11 year old Cocker Spaniel

[Keepsakemummy]

Help! I need advice! Our beloved family dog Pearl is booked in to be put down on Wednesday and im torn! She is 11 (12 in June) she has a few things going on - doggy dementia, poor eyesight, night waking and soiling in the kitchen, invisible cat chasing, and now she is starting with aggression.
the reason we have booked her in is a lump in her ear fold that we can only assume is cancer. It popped up from nothing to squash ball size in about 6 weeks and is causing a terrible infection between the lump and ear. She had 2 weeks of antibiotics (£380) and steroids which cleared it for a week or two but the infection was very quickly back. It bleeds and oozes and stinks. The vet has said the only remedy is to operate (£1800) not to worry about her age (but no guarantee obvs) and would need antibiotics and steroids again before the opp. She is full of lumps and bumps - some are soft and squidgy- others are firm and jagged. I know her quality of life is poor but I feel terrible for not exhausting all options before putting her down. From a really selfish perspective she is getting blood and infection on furniture and carpet, the smell of her is unbearable and comes back within an hour of being washed - she can’t go to the groomers with the lump or infection. we have a disabled daughter and between her and the dog I just feel so emotional and stretched with concern for both. I don’t want to put her down before it’s her time but I’m very conscious that we will have spent over £3000 if she has the op ☹️ any words of wisdom or advice welcome

Oh my goodness I could have written this post! We also have an 11, almost 12, year old cocker bitch.

She is very lumpy. Some we had biopsed a couple of years ago and they are benign cancer but that could, and possibly has, change.

In the last week she has developed a cough. Sounds as though she is trying to clear her throat. Getting worse and worse. Not kennel cough. Obviously struggling with it.

She is also almost blind having had dry eye most of her life and skin allergies. And showing signs of doggy dementia.

I'm just waiting until Wednesday when our favourite vet is working to make a decision.

So so hard to know if you are timing it right. But having had to make that decision for 2 previous cockers in an emergency situation, I'm keen to not get to that stage this time.

I feel for you. And a stinky leaking ear is not easy to deal with. Especially as it's not clearing up.

Oh gosh I’m sorry you are in the same situation 💔 the vet we saw was very much pro op - I didn’t buy into it but as you say we also had an emergency situation with our 20 year old cat (I got her when I moved out at 19) and it was heartbreaking to be in such a rush emergency and feel so guilty- I think I’m wracked with guilt either way! But oh my goodness the smell 💔 xx

Oh mate. It's tough isn't it?

Something a vet said to me once in a similar situation that might help --- Better a month too early than a day too late.

Only you can know if she really can recover or keep ticking but still have a quality of life.But if it's what you think is best for her, you're doing the right thing.

It's such a hard decision, but it I think when it comes from a place of love it's the right one. It's not always about spending money and keeping them going, you do have to look at the bigger picture and the quality of life your dog has. I have made that decision myself and it absolutely broke me but I know it was the right one.
sending you a big hug. It's better a day to soon than a day to late ❤️

I personally wouldn't put my dog through an op when they had so many other things going on - the dementia, soiling and aggression in particular (although the aggression could be linked to her being in a lot of pain). Quality of life is really important and even if the op sorts the ear issue, the others thing remain. However, it is a lot easier for me to say this as a stranger. My own dog is 12 1/2 and I know I'm likely to have to make a similar decision in the next year or so. But I do think allowing them to go is the last great kindness we can do as their owner / human / friend.

I think the combined dementia and soiling would be enough for me to say it’s time.

Being a responsible pet owner isn’t about throwing all the money you can, going for every possible treatment and holding out until the last moment, it’s about putting them first and if she’s suffering and you can admit it, then it’s time to say goodbye - it doesn’t make it easier, but it’s the right thing to do. I’m sorry, OP.