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The doghouse

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

Original poster

Should I rehome? Put down? Absolutely devasted *please read update before posting MNHQ*

171 replies

wishiwasntpoor · 07/04/2021 11:27

I have a beautiful loved and treasured ddog. When we got her I had a husband a big house and garden. Sadly that's no more and I'm poor. She's 11 and ill. She started yelping and struggling to walk her on Monday. Took her to the vet yesterday who have prescribed loxicom for a week (£120 for emergency consultation and the medicine) they said that if it doesn't work she'll need X-rays and blood tests and long term treatment. She's in so much pain. Can barely stand and is yelping shivering and miserable. I am breaking my heart that if she doesn't get better after the week (and I don't think she will) I cannot afford all of the tests and ongoing treatment. I just don't have the money. I may not be able to afford the mortgage this month now. I phoned a charity for her breed yesterday to ask advice, and they will take her and pay for treatment and re home her but can't help me keep her and help me with the costs. She's 11. She loves us and her companion ddog 2. I can't see that rehoming her would be kind? She'd be in pain, displaced from her home, depressed? So the other option is asking the vet if we should consider putting her down. Which is also awful because she could with investigation and ongoing treatment she could be fine and live happily for another two three years.

I know I know that people shouldn't have pets they can't afford, but it's also impossible to predict the future. I had everything when I bought her. Insured to the hilt, then my husband revealed huge hidden debts and depression and took his own life. I lost the house and lived with my parents for five years before managing to get another. I didn't know this would happen. Perhaps when it all happened I should have rehomed them then? I don't know. I do t know what to do and am so deeply miserable. I can't bear to lose her and it's all so awful

OP posts:
Peach1886 · 07/04/2021 13:42

pts is the final act of love for a pet who needs a way out of their pain and suffering Flowers

BiteyShark · 07/04/2021 13:47

Another thing, we were given loxicom which helped 'a bit' but he was still crying in pain and then caused stomach issues. They have now switched us to another painkiller and he is much better so if you can afford trying a different pain killer it would be worth phoning to see if that is an option.

NoProblem123 · 07/04/2021 14:32

I agree with PPs - money issues aside I still feel PTS is best given her pain situation

PennyArcade · 07/04/2021 14:42

Awh OP what a terrible position you are in 😣 Your dog has had a lovely life. Rehoming is not really an option even if she placed with foster carers and the rehoming centre covers her vet costs. She will be very unhappy and stressed being away from the family she knows and loves. She may well suffer, medically, for the rest of her life, be it another 6 months or 4 years.

The kindest thing you can do is let her go, in comfort, with you holding her. I’m so sorry 😢 💐

dibly · 07/04/2021 14:47

I’m so sorry to read this. Nothing practical to offer but a handhold and hope that the RSPCA or other animal charities can help you with this impossible decision.

tessiegirl · 07/04/2021 14:56

I'm really surprised by the amount of people saying PTS straight away tbh. I think you need to talk to your vet and explore all other options first before making such a huge decision. Poor dog.

Christmasfairy2020 · 07/04/2021 15:04

Its pdsa not rspca xx

StealthRoast · 07/04/2021 15:07

Oh op this is heartbreaking. My ddog is only 6 months old so I can’t imagine how you must be feeling after having her for so long.

I’m another who would donate to a go fund me for a beloved pet but you really have to weigh up the quality of her life versus what you want to happen which is a horrible situation to be in. I hope that you get some help. We have a PDSA a mile away and they helped me many years ago with my cat. I hope that your local RSPCA can give you some help and advice and I think you are a lovely dog mum who has been through a lot, don’t be so hard on yourself 💕💕

FanPanCan · 07/04/2021 15:09

If I were in your shoes, I'd pts. Poor you and poor dog. Heartbreaking all round. Flowers

contraversial2021 · 07/04/2021 15:12

It's time x

Ilovedogs12 · 07/04/2021 15:57

www.vets-now.com/2018/02/help-with-vet-bills/

www.money.co.uk/pet-insurance/how-to-get-help-with-vet-bills.htm

Please be sure to use the Loxicam! Call the vet if it is not working and your pup is suffering.

I would not rehome or abandoned her at a shelter/rescue at her age. It would devastate her.

Coyoacan · 07/04/2021 17:05

How horrible for you, OP. I'm not saying it is the case with your vets, but some vets are unscrupulous and just want to get as much money as possible out of suffering animals. I've had a couple of cats that I had to have put down despite the vets and despite the fact that I could afford more tests, because my pet was suffering and there was no hope of a cure.

Do you feel bad for your animal. You are a kind owner doing your best. I certainly wouldn't rehome a dog at that age.

LiveintheNow · 07/04/2021 17:35

You could see if you are eligible for help from Blue Cross?

www.bluecross.org.uk/veterinary

Original poster
wishiwasntpoor · 07/04/2021 20:08

Thank you again to everyone who has answered. I've spoken to the rspca vet that I can get to and they have said they can treat her and offer me aid. I'm to take her tomorrow and they'll assess her and we'll go from there. She really is gravely unhappy today, unable to stand and clearly in pain. She's distressed whenever I leave her. So whilst I'm so much more hopeful than this morning, I'm also realistic and think even so, it may be time. Thank you all so much, I was hugely panicking earlier and whilst I'm still bereft I feel more in control and not scared

OP posts:
XelaM · 07/04/2021 20:11

So glad they agreed to provide aid! Let's hope they can help her Smile

Motorina · 07/04/2021 20:30

I'm so glad. As you say, it may be time, but crossing fingers that the RSPCA will let you make the decision you know is right for her rather than one forced by finances.

