topic Re: Is it time? in Pet Lovers

Is it time?

Rose429 — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:02:42 GMT

I have a white boxer that has been my companion in everything. We go everywhere together. I live alone so she is my friend that sits beside me on the couch in the morning while I drink coffee and plan our day. She has had a rapid health decline over the last 3 months. She drinks water constantly, has accidents because she can't make it out in time. Put my bed on the floor because she could no longer jump up. Every blood test negative, ultrasound negative, X-rays negative. She went from walking 2 miles with me to hobbling to the end of my driveway and back.Sleeps most of the day now. I just cannot imagine a day without her and I pray to find the strength to do right by her. Perhaps it is my age (70) that is making this one of the most painful times of my life. Has anyone go through this and can give me ur thought? Thank you

Re: Is it time?

ECBG — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:14:31 GMT

I am so sorry for your baby having issues. When the pets that live in our hearts have issues, it's all we can do to hold back the tears and do what they need.

Please call your vet in the morning. You didn't mention the age of your girl, but if she is younger, it could be a parasite.

We have had the heartache of losing a one year old we adored to a rare tumor they couldn't remove.

I will keep you in my prayers.

Re: Is it time?

Sooner — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:14:35 GMT

@Rose429 My heart breaks for anyone in your situation. You love your pet and do not want them to suffer, nor would your pet want YOU to suffer. You will know when it becomes a question of too much for either or BOTH of you.

It is ok to make sure that your pet passes peacefully and you are left with good memories her in a comfortable, pain free happy life. I pray that it ends in a peaceful way for both of you. You are blessed to have had her and she to have had you!

Re: Is it time?

Marp — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:21:29 GMT

@Rose429, first, my sympathy for what you and your dog are going through.

Has the testing included hormone and electrolyte imbalances?

I am presuming that diabetes, particularly diabetes insipidus, kidney and liver diseases have already been tested for.

Re: Is it time?

fthunt — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:21:37 GMT

Excessive drinking.......details fade but first dog had a calcium problem.

Re: Is it time?

1Snickers — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:26:30 GMT

@Rose429 I'm sorry about your dear dog and know what a terrible time you're having.
Several years ago my 16 year old Jack Russell went through this. The jumping up on furniture isn't good for their spines. I finally had to have him put to sleep as his legs wouldn't support him and he wouldn't eat.

My son has had tests like yours on his Chow. She's 13 and has had several problems. This weekend I'm dog sitting her with my other Jack Russell. I just walk her slowly if that's what she wants. Today she was trotting. My son loves this dog and I just hope the best for her.
Being women we always want to help our pets and family and it's hard for us when everything we do doesn't help them. I've done Tai chi and meditation to help

🐶 🐾🐕 🛏️ 🧘🏼‍♀️

Re: Is it time?

m0rgan — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:26:31 GMT

I would ask my vet if it was time. No one here can tell you if it is time. We can support you if it is time but that's all. Trust your vet.

Re: Is it time?

LindaSal — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:41:20 GMT

You will know in your heart what the right answer is.

I wish you strength and courage.

Re: Is it time?

Foxxee — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 19:36:53 GMT

You say your vet couldn't find anything wrong. I'd see a different vet, preferably an Internal Medicine specialist if you can find one in your area or nearby for a second opinion.

I assume a blood sugar was done. Diabetes causes thirst and other symptoms.

Doing what is right for your dog is to find a vet who can give you an accurate diagnosis and treat the disorder.

Edit @Rose429

Just remembered, one of my dogs in the past had Cushings with similar symptoms.

Re: Is it time?

BlueFinch — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 17:03:46 GMT

@Rose429 I'm saddened for you, that you are struggling with the decline in your best friend's health. You didn't mention her age, which is, of course, a big factor.

Even so, it's rather odd, that she would have a 'sudden' decline over the last three months. Seems something may have been missed, unless she's an advanced senior. Perhaps she's reacting to pain in her hips, or spine? Pain can knock any of us down. Just a thought.

