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How do you know when to put him down?
calrugerfan
Member Posts: 18,209 ✭
While I was in Kansas on that crazy trip, Zorro had a major seizure. My wife got him to the vet and we've had him on anti-seizure medication to prevent further seizures. He has never regained full strength in his back legs. Its hard for him to get up and if he tries to move too fast, he goes straight down. Sometimes, it looks like he goes down for no reason.
But he still seems so happy when he's not struggling to get up. You look at his face and its all smiles. You can tell that he WANTS to play but doesn't have the strength. When he goes down, he just looks at you like "what the heck just happened?"
I really don't know what to do. We got Penny and Zorro when we got our first house. Penny is doing great.
Another complication is that my wife an I haven't been able to have kids so these are basically our kids.
How do you know when its time?
ADDED: It should be noted that being an Anatolian/Rottweiler mix, he weighs about 125 pounds. Helping him up is doable. Trying to pick him up completely is a huge struggle.
ANOTHER ADDITION: My wife is now scared to be home alone with him because she doesn't want him to have another seizure while she's the only one here.
But he still seems so happy when he's not struggling to get up. You look at his face and its all smiles. You can tell that he WANTS to play but doesn't have the strength. When he goes down, he just looks at you like "what the heck just happened?"
I really don't know what to do. We got Penny and Zorro when we got our first house. Penny is doing great.
Another complication is that my wife an I haven't been able to have kids so these are basically our kids.
How do you know when its time?
ADDED: It should be noted that being an Anatolian/Rottweiler mix, he weighs about 125 pounds. Helping him up is doable. Trying to pick him up completely is a huge struggle.
ANOTHER ADDITION: My wife is now scared to be home alone with him because she doesn't want him to have another seizure while she's the only one here.
Comments
When the animal is spending more time suffering than enjoying life, it's time.
I've told my family the same thing is true of me, but they won't promise to pull the plug, much less put me down. Too hard to know the balance between suffering and enjoyment, they say, and too hard to know whether the situation might improve.
This is all hypothetical. I'm not sick or anything. At my age, though, it's time to have the talk and sign the papers.
Look at his age, the illness and put yourself in his place. He wants to live but his body is failing, will he improve? from what you have described i dont like saying it but not likely, what happens when he reaches the point of needing to be carried outside to do his business.
If he is having difficulty every time he tries to get up it may be time to start looking at letting him go.
It's never easy, and your pain will linger on. But it would have, regardless. Better to end his.
I took my own dog out in the mountains. He hunted along as happy as he could be under the circumstances, and when he stopped still, entranced by some scent on the air, that was the moment I did it.
Been there. When your pain is bad enough just thinking about his pain, it's time.
It's never easy, and your pain will linger on. But it would have, regardless. Better to end his.
I took my own dog out in the mountains. He hunted along as happy as he could be under the circumstances, and when he stopped still, entranced by some scent on the air, that was the moment I did it.
I wouldn't be able to do that. I'll take him to the vet to have them do it. I could only put one of my animals down myself under the most dire circumstance.
What kind of a dog is it? (I'm assuming it's a dog because you didn't really say)
See my edit above.
When you start to feel guilty about letting them suffer because you can't say goodbye.
Good answer.
Last summer, I was on my way home to take my female Aussie to the vet to be put down.
She died in mrsdeere's arms before I got there.
I probably waited too long, but was glad she died at home.
Your dog might have a bulging disc in his spine. My suggestion would be to find a vet who is trained in animal chiropractics. A simple back adjustment might be all your buddy needs to get back up and around. He'll most likely never get back to 100%, but at least he'll be able to function again. We had a dachschund who had that happen, and for a while he was paralized from the mid-spine back, but after a few adjustments from the vet, he got back to probably 80%, maybe a little higher.
Thanks. I'll look into that. They said that he has a mass by his * gland. They wanted to run an expensive test to find out if it was cancer. I asked if that could cause the seizure and they said no. I skipped on the test because if it IS cancer, we wouldn't be able to take any action. But I never thought about a bulging disk.
