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My lovely ginger boy is in the wars again

3 replies

JenaWren · 03/05/2025 07:14

My lovely ginger boy has been really suffering with his mouth for the last 6 months.

He has a chronic inflammatory condition (like gingivitis) and has had surgery twice to remove benign masses and is on a cocktail of steroids and painkillers. Plus weekly vets visits. Sometimes his mouth bleeds from the inflammation.

It’s a really difficult condition to treat and he’s lost 20% of his body weight (over a kilo) as it’s painful for him to eat.

He’s a tough old boy and still appears to be enjoying life but I know he’s very good at masking pain.

A few weeks ago he did improve and started to put on weight. But it’s now worse than ever.

It feels like we might be approaching decision time. He’s 16 and the thought of his mouth being too painful to eat is breaking my heart.

The vet has offered some different drug combinations, and also discussed stopping. She has given us a week to think. I just want to do the best for him. He’s such a lovely boy.

Please can you help me think it through?

OP posts:
Allergictoironing · 03/05/2025 08:31

I'm sorry but you may well be right that it's time. You've tried meds, surgery, presumably checked teeth, vet seems to have tried just about everything as well. Remember the old saying - better a week too soon than a day too late.

My personal view would be book him in for PTS in a couple of weeks, dose him up with everything that can make him more comfortable for that time but don't bother with "cures", and spoil him absolutely rotten for that time. Then say goodbye knowing you have given him the kindest gift of all.

Judystilldreamsofhorses · 03/05/2025 09:39

I would agree with pp. It’s horrible and sad and bad to say goodbye, but unbearable to watch a beloved best friend in pain.

JenaWren · 03/05/2025 14:37

Thank you so much for the advice. It’s so hard to know what to do for the best. I completely agree that better too early than too late.

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