacam is blooming amazing in some cases. Saved my old boy, and he was only 6 at the time! Glad your old girl has found some new wings