How do we know when...

[jenbird]

We took our lovely collie cross to the vet a few weeks ago thinking he was constipated. Unfortunately we were told yesterday that it was prostate cancer and it is just a matter of keeping him comfortable until we put him to sleep when he is suffering. The tumour is pressing on his rectum so it is hard for him to poop. He seems okay in himself but has now taken a downturn and is peeing blood and his tail has dropped. We were supposed to go for a scan for confirmation on Tuesday but my dh thinks it is kinder just to get it done before he starts to really suffer. I am devastated for my poor little dog but I don't want him to be in pain. How do we know when is the right time?

Sorry to hear that.

We had to make that decision earlier this year, and to be honest we felt that as the decision was inevitable it was better made sooner rather than later, we wanted to avoid her having lots of tests and being uncomfortable, she was very old and unlikely to survive surgery so it seemed kinder to let her go quietly.

Sorry to hear this.

Our vet always says when the dog loses dignity and can't go to the toilet properly that the time to make a decision.

Its a hard decision to make, when out GSD was ailing we cancelled the appointment three times before we could face taking her.

Big hug

Having seen my DH dying of cancer, DD and I cried that they don't let pets die in agony like that.
Prostrate cancer is not the most nasty cancer, but if your ddog is suffering, even if not yet in pain, I would save him even more suffering. Dogs are good at hiding pain. If his tail has dropped, then he is not a happy boy anymore.
Be kind to him.
You have my sympathy.

I'm a cat person really, rather than dog, but my feeling is usually sooner rather than later. Animals don't understand that treatment or investigations is for their own good. All they understand is the current level of pain. As soon as they are in pain that cannot be managed without further distress, or they cannot get pleasure from things they usually love, that's the time.

If he can't do his normal bodily functions then sadly its time

Letting a dear dog go is the last good thing we can do for them, not easy for you but better for him.

Hugs.