Can Zorro still get out to poop and pee OK? Is his quality of life OK?Can you afford the potential vet bills?
Those were the kind of questions my wife and I asked each other when our cat Victoria became sick and lame. It was not a happy time.
quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
Been there. When your pain is bad enough just thinking about his pain, it's time.
It's never easy, and your pain will linger on. But it would have, regardless. Better to end his.
I took my own dog out in the mountains. He hunted along as happy as he could be under the circumstances, and when he stopped still, entranced by some scent on the air, that was the moment I did it.
I wouldn't be able to do that. I'll take him to the vet to have them do it. I could only put one of my animals down myself under the most dire circumstance.
But, instead of having his last moments frightened to death by going to the vet. Rock had the courage to give his companion his last great wish and die on the mountain with a scent in his nose and a love for his surroundings.
I am so glad that I haven't had to deal with this. My Tyson went with dignity after 16 great years, while being petted to sleep by the family.
The thing about our pets is they are totally there for us untill the end. They don't know anything but love for you and until they can't stand it, they won't let you know.
I wish you clear vision on this to make the right choice and that when the time comes it is a tribute to what a great dog he has been for you.
I know this, I struggle to get up cause both of my knees have been blown out, but I'm glad my wife and kids don't judge this old bricklayer be put down, cause I'm happy when I'm standing, and that is my usual position.
In no particular order,
Can Zorro still get out to poop and pee OK? Is his quality of life OK?Can you afford the potential vet bills?
Those were the kind of questions my wife and I asked each other when our cat Victoria became sick and lame. It was not a happy time.
He has had a handful of accidents. It looks like he either didn't know it was happening or didn't have the strength to get up.
As for quality of life, he is a dog so he obviously sleeps a lot. You can tell that he is happy when he isn't in pain. He wants to play but even TRYING to run and his back legs fall out from under him.
We can't afford astronomical vet bills but medication and some office visits are definitely doable.
quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
Been there. When your pain is bad enough just thinking about his pain, it's time.
It's never easy, and your pain will linger on. But it would have, regardless. Better to end his.
I took my own dog out in the mountains. He hunted along as happy as he could be under the circumstances, and when he stopped still, entranced by some scent on the air, that was the moment I did it.
I wouldn't be able to do that. I'll take him to the vet to have them do it. I could only put one of my animals down myself under the most dire circumstance.
But, instead of having his last moments frightened to death by going to the vet. Rock had the courage to give his companion his last great wish and die on the mountain with a scent in his nose and a love for his surroundings.
I am so glad that I haven't had to deal with this. My Tyson went with dignity after 16 great years, while being petted to sleep by the family.
The thing about our pets is they are totally there for us untill the end. They don't know anything but love for you and until they can't stand it, they won't let you know.
I wish you clear vision on this to make the right choice and that when the time comes it is a tribute to what a great dog he has been for you.
I know this, I struggle to get up cause both of my knees have been blown out, but I'm glad my wife and kids don't judge this old bricklayer be put down, cause I'm happy when I'm standing, and that is my usual position.
I don't fault Rocky for doing it that way. I just couldn't do it.
When the animal is spending more time suffering than enjoying life, it's time.
If they are not in pain or unable to control their * functions I wouldn't just yet. Our Kona is getting up there in age but still wants to play and seems happy. I won't let her suffer or have accidents just because I don't want her to leave us. She has too much dignity for that.
quote:Originally posted by pietro75
quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
Been there. When your pain is bad enough just thinking about his pain, it's time.
It's never easy, and your pain will linger on. But it would have, regardless. Better to end his.
I took my own dog out in the mountains. He hunted along as happy as he could be under the circumstances, and when he stopped still, entranced by some scent on the air, that was the moment I did it.
I wouldn't be able to do that. I'll take him to the vet to have them do it. I could only put one of my animals down myself under the most dire circumstance.
