My dog is almost 14 years old, he has slowed down a lot in the last year, due to arthritis, but has been generally healthy throughout his life.
In early January he had idiopathic vestibular syndrome. He made a good recovery and was back to his normal self. However in April he had another bout
Of vestibular syndrome but with slightly worse symptoms than the previous time. Started to get better but didn't quite return to normal before he relapsed again.
Vet has now diagnosed a brain tumour and prescribed steroids to possibly shrink tumour and keep dog more comfortable, but was unable to give us a timescale as to how it would progress, only that it was palliative treatment. We know we will have to euthanise soon, vet says we will just know but I'm not sure we will, and am worried we will leave it too late or do it too soon.
Dogs current quality of life positives:
Still interested in food and drinking, possibly more ,due to steroids
Enjoys treats
Able to go to toilet outside no accidents in house (which vet said would likely happen)
Still likes to be petted and interacts with us but in much shorter bursts
Doesn't appear to be in pain no whimpering, or whining.
No seizures so far. Which I believe is a common symptom with the brain tumour.
Things I am concerned about: spends lot of time sleeping.
Struggles to get up from lying position looks like a big effort to do so. But does just about manage to.
Is very wobbly, stumbles and falls some days. back legs seem weaker.
Is lethargic a large part of day and looks really tired sometimes, but has periods of time where he seems brighter.
No longer going for walks as too wobbly, only goes out into garden for toilet.
I am really torn, about whether his current quality of life is enough, or whether we should euthanize sooner. He was diagnosed a month ago. And Is gradually declining. I am so stressed and worried about him, as some days I feel it is time, but then he seems brighter and I think maybe not quite yet. But I know he isn't going to get better. I worry the point will come where he is unable to get up at all. We are heartbroken but trying to enjoy the time we have left with him. I just want to do it at the right time and be certain it is. Does anyone think the the time could be now.
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Struggling with the decision when to euthanise.
31 replies
Nightowlpossibly · 24/05/2020 05:20
OP posts:
Don’t want to miss threads like this?
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.