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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Is it time to make the decision?

24 replies

Smallsteps88 · 18/12/2020 22:03

DDog 10. Diagnosed with lymphoma in September. On steroids since then. He also has a heart arrhythmia and kidney disease and is medicated. He was in the vets last week as he had a wee sore spot on his leg and she gave him an antibiotic which finished yesterday. She took scrapings and said there was nothing worrying on those under the microscope. He started really struggling with his walks about two weeks ago so since then we’ve just been going out in the garden and having a little potter up and down the lane, off lead, at his pace and he just turns and goes home when he wants to. Over the last week I have noticed he has been eating less, not a lot less but Where he would normally clear his dish, he’s now leaving some every time. He’s drinking a lot more though. I thought maybe something to do with the antibiotic? Now this past day or two he has been following me from room to room far more than normal and just lies down wherever I am. If I walk to the living room he’ll follow and lie down straight away, and if I get up again within a minute he’ll follow wherever I go and lie down as soon as I stand still. He’s out of breath a lot and it’s clear his hips are sore when he’s getting up and down. He doesn’t wimper at all but he’s very slow. I had hoped he would make it for one last Christmas with us but now I’m wondering if I need to make the decision now?

OP posts:

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 18/12/2020 22:10

He’s drinking a lot more though. I thought maybe something to do with the antibiotic?
I’d think more the kidney disease tbh. Is he having regular bloods done to keep track of the kidney disease.

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 18/12/2020 22:13

And btw, it’s so hard. I’m almost at the same point with both of my dogs and it’s so difficult isn’t it? I understand completely. In your position I’d definitely go back to the vet or ask for a phone consult to see if they think checking bloods is worthwhile.

MichelleScarn · 18/12/2020 22:18

Sending horrible situation for you to be in, we were there earlier this year, so really feel for you, do you trust your vet to be honest with you and not string you along?

Original poster

Smallsteps88 · 18/12/2020 22:29

Thank you everyone. I’m going to bring him down in the morning and have him seen. I do trust the vet. They’ve been fantastic. @Judashascomeintosomemoney he hasn’t been having bloods done. He had the kidney diagnosis in March. I can’t remember what was said about monitoring that- should the vet have called us in for bloods? I’ll request that tomorrow.

OP posts:

Veterinari · 18/12/2020 22:39

It sounds like he's in pain, very anxious (following you) and his kidneys are failing.

He has no concept of Christmas and the worst thing would be to have to rush him to an emergency vet if he suddenly deteriorates

Give him a good last day with his favourite food/all the things he's not allowed and have the euthanasia scheduled after.

I'm so sorry

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 18/12/2020 22:44

Well one of my dogs is on meds that may affect internal organs with long term use so he is tested periodically to see where he’s at - he has more goods days than not and is still happily walking and eating etc so those tests are kind of my security with regard to deciding when enough is enough. My other dog had kidney disease diagnosed when her levels were spotted during blood tests for a different issue. She’s on a renal diet and will be tested every sixth months or sooner if she has further symptoms. Again, she’s happily walking and eating and enjoying life but I have that back up of knowing I’ll have something solid to base my decision on when the time comes.

Judashascomeintosomemoney · 18/12/2020 22:46

It may be that your vet agrees now’s the time, but it’s obviously worth having the conversation with them. Very best wishes to you and your boy.

Original poster

Smallsteps88 · 18/12/2020 22:51

@Veterinari

It sounds like he's in pain, very anxious (following you) and his kidneys are failing.

He has no concept of Christmas and the worst thing would be to have to rush him to an emergency vet if he suddenly deteriorates

Give him a good last day with his favourite food/all the things he's not allowed and have the euthanasia scheduled after.

I'm so sorry

This is my overriding feeling too. Thank you.

@Judashascomeintosomemoney yes he is on a renal diet too. He isn’t medicated for the kidney disease but is on blood pressure medication for the arrhythmia. 6 months sounds vaguely familiar but his arrhythmia and kidney disease were discovered at the same time and when it was the 6 month marker was when he suddenly went down and the lymphoma was discovered so I think that overtook things in terms of treatment priority so I’ve obviously missed his 6 month check up for the other conditions.

OP posts:

MichelleScarn · 19/12/2020 16:40

Hi @smallsteps88 just checking in on you and your boy, have you managed to speak to the vet?

Original poster

Smallsteps88 · 19/12/2020 16:58

Hi @MichelleScarn. I’m just home. he’s gone. My heart is broken.

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Original poster

Smallsteps88 · 19/12/2020 17:04

Here he is. My lovely boy.

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MichelleScarn · 19/12/2020 17:06

Oh am so so sorry, sending very unmumsnetty hugs to you, did you have someone come in with you, they did try and say only me or dh in for us, but I offered to wear the full ppe u wear for work and they let us both in.
An absolutely heart breaking decision to make and carry through but as l always think its such a selfless decision, absolutely best thing for your boy but soul destroying for you. X

MichelleScarn · 19/12/2020 17:09

He was absolutely gorgeous and can just tell loved being outside and being mucky and running so what you described in earlier post he just was totally trying to tell you how unhappy he was. You've definitely made the right decision.

BiteyShark · 19/12/2020 17:09

So sorry

Original poster

Smallsteps88 · 19/12/2020 17:11

He was my baby. Totally spoiled. They allowed my DC to come in and we were all with him at the end which I am very grateful for. Youngest Dc doesn’t remember life without him.

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Artinsurance · 19/12/2020 17:12

I'm so sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking to lose them

SheldonesqueIsUnwell · 19/12/2020 17:13

Your lovely boy was loved by you till the end and you loved him enough to let him go. Lucky lad to have had you in his life.

So many of us have been there and we feel your heartache.

May you soon come to smile when you remember him - even if is through tears.

💔 x

KnitsAndGiggles · 19/12/2020 17:13

I'm so sorry for you OP what a gorgeous boy it sounds like you did the best thing for him but it's so fucking hard

Original poster

Smallsteps88 · 19/12/2020 17:14

Thank you everyone.

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Sprig1 · 19/12/2020 17:19

You totally did the right thing. It's hard but your dog would thank you. He looks like he was a brilliant dog. Xxx

Original poster

Smallsteps88 · 19/12/2020 17:22

He was the best. I know everyone says that about their dog, and rightly so, but he really was a dream dog. So so good. He gave me no trouble his entire life.

OP posts:

Clymene · 19/12/2020 17:24

Oh he's beautiful. Such a sweet face. I'm so very sorry for your loss

PollyRoulson · 19/12/2020 17:30

So so sorry He looks a very happy contented dog .

Happytentoes · 19/12/2020 17:49

Beautiful boy, so very sorry for your loss OP. 💐

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