End of Life Options

trudiha

My three year old rottie has been diagnosed with a fairly aggressive form of cancer. Even with the most invasive form of treatment I can only expect him to survive a year at most.

I've decided that I don't want to put him through surgery and radiotherapy. I understand that this wouldn't be the decision that everyone would make but I think that it's best for my dog.

I have another large breed dog of a similar age and they are fairly close. Does any have any advice on how best to deal with putting his brother to sleep, when the time comes, in a way that will cause him the least trauma?

Thank you.

cjmumto2

Oh dear how sad, I am on your side though. There is no point putting him through any more, dogs understand. I really wouldnt know what to in how to prepare the other one, perhaps seperate them more often so he gets used to being on his own more? I am sorry for you though

motherbear

Hi trudiha, sorry to hear about your furboy. I also had a dog with an aggressive cancer (bone cancer), who i gave palliative care to for 3 months before we had to say goodbye to him. I spoke at length to my vet about how to deal with my other dog,when the time came and we decided it would be best to have the vet come to the house. She (the vet) said it would be good for the remaining dog to see my boy after he had passed, it lets them understand and can give them closure.
HTH

Sagz_2

Sorry to hear about your lad OP, and I do understand your decision to go for quality of life and not quantity xx

If I've had a dog PTS at home I've made a point letting my other pets see wht has happened, if the dog (or cat) has been PTS at the Vets then I've always been there and will let the remaining pets have a sniff of me and the collar and lead or blanket when I get home. Don't want to be morbid but death has a smell to me so I'm sure my pets will know what's gone on.

hethmar

Poor boy, so young. xxx

DogsBody

Been through this recently with my 4 year old GR (brain tumour) - it's no age, so you have my sympathy.

Circumstances rather push you into separating the poorly dog from his pal(s) because of the different exercise/rest needs, I think this is beneficial for the remaining dogs when the time comes. I am lucky in that I had 3, so the two I have left are company for each other - would you think about getting another dog later on?

As far as practicalities go, I had the vet come to the house for Loki, and I kept her in the room for a while (possible graphic bit at bottom of post, don't read if sensitive) with my other dogs so they had a chance to realise that she was no longer with us. This might present a problem if you are relying on the vet to take your dog for cremation because they will want to take him straight away - try to find out how flexible they are with the 'arrangements' if you are doing it this way.

We did remove Loki's blankets/toys etc immediately afterwards so the other dogs weren't reminded that someone was missing so much. Dunno if it made any difference though.







Graphic bit

After euthanasia, I left the body in the front room until it was cold and in rigor. We buried her at home so didn't have to worry about 'arrangements', and it is a lot easier to handle/carry a large dog after this point rather than immediately post-mortem when the body is very relaxed - I don't know whether the rigidity and temperature helped our other dogs to realise that she was dead, but they didn't look for her afterwards, although they still get excited when they see a GR 'out and about'. It's a good idea to have the dog on a waterproof blanket for the euthanasia if you do it this way.

uolypool

Oh my goodness , how sad for you.The poor baby I too have a Rotti who is 2 1/2 years old, I know that if it was me that was deciding then I wouldnt want my baby in pain.It is a very hard decission but you will know in your heart what feels right or wrong for you.Whatever you decide for the best remember all the good times you have had with your woofer.Keep your chin up:(

romylou_2

motherbear wrote: »

Hi trudiha, sorry to hear about your furboy. I also had a dog with an aggressive cancer (bone cancer), who i gave palliative care to for 3 months before we had to say goodbye to him. I spoke at length to my vet about how to deal with my other dog,when the time came and we decided it would be best to have the vet come to the house. She (the vet) said it would be good for the remaining dog to see my boy after he had passed, it lets them understand and can give them closure.
HTH

I have to agree with motherbear Trudiha. I have had three PTS at home (not at the same time) and it was heartbreaking as they were all from the same family (mother and two daughters). I do genuinely believe that dogs understand and if their companion is PTS in their presence then they will understand and will be able to grieve in their own way, along with you. They will sense that you are upset.

Also, for the dog that is being put to sleep, will feel more relaxed in his home surroundings, with his family around him.

My heart is breaking for you sweetie, but you are doing the right thing for your baby.

trudiha

Thank you all very much for your advice and kind wishes. I've spoken to my vet and he is willing to put Dyson to sleep at home when the time comes. A friend is going to take Henry, my other dog, for a walk while the procedure is carried out and bring him back when the vet has left, so Henry can spend some time with Dyson's body.

My next concern is knowing when it is the right time but I know that's not something that anyone else will be able to decide for me.

CFC

I'm very sad for your coming sorrow Trudiha. You will know in yourself when the time has come

ali-t

trudiha wrote: »

My three year old rottie has been diagnosed with a fairly aggressive form of cancer. Even with the most invasive form of treatment I can only expect him to survive a year at most.

I am really sorry to hear that, I also have a rott and bone cancer is my biggest dread. I have no advice for you but (((hugs))), and I am sure you will make the right decisions for your boy.

Just out of curiosity, is your boy neutered?