Opinions please.

RacyRed

I'm so sorry to read this Mutter, Hugs to you, your OH and lovely Jaffa.

I agree with what others have said about the fits. Jaf could be screaming while unconcious, apparently all muscle groups are affected during a fit. If he is unconcious then he will not be feeling anything. My cat hasn't a clue what has happened after hers. BTW, when he fits try not to touch him and remove any sounds and/or lights, sensory stuff can stimulate the fit and prolong it. Use cushions or whatever is to hand to keep him supported and safe and wait until he begins to get himself up before helping him. Make sure he has food available immediately after the fit, I think blood sugar levels drop astronomically, or something like that. Putting a bowl of food where he can reach it once he is on his feet will really aide his recovery.

Here is another who agrees with your decision on what treatment Jaffa needs. At his age, quality is likely to mean a great deal more than quantity both to him and to your family. Keep the lovely lad as content and comfy as you can. My thoughts are with all of you.

Mutter_2

Thanks YorkiePud. Luxury indeed when your Vet makes home visits, even GP's no longer seem to do that!
I feel exonerated now for having cancelled the operation due last week. Vet decided this morning that the mass is so big as to be inoperable. Had it gone ahead last week, it would have been pointless. So although the future is dire, my conscience is clear.
The screaming is apparently a feature of some dogs fitting. I have been reading an American site, http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/ the page on what is really in your dog's food makes interesting reading for all, whether caring for a dog with Epilepsy or not. Warning, not for the squeamish.
It certainly was an advantage that Yorkies are easily picked up. I am very concerned that Jaffa may fit whilst on a walk, or rather stroll, as it took a full hour yesterday to get to his feet and even then was totally confused. What's the point of being a dog ,if you can't go out for a walk, but I wouldn't be able to lift him and carry him to the car.
He is now on increased dose of Epiphen and a cancer drug.
I too have to decide, when the time comes, whether to take him to the Vet or call the Vet here. It would seem that the latter choice is favoured by most posters. However, and this is going to appear very selfish of me, will I always associate the room with him being pts?
As it is, I can't bear the thought of being in the house without him. That first time when you walk in and there's no waggy tail. How to cope I've no idea.
It's all so sudden. Three weeks ago, people in the park couldn't believe it when I told them his age, they thought he was a young dog. Now this.

Mutter_2

Hi RacyRed. I read on the site I put a link to, that epilepsy in a cat is rare. Hope your little one is doing well.
On that site it advocates the use of ice cream to raise blood sugar levels, my Husband knows the Haagan Das in the freezer is not for him!
Jaf's fits only last about thity seconds, it's the recovery from them that is so slow and he has no appetite after. In fact, since eating two poached salmon steaks yesterday lunchtime, he's had nothing. He gets better food than us.

YorkiePud_3

Mutter wrote: »

Thanks YorkiePud. Luxury indeed when your Vet makes home visits, even GP's no longer seem to do that!
I feel exonerated now for having cancelled the operation due last week. Vet decided this morning that the mass is so big as to be inoperable. Had it gone ahead last week, it would have been pointless. So although the future is dire, my conscience is clear.
The screaming is apparently a feature of some dogs fitting. I have been reading an American site, http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/ the page on what is really in your dog's food makes interesting reading for all, whether caring for a dog with Epilepsy or not. Warning, not for the squeamish.
It certainly was an advantage that Yorkies are easily picked up. I am very concerned that Jaffa may fit whilst on a walk, or rather stroll, as it took a full hour yesterday to get to his feet and even then was totally confused. What's the point of being a dog ,if you can't go out for a walk, but I wouldn't be able to lift him and carry him to the car.
He is now on increased dose of Epiphen and a cancer drug.
I too have to decide, when the time comes, whether to take him to the Vet or call the Vet here. It would seem that the latter choice is favoured by most posters. However, and this is going to appear very selfish of me, will I always associate the room with him being pts?
As it is, I can't bear the thought of being in the house without him. That first time when you walk in and there's no waggy tail. How to cope I've no idea.
It's all so sudden. Three weeks ago, people in the park couldn't believe it when I told them his age, they thought he was a young dog. Now this.

Hi again ... *S*

Aye, you're not kidding there! And I find my fabulous vet is much nicer than my own doctor, too ... *LOL* ... he truly is wonderful, a vet who realises that sometimes we need them to talk to us and explain everything to us without us feeling we are being rushed in and out of the room. Hmmm, think I'm coming back as a dog in my next life!!

Well it is very sad news then about the mass being inoperable, but on the other hand, try and see it as confirmation that you had made the right decision ... it's confirmation that YOU know, on some inner level, what is right for your pet. Not that that is any way reassuring, but you had made the best decision.
Sometimes we make decisions out of love ... the vet needs to do the tests to have solid facts in front of him on which to base his decisions. But you both came to the right one.

Let me tell you (sorry, I am famous for epic posts!!) ... ALL my dogs have been pts at home ... they have been far more relaxed being at home, in surroundings they are used to. It has meant they haven't had to be dragged to the vets to sit in what is often a noisy waiting room and be all agitated.

Now, it isn't for everyone, I totally understand that ... but all my dogs have passed away calmly and quietly on the rug in front of the fire, my fabulous vet laying down on the floor to give them the injection .. they have gone in my arms but they have gone peacefully because they have known they were with me and at home ... I would pay all the money in the world to know my little ones (and big ones, as I had greyhounds too) were going to pass away so quietly and calmly ...

