When to consider putting to sleep 🙁

[HildegardeCrowe]

My 14 year old JRT rescue has degenerative myelopathy but hasn’t lost the use of his back legs yet and still loves his walks and can get around. He even runs in short bursts. He pees on puppy mats when I’m not around and I can manage that. The problem is his aggression; he’ll snap and try to bite anyone who tries to touch him and it’s only me who can handle this, although now I’m finding it quite distressing. He can be really affectionate when he wants to be though and snuggles up on the sofa and sleeps next to me.

I have to pick him up a lot because he can’t manage steps/stairs and he’ll always have a go at me but calms down eventually. I think it must be down to doggy dementia or some such thing. My daughter won’t go anywhere near him and I can’t leave him with anyone. I love him to bits but life with him is becoming increasingly difficult. I know his DM will become worse and eventually lead to paralysis but it’s the aggression that is so hard to handle. When would you PTS?

If your DD lives with you and won’t go near him, I’d make an appointment to PTS now.
Sounds like an awful situation, I’m so sorry

The aggression will be due to pain, I think. Talk to your vet. We have a JRT with pain & medication has really helped.

The aggression could well be pain related - if being touched hurts him then he will naturally snap. He's not going to get better so it's probably time to do the kindest thing. 14 is a great age for a JRT.

Better a week too soon than a day too late.

It is never an easy decision to make, but I would do it now. Better a day too soon than a day too late.

@Sarahlou63

The aggression could well be pain related - if being touched hurts him then he will naturally snap. He's not going to get better so it's probably time to do the kindest thing. 14 is a great age for a JRT.

Better a week too soon than a day too late.

This.

It's so hard to make the decision. I have nothing else sensible to add, but just empathise

My usual guidelines, as applied to our own pets, is to PTS when they're really not getting much out of life any longer. Sometimes this can come really quickly, at others it's a slow process and really hard to judge.

If your dog is frequently displaying aggression, he's probably either in pain or afraid, neither of which is much fun for him. Could you perhaps have a chat with your vet? I have found ours to be realistic about the options.

He's in pain, he's lost his dignity.

Now is the time.

He is in pain. Is he on any pain relief OP?

It’s so hard to know if he’s actually in pain, DM is a painless condition. Having said that he’s obviously afraid and that’s not good either. DD is at uni so only home for the hols but would love to be able to stroke/cuddle him without fear. I have an appointment with my trusted vet soon so will discuss it. Thank you all for you’d support.

That condition may be painless. But his behaviour is him communicating he doesn’t want to be touched. If that’s new for him I would bet he does have something causing him pain.

He really sounds like he's in pain. I would get the vet to review ASAP and try some pain meds. If that doesn't help its probably time.

With degenerative myelopathy it itself is not painful, but it can put strain on other joints and mild arthritis is made much more painful. I would always put a DM patient on pain relief to ensure everything else is optimised and this is the cornerstone of the Florida State Management plan of DM - the leading researchers in human and canine DM.

Thank you, will discuss with the vet soon. Really appreciate all the support.