I worry constantly about my own devoted companion, who will be 13 this year. He's slowing down, too, but it's been gradual. I absolutely don't know what I'll do without him. I rescued him when my DH passed and he has been great therapy for me, and me for him. He's my best friend, too.

But, when the time comes I will do right for him and would never want him to suffer unnecessarily, as devastating as it will be for me. My life won't be the same without him, but with all things, in time, we learn to adjust. We have to.

You'll do the right thing. If you trust your Vet, and don't think you need a second opinion, then follow their advice. Stay strong. You'll be in my thoughts.

Re: Is it time?

simplyfriends — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:13:20 GMT

@Rose429 I'm so sorry you are going through this. You made me tear up for sure with memories of my dog Cody and several cats. They are with us for a short time and we wish they could live forever.

I saw this to help your sweet girl if she is anxious...

Re: Is it time?

haddon9 — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:21:13 GMT

@Rose429 I am so sorry about your sweet companion. I think we have all gone through it and it's so very painful. You just don't want them to suffer but it's so hard to let go.

My heart goes out to you.

Re: Is it time?

Spacrazy — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 18:25:10 GMT

@Rose429 First of all - my heart goes out to you. Since you've continued to have testing done I'm sure you've discussed this with your provider although, the ultimate decision remains with you. You didn't mention her age or if she's able to eat or if she is in pain. Did your adjustments of y'all's sleeping arrangements help? As far as her incontinence you can use diapers to help with that. Maybe she needs to be in comfort care just like we humans. I'd be okay with my baby not having to do anything as long as I felt she's pain free and taking nourishment. She will let you know if her time is here. Hugs from me.

Re: Is it time?

Rose429 — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 21:31:26 GMT

@Foxxee I did go to an internal medicine vet 2 hours away. He did extensive testing and thought brain tumor on or near pituitary. We tried a special compounded medicine for Cushings and it gave her full body tremors and had to be stopped. Thank you for ur thoughts

Re: Is it time?

Rose429 — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 21:38:47 GMT

@Spacrazy @haddon9 @simplyfriends @BlueFinch @Foxxee Thank you to all that responded with ur kindness and thoughts. She has become restless, is panting on and off. The vet gave me tramadol and I have CBD drops to try. She has tremors in her front legs. The internal med vet said to watch for seizures or sudden blindness. Don't think I want to put her through that. I live very rural and there are no vets available after hours or sundays. I would have a 2 hr drive to emergency vet. I would go anywhere for her but it would be a long trip if she is seizing. I will see what the week ahead brings. Thank you all again. 💚

Re: Is it time?

DSD2 — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 21:46:56 GMT

My heart aches for you. Many of us feel your pain, your sadness, your uncertainty of what to do.

While your vet's opinion is important, it is those who are blessed with and entrusted with the care of our fur children who must make the difficult decision. You know your girl better than anyone else. As you watch her, be mindful of what your head may be telling you although your heart may be saying something different.

While you want to keep her with you, her well being will always come first. You want her at peace when the time does come; praying for you and sending your courage. God bless.

Re: Is it time?

Spacrazy — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 22:39:53 GMT

@Rose429 Sending love and prayers to you and your baby. Gods will be done.

Re: Is it time?

Tinkrbl44 — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 02:30:20 GMT

@Rose429

Sending you hugs and good thoughts. I just went through this a few weeks ago. Good luck to you and your fur baby.

Re: Is it time?

phoenixbrd — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 05:09:40 GMT

This is just the worse painful time in one's life. I am so sorry. After talking to vet, spend some quiet time. Only you can make this decision, I'm sure you will make the right decision that is best for you and your baby. My heart goes out to you and your precious boxer.

Re: Is it time?

GingerHead — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 02:04:14 GMT

So Sorry.

This is some of the worst pain a person who has an animal love can go through.

It would be so much easier for them to just go quietly in the night but it rarely happens that way. Unfortunately we have to make the decision to just end the pain and it's an excruciating decision. Be strong for her.

Please know you are in all of our thoughts. Sending you and your sweet girl much love.