15 year old westie, all of a sudden ...

[MaeshoweDragon]

Had to take our westie (15) to the vet as he's off his food for 2 days and was sick today. No other issues, healthy little thing... but apparently not.
Had blood tests and we are reeling. He has extremely high white blood cells, kidney issues, and may have developed diabetes.
Going in again tomorrow for diabetes test alongside a fluid and antibiotic drip.
But the vet made it very clear that this could be it, if he doesn't rally, or if he HAS developed diabetes at 15, then euthanasia is the compassionate option.

Just seems so sudden. Need a bit of a handhold really.

So sorry must be a shock. You must be in bits but it sounds like he’s had a good and healthy life.
Sending support.

Thank you... he has had a good life, poor little thing, he was at the vet taking on fluids and painkillers, being treated like a little Prince. Will be home for Sunday to dig some more holes in the garden and sleep in the sunshine, and my "girls" (mid 20s) will be here to spoil him.

Booked in for Monday as he does have sudden onset diabetes, a urinary tract infection, kidney failure and to be honest - old age.
Sadly, the hardest part of owning a pet

Well this is an unfortunate coincidence. My 12 year old mini schnauzer cross was diagnosed with diabetes 2 weeks ago. I have been injecting her with insulin twice a day, but it wasn't effective and today I had to take her back to the vet as she'd missed two meals (so I couldn't inject) and wasn't drinking. She was dehydrated and the blood test showed all sorts of markers for other issues - pancreatitis and possible crohn's disease. It was a shock but I was half expecting it to be bad news. She was absolutely fine 3 weeks ago and was in Italy on holiday with me - now I'm sitting here without her. She passed away lying in my lap this afternoon. Devastated.

I’m so sorry. I’ve been there, many times. It never gets any easier and you are totally right, it is the hardest part of owning a pet. It’s the price we pay for loving them and letting them go is the last kindness we can offer. Sending you a rather unmumsnetty hug xx

I’m so sorry. She was with you, she knew she was loved. That is all you can do xx

So sorry. It is devastating. So many dogs seem to have silent symptoms and go downhill all of a sudden.

@Buildingthefuture thank you.

I'll take all the hugs... unmumsnetty included.

Absolutely horrific. I am so sorry - both of you @whattodoforthebest2 and @MaeshoweDragon

There are no words

I was in a similar position with my 15 year old dog last year. She was so well until quite suddenly she wasn't. This is an incredibly difficult time and I'm so sorry you're having to go through it now. There's comfort in knowing you have provided your dog with such a good life.

I am so utterly sorry, sending love to you all.

Thank you all. Sat here tearful at the kind words of strangers.

DDog laid along the side of my leg on the sofa (which he's not allowed on... lol), chin on my knee. Watching Shrek on telly - he likes the music and the colours. (Yep, we are that soft!).
He seems content.

I'm so sorry, sending love and hugs to you and your lovely little westie ❤️ 💐

Thinking about you today @MaeshoweDragon xxx

Thank you. It is very kind of you to say so.

Had a fleeting flicker of the old puppy in him this morning, after his loo trip to the garden, he grabbed the corner of his towel as he had been rained on which he does not like. But he loves being rubbed dry.

He's ready to go though, you can see it in him. I'm "glad" we booked today.

Thinking of you too @MaeshoweDragon , sending much love.

Thank you all. He's gone, we're in bits, but it was "lovely". He literally just "went to sleep". So peacefully.

Everyone's kind words really helped.

I’m so sorry. Our westie was 14 when she was put to sleep, also kidney failure. It really is sad 😔

I am so sorry, it is so utterly hard.He sounds like a very special boy.

So sorry to read this. I lost a 9yr old dog to kidney disease which was symptomless until the last week. It’s a shock to discover he was so unwell when I’d only taken him to the vet as he had lost a bit of fur on his tail. Thinking of you x

I'm so sorry. What a brave gift you have given him.

Thank you all xx

Sorry to hear this . Having him 15 years was such a blessing . Yes, they are alive and well until suddenly they aren't. Glad it happens this way with animals as would hate to see them deteriorate slowly and suffering.