Any vets out there - losing the will to live

[Fergusmum]

We have a beautiful 11yr Golden Retriever. Sadly he has severe arthritis in his back so night time sees him pacing, panting, moaning even though he is on pain relief / anti inflammatories. We take it in turns to be with him and calm him but this is now every night and both of us after weeks of interrupted sleep we are more than exhausted. Plus he has separation anxiety now which is a new thing. Our vet has been brilliant from the medical side but is not interested in prescribing ACP tablets to help our retriever to sleep. He is suggesting it is not necessary but we know our boy has never ever been this agitated. Can anyone help or suggest how we can get these tablets as we know they will help him
PLEASE.

Will they not give you stronger painkillers?

I would go and see another vet.

Ask for an honest opinion- is there anything they can do?

I am sorry but sometimes there isn't anything that can be done- dogs can't tell you how much pain they are in. I have had Goldies for years, I know how hard it is.

Don't let him suffer.

Also if they won't prescribe him the treatment try another vets.

How about getting another opinion with a different vet?

I lost my last retriever at 15 years old a couple of years ago, he was the same but the vet put him on stronger painkillers. He also had a few sessions of hydrotherapy a month, he loved it and it seemed to help

ACP is really not in favour for this sort of thing anymore. It also is not a long term solution and has serious cardiovascular effects, which would be worse in an old dog. Discuss the pain relief he is on - has he tried gabapentin or tramadol?
Also, his clinical signs sound more like canine cognitive dysfunction (like dementia), for which there are a number of treatments that can help. As previously mentioned, hydrotherapy can help too. Hope he feels more relaxed soon.

I agree with sanabaz ACP is rarely prescribed in these situations as it has no anti-anxiety effect in fact the opposite they experience all the fear, but not able to do anything about it. There are lots of really good options for these dogs both including human pain killers and human anti-anxiety meds.
We do start with a cognitive dysfunction product such as nutramind and work our way up. Memantine is very helpful in many of these situations.

I absolutely agree that any form of sedative in this situation is not fair on the dog. ACP would be a bad call for this dog.

Anti anxiety medication perhaps but even these are not normally indicated in this situation and usually need to be used combined with training.

Perhaps try some stronger painkillers although it would depend how many he’s actually on as almost have side effects so I can see why your vet is reluctant.

Personally, if mine were too painful to sleep I would be letting them go. Sorry op.

I'm sorry OP but it may be time to let him go

Is it only at night he struggles to settle? What's he like pain wise the rest of the day? Just wondering whether it could be something more cognitive related (have a look at canine cognitive dysfunction and see if he ticks any of the boxes)

Definitely get a second opinion. That's really sad that you and the doggy.

Please see www.caninearthritis.co.uk for a myriad of things to consider to help your arthritic dog. Changes around the home and lifestyle considerations can make a huge difference to pain relief, and even reduce the need for them in some cases. Slippery floors, decent beds, stopping them climbing the stairs, jumping in and out of the car etc will all help. Complementary therapies also are invaluable.
Changes in the nervous systems relating to chronic pain also upsets the sleep cycles, hence the unsettled nights. Reconsidering your dog's pain relief with your vet is a great idea.

Canine arthritis management also have a really good Facebook page and forum for more help and advice from vet professionals and other owners.

Slippery floors won't help, but addressing them with non slip rugs will!