Reactive dog booked in to vet for final time

[damnderek]

I've had two threads on here about our reactive dog.

Last night he jumped and snapped at me as I was getting up.

He's clearly unhappy and in pain. We can't increase pain control or make any further lifestyle restrictions.

I had fabulous advice previously but that's it now, it's finally time.

Not sure why I'm posting. I don't want any advice.

I feel like utter shit as he's lying here next to me quietly oblivious to his fate. Dog2 will lose her buddy too.

Can't imagine how hard the decision was to make.
Ddog must be suffering, you haven't taken the easy option op.

I'm a vet and have been on the other side of this scenario several times. You have my sympathies. You have obviously tried with this guy, and I always feel bad for clients in your position - not only are you losing your pet you feel guilty too. Please dont. Much as I love dogs, I understand that sometimes there isn't a workable solution. Sympathies. I hope it goes as well as it can do

For what it's worth I think you're doing the right thing. you must be so stressed wondering when the next reaction is going to be and if it would be this time that he causes an injury to someone. It can't be much of a life for him either being so reactive to everything. Dogs have no concept of tomorrow so don't feel guilty about it.

I really appreciate these replies. Thankyou so much

.

Sorry wrong thread

So sorry
I remember your threads and you have tried so hard for him.

I'm so sorry you've had to come to this difficult decision

Give him a lovely final day, feed him KFC and all the things he loves but shouldn't really have, and know that there's nothing more you could have done so you shouldn't feel guilty.

Ah that's utterly crap for you

I remember your previous threads I think, you have gone above and beyond. Far better this than an injury incident for the same outcome

I’ve sent you a pm, op, hope you don’t mind.

Thanks all. I love the idea of giving him something he wouldn't normally have.

Probably should let him have one last roll in fox poo, chase a squirrel and have some steak

I really do appreciate these messages.

The kids have just said they're so excited about tomorrow. I'd completely forgotten they find out their class teachers.

He's booked in for after school so they don't have to stress about it all day. We'll collect them then explain what's happening.

back in February we told them the night before... then we had plan b so I frantically called the school saying he wasn't going to be pts. Bless the receptionist!

I think if I told them tonight they'd hope they'd get that message again.

He must be in so much pain to snap like that. So so much pain. You are being kind to him.

The worst thing is that it's not consistent.

DCs wanted a gift tag from the room I'm in. I popped in on his collar and they called him though to them. He was so pleased with himself. All full of joy being a helpful boy.

Kids said oh we'll do that for everything now.

Sorry I don't know the history. What's causing his pain?

I’m so sorry Op.

I was in the same situation with my dog and couldn’t watch him stressed and upset any longer and had him put to sleep.

Heartbreaking but a relief at the same time.

@FingerlingUnderling it's not quite clear tbh. Discoloured fluid in joint spaces showing inflammation. He's on maximum pain control. He's done physio, hydrotherapy and lots of pseudo stuff (magnets etc)

@Greyhorses you gave me wonderful advice on my first thread and I remember you describing your situation.

Thinking of you all this evening

Well I don't know whether to be happy or embarrassed. Or both.

He's here. Alive and well.

I took him for a final walk last night. He was a tad grumpy in the evening but nothing too bad. We let him upstairs to sleep in our room. All a bit hushed tones.

This might out me, but... DH is a pharmacist. As we were discussing it last night... literally at the 11th hour (11.30pm). He said oh we never did try gabapentin or amatriptaline did we?

A group of pain control we hadn't tried. Dog actually left the bedroom (I think I heard him chuckling ) and we all slept fine.

At 9am DH was at the vets discussing it, and prescription was collected tonight. He actually went in for his annual vaccinations and kennel cough at the time of his original appointment.

So he's having the most relaxing sleep I've ever seen him have.

We need to keep an eye on him and be careful with levels etc but yeah apart from looking stoned he's fit and well.

Thankyou for all your kind words.

I've heard canabbis oil can be good for pain too.

Good luck!!

xx

Oh gosh, so happy to hear that there might be another option for your dog. Fingers crossed this works, and if it doesn't you know you have done all you can xx

Oh Derek was already to pass on condolence then read update! Hoping the gaba or amitriptyline help!

I know. my friend texted me wishing him well on his journey over rainbow bridge... I was like oh no. He's not on the bridge. Again!

Vet here.... glad to hear your boy has another another chance, what a lot of emotions for you to be going through though. Just thought I’d mention amantadine as an alternative analgesic as well, not being used much (yet) but some solid evidence backing it.