But, instead of having his last moments frightened to death by going to the vet. Rock had the courage to give his companion his last great wish and die on the mountain with a scent in his nose and a love for his surroundings.
I am so glad that I haven't had to deal with this. My Tyson went with dignity after 16 great years, while being petted to sleep by the family.
The thing about our pets is they are totally there for us untill the end. They don't know anything but love for you and until they can't stand it, they won't let you know.
I wish you clear vision on this to make the right choice and that when the time comes it is a tribute to what a great dog he has been for you.
I know this, I struggle to get up cause both of my knees have been blown out, but I'm glad my wife and kids don't judge this old bricklayer be put down, cause I'm happy when I'm standing, and that is my usual position.
I don't fault Rocky for doing it that way. I just couldn't do it.
I couldn't either...
I often contemplated 'what' or 'how' or 'when' or 'why' I would need to do this same thing...
With all the animals I've had in my life... Fortunately... (Or unfortunately...) I've not been there yet.
Seems each time, that it was getting close to make such a decision...
That decision was taken out of my hands and I was left with the ordeal of what to do afterwards.
In the case of my Bea-Jay... His seizure was what took him away from me at seven years...
We were shocked. And took a'back at what had jus'happened. And still feel an emptiness that Bea-Jay surely filled.
Even with the others we still have... Bea-Jay held a special place in our lives.
My thoughts will be with you and Zorro... While you work this out.
Sorry, I have nothing else to offer friend...
quote:Originally posted by pietro75
quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
Been there. When your pain is bad enough just thinking about his pain, it's time.
It's never easy, and your pain will linger on. But it would have, regardless. Better to end his.
I took my own dog out in the mountains. He hunted along as happy as he could be under the circumstances, and when he stopped still, entranced by some scent on the air, that was the moment I did it.
I wouldn't be able to do that. I'll take him to the vet to have them do it. I could only put one of my animals down myself under the most dire circumstance.
But, instead of having his last moments frightened to death by going to the vet. Rock had the courage to give his companion his last great wish and die on the mountain with a scent in his nose and a love for his surroundings.
I am so glad that I haven't had to deal with this. My Tyson went with dignity after 16 great years, while being petted to sleep by the family.
The thing about our pets is they are totally there for us untill the end. They don't know anything but love for you and until they can't stand it, they won't let you know.
I wish you clear vision on this to make the right choice and that when the time comes it is a tribute to what a great dog he has been for you.
I know this, I struggle to get up cause both of my knees have been blown out, but I'm glad my wife and kids don't judge this old bricklayer be put down, cause I'm happy when I'm standing, and that is my usual position.
I don't fault Rocky for doing it that way. I just couldn't do it.
It's takes a special bond to be able to do what Rocky could and did...
I would hope I could as well, if the situation warranted the action.
Otherwise...
I just deleted my original posting. If someone replies to it and copied it first, fine. I should have left it. Otherwise, I have a hard time responding to a matter like this without allowing my true feeling out. I hate bravado when it isn't necessary and more when it's pure bs. I am sorry for your companion. When the quality of life doesn't really exist, it's time. Best wishes in dealing with a tough decision. [:(]
I don't know if I saw it or not. I invite you to be honest. You won't hurt my feelings.
If I had my druthers, Zorro would live forever. I always said "Good thing our dogs will live forever so we won't have to go through that."
When my wife called me in tears, I comforted her by telling him that Zorro would be ok because "he's going to live forever."
Barring that he doesn't live forever, I don't know if I should let him go naturally, or put him down due to suffering. It would be very difficult for my wife to go through that if she happened to be the one that was home at the end. On the other hand, I don't want to put him down when there is still lots of life in him.
I've just never been in this kind of situation before. So please, share your thoughts, as brutal as they may be.
Not being able to do something is not necessarily suffering, for Pete's sake.
I think it's a bit soon for the dramatics, from what you have said.