And no, I have never been spooked afterwards ... yes, I have had absolute hysterical waterworks afterwards ... but somehow you seem to gain strength from it "happening" at home. I certainly did!
That sounds so stupid ... but in a way, I think it helped me too ... they were all home and happy right up to the end, knowing where they were and that I had them in great big bear hugs ... any memories of them are of the fun times ... not when they passed ...

Ultimately, it is up to you ... but I would always vote for it at home. In my case, and for my pets, it has always been the right decision.

Keep strong ... x

orlao

Mutter wrote: »

I feel exonerated now for having cancelled the operation due last week. Vet decided this morning that the mass is so big as to be inoperable. Had it gone ahead last week, it would have been pointless.

I am very concerned that Jaffa may fit whilst on a walk, or rather stroll, as it took a full hour yesterday to get to his feet and even then was totally confused. What's the point of being a dog ,if you can't go out for a walk, but I wouldn't be able to lift him and carry him to the car.

I too have to decide, when the time comes, whether to take him to the Vet or call the Vet here. It would seem that the latter choice is favoured by most posters. However, and this is going to appear very selfish of me, will I always associate the room with him being pts?
As it is, I can't bear the thought of being in the house without him. That first time when you walk in and there's no waggy tail. How to cope I've no idea.
It's all so sudden. Three weeks ago, people in the park couldn't believe it when I told them his age, they thought he was a young dog. Now this.

I really feel that we know our dogs better than anyone else.......so I'm glad you feel a little better about not going for surgery.

As far as walking is concerned, is he compis mentis enough to walk slowly back to the car with the support of a sling (even a towel will do) under his belly after a fit......and that is what dog ramps are for, to get him in the car! The other option is an adapted baby buggy to transport himmind you, if you take that option, prepare for some funny looks:o

My animals have always been PTS at home unless they're already at the vets for treatment. I've never associated the room with their going and in fact, have found it easier to cope in the privacy of my home rather than having to leave via the waiting room, talk to the staff etc and how I haven't crashed the car on the way home, I really don't know...However, for me, the heartbreaker has always been finding toys, bowls and beds IYSWIM which would be the same regardless of where the pet goes but IME you and your OH will just know what and when is right.

Try and enjoy what time you have left, yes I know it sounds daft.....take loads of pics, spoil him a lot (with poached salmon for lunch it sounds like you already are;)) do what you and he enjoy most....treasure the time.

(((((HUGS))))))

O x

loulou123

So sorry to hear of your situation, i found myself in a similar postion with my dog merlin 2 years ago, so can understand what your going through.

Completely out of the blue, a lump appeared on his bottom and upon taking him to the vets it turned out he had a tumour near his anal gland, this required an emergency operation the next morning. Unfortanetly a biopsy proved it was cancerous. He was given 6 months to live, unless he had further drastic surgery. We decided not to go for the surgery, and opted for pain relief etc. Merlin went on for another 2 and half years! before we made the decision the time had come, due to the cancer spreading to his stomach. But in this time he had a brilliant time, still enjoying himself and wagging his tail all the time.

Personally when the time came, i opted to take him to the vets. (although i know many disagree-its personal preference) The vet was outstanding, with exactly the right level of compassion.

It is extremely hard, coming into a empty house, and i actually went away to stay with a friend for a few days afterwards. But i got through it by reminding myself that i had done the final thing i could out of love for him - if that makes sense.

Big hugs to you all.

suki1964

You know, although walking into the kitchen the following morning and my lad not being there was heartbreaking, it was only fitting that was where he was put to sleep. I couldn't bear the thought of him being put to sleep in a clinical room at the vets. I wanted his last moments to be restful for him, not to be stressed out in a place he hated. Nope, on his favourite sofa in my arms. And morbid or not we sat like that for an hour or so till he got cold and I felt able to let go.

I still sit on that sofa even though we have since moved home and always think good positive thoughts, even when it springs to mind it was where we said goodbye

. It is hard getting used to a quiet house again, it was something I never did cope with and rightly or wrongly I started my search for a new puppy after around two weeks. Thats not to say I forgot my lad, and no matter how much I love the wee fella I have curled up beside me now, he was never a replacement for my Gunnar

lowis

Hi Mutter...hope you are bearing up OK considering...

I had my cat PTS at home and i do not associate the room with what happened...i have too many nice memories of sharing the room with her. in fact i get comfort that she passed away on her favourite cushion, resting on a fleece she has had since she was a kitten, calmly and without being unsettled by a car journey or being in strange surroundings. after she passed her brother was here too, and he washed her from head to the tip of the tail for about 2 hours...it was beautiful, if such a thing can be so. please don;t be scared, it is a very peaceful passing when done at home

many hugs
xxx

MrsE_2

Mutter wrote: »

Vet thinks I'm denying Jaf the chance of a further few months of life.

I have delved, and have found that 50% of all splenectomy are cancerous, spreading to other areas, including the brain, as I feel in my dog's case. Only 10% live to a year. I have to decide, which I've already done.
Jaffa is not going to be cut open, stitched up, fitted with a lampshade thing on his head for two weeks.

My cat Ted (red persian) died suddenly at 7.5, the vet thinks it was the cat equivalent of a heart attack. It was over in less than a minute.

I'm so thankful I was with him as he gave three little gasps before he died (stoking him, trying to revive him) & that he didn't suffer, that he wasn't ill for a while being pulled about & poked about.

I always prayed that if the time came & I had to face what you do now, that I would be unselfish enough to let him go quietly & peacefully (crying again now).

You can't explain to an animal what all the messing about is for.

Sorry for your pain, I know how it feels....

Mutter_2

MrsE, you've started me off now and I'm not a cat lover.