Veterinari · 07/04/2021 20:41

@wishiwasntpoor

I hope things go well tomorrow but it may be worth preparing yourself for the worst.
A dog that goes from ok to suddenly not wanting to move and yelping in pain is usually more serious than arthritis. I'd be worried she may have a spinal disc prolapse or similar.

Regardless of the outcome, the important things is that she's had a good life with you and a quick humane death is better than chronic pain, stress and tests.

Make the most of this evening with gentle stroking and treats - crack open the hot dog sausages! If you have a hot water bottle or wheat bag then applying a medium warm (not hot) pack to her sore areas may help too but take your lead from her behaviour. The main thing will be making sure she has a comfy bed and ideally is near to you.

And look after yourself. You are a good owner and you're doing your best Thanks

Veterinari · 07/04/2021 20:47

@Coyoacan
some vets are unscrupulous and just want to get as much money as possible out of suffering animals.

Really? Hmm

Yep that's we spend 5 years at uni racking up debt that we'll probably never pay back, earn relatively crap salaries, and work in a job that has 4x the average suicide rate.
Just so we can make things worse for suffering animals and their owners.

We're basically sociopaths.

Excepts we aren't and bullshit like yours is part of why good vets leave the profession.

In many different ways

nomv.org

Coyoacan · 07/04/2021 20:53

Whao, @Veterinari, I said some vets, not all vets.

theheartofthematter · 07/04/2021 20:56

I have an 11, almost 12 year old ddog. She is a member of our family and she had an awful accident when she was 7, we spent thousands (she was insured, that money was used within days) to get her sorted. She is so old and dodery now that if she was sick/injured now I would let her go rather than let her go to another family. I know she would hate being with people she doesn't know. She loves us and I know we would be doing our best by her. I hope your lovely ddog is ok or if not you find the strength to make the best decision xx

Veterinari · 07/04/2021 21:09

@Coyoacan

Whao, *@Veterinari*, I said some vets, not all vets.
I don't know a single vet who is motivated by getting money out of suffering animals

Just think about that for a second - you are saying that we are ACTUALLY motivated by inflicting suffering on animals for money?

Based on what?

As in any profession there will be the odd bad apple but unless you're irrational enough to to accuse all GPs of being Harold Shipman then posting such a horrible thing on this thread is totally unnecessary.

Especially considering there are at least two vets on here who are supporting the OP and giving our advice for free specifically to ALLEVIATE animal (and Human suffering) and that there's zero indication that the OP's vet has done anything to warrant your attack.

It's a disgusting and irrelevant insult and I for one am sick to death of losing colleagues and friends because of fuckwittery like this.

If you can't engage your brain or your sense of decency before you post. Then maybe just don't post.

Veterinari · 07/04/2021 21:15

Sorry OP I don't want to derail your thread but I'm sick of people needlessly looking for opportunities to put the boot in.

ZaraCarmichaelshighheels · 07/04/2021 21:16

@A1b2c3d4e5f6g7

I wouldn't rehome, and I also wouldn't have rehomed them 5 or 6 years ago. They're family and she'll be confused and sad and scared without you and the other dog. Hopefully the medicine the vet has given will work this week. If it doesn't, I wouldn't rush to put down either - have another chat with the vet and see if there are other medications they can try. Also (sorry you probably know this already) the vet markup for medicines can be huge - if its on-going medicine you can take the vet prescription and get the medicine for a fraction of the cost online.
Agree with this totally. You need to take it one step at a time, firstly see if the meds work, it could just be a pulled muscle, if it is arthritis or an on going problem which can be managed with medication you can get the prescription from the vet but buy the meds online, it’s a huge saving. If you still can’t afford it please don’t re home, there would be nothing more devastating for your dog than losing her family, if you really can’t keep her the kindest thing would be to let her fall asleep with you by her side. I am very sorry you are in such an awful situation, it’s clear how much you love her.
ZaraCarmichaelshighheels · 07/04/2021 21:41

@Veterinari

Sorry OP I don't want to derail your thread but I'm sick of people needlessly looking for opportunities to put the boot in.
I for one am very grateful to your profession I can’t think of a more difficult job, yes it must be very rewarding helping sick animals but having to deal with sick, dying and abused animals must be incredibly hard, I am not at all surprised that the suicide rate is so high. I know how much I rely on my trusted vet, you are very much appreciated.
evilharpy · 07/04/2021 23:15

@wishiwasntpoor

Thank you again to everyone who has answered. I've spoken to the rspca vet that I can get to and they have said they can treat her and offer me aid. I'm to take her tomorrow and they'll assess her and we'll go from there. She really is gravely unhappy today, unable to stand and clearly in pain. She's distressed whenever I leave her. So whilst I'm so much more hopeful than this morning, I'm also realistic and think even so, it may be time. Thank you all so much, I was hugely panicking earlier and whilst I'm still bereft I feel more in control and not scared
My heart goes out to you, it really does. Clearly she knows how much she is loved x