I don't think that it is time. But I am worried that I won't know when it is.
to look at her you would not think there is a thing wrong with her.
she lost the use of her back legs
that was one of the hardest days in my life when I took her to the vet and had her put down that evening
I will tell you this if you have a friend that can put her down, it will be easier on both of you
I have shot many dogs because of illness in my life but for some reason I couldn't shoot sunnie
as I held her the vet said this is a calming shot to make her relax. when he gave her the first shot, her head went left to right left to right looking at me as if I let her down
never again will I take a dog to the vet to be put down
Oftimes, Loving Family Dogs BITE while having seizures. Careful!
When my wife got him to the vet, the vet explained that they often lose vision during the seizure and are very confused. He did growl at my wife when she was holding him. I think that is part of why it was so hard for her. She felt helpless.
When the animal is spending more time suffering than enjoying life, it's time.
Yep.
quote:Originally posted by calrugerfan
quote:Originally posted by GreatGuns
I just deleted my original posting. If someone replies to it and copied it first, fine. I should have left it. Otherwise, I have a hard time responding to a matter like this without allowing my true feeling out. I hate bravado when it isn't necessary and more when it's pure bs. I am sorry for your companion. When the quality of life doesn't really exist, it's time. Best wishes in dealing with a tough decision. [:(]
I don't know if I saw it or not. I invite you to be honest. You won't hurt my feelings.
If I had my druthers, Zorro would live forever. I always said "Good thing our dogs will live forever so we won't have to go through that."
When my wife called me in tears, I comforted her by telling him that Zorro would be ok because "he's going to live forever."
Barring that he doesn't live forever, I don't know if I should let him go naturally, or put him down due to suffering. It would be very difficult for my wife to go through that if she happened to be the one that was home at the end. On the other hand, I don't want to put him down when there is still lots of life in him.
I've just never been in this kind of situation before. So please, share your thoughts, as brutal as they may be.
My original response was critical of someone now deemed courageous for stating they put their dog down in a manner that I deem sneaky and low-handed. I grew up on ranches with cattle and lots of "working dogs" and "pet dogs." Those that don't know the difference haven't had both. I've put many working dogs down, but my conscience won't allow me to take the life of my friend. Cameron, you have asked how to properly care/prepare for your companion's exit from this world. He's not just a working dog and your companion deserves to be put down correctly and with dignity. Call your vet and request they come to you. If your companion is to be buried on your property, he will already be there. Otherwise, your vet will take him away for cremation. I used to grit my teeth when people would ask me how I felt about taking bad guys lives for a living. There is no correct answer, unless they mean nothing to you. I wish you all the strength necessary to deal with this in the proper and dignified manner.
Thanks. I know that some would rather be the ones to put their dog down. But to me, I would feel like I'm doing him a disservice by not taking him to an expert.
I just got back from the vet's office to refill the prescription for his medicine. They gave me a 60 day supply. On the last visit, the vet said that the stumbling can be a side effect of the medication and that it can take 2 months to wear off. I don't know if that is all this is or not but we'll see.
Others have suggested a veterinary chiropractor but I'm not finding any in my area.
You need to report to the vet your dog is still having seizures. They run blood tests and will change the dosage. My dog Dixie has epilepsy. She is on two phenobarbital in the morning and two in the evening. He had her on three each 12 hour and she was a zombie. Getting the dosage correct is the key. They do not stop seizures but make the seizures easier on the dog and they do not last as long. She has been on it for about 4 months and had 2 very mild seizures.
Thats the same thing Zorro is on. He's not having seizures anymore, just weak/unstable back legs.
There are other drugs besides phenobarbital.
I figure you will be able to tell when it is time, all you need to know is whether it is/is not at the present.
Don't borrow trouble.
We discussed switching medication at his last appt (11/14) but the vet said that they all have the same side effects. So if the weakness and stumbling IS a side effect, switching his medicine will just prolong the side effects wearing off.