Question about an old lady...

DON79

Will see what else the vet says tomorrow. She doesn't seem to be in pain as she makes no pain sounds but it is hard to tell. She has improved in that she can actually stand up and take a couple of steps and she has better control over her bowels. She also is not holding her head to the side. She still shakes occasionally. will mention vestibular syndrome as until now it was assumed it was a stroke as she has had similar episodes previously....

what someone said about them still getting joy out of life, she will respond to her name but no tail wagging etc and she is just lying still all day and sleeping, not really eating regularly.

tanith

Sorry to hear about your beloved pet.. I've always gone with my vets advice , I would simply ask your vet if she was his pet what would he do?

hethmar

I think, from your description, may be the time has come for the old girl. Please get the vet to your home though. I know its an awful decision to make, but she doesnt seem to have a great quality of life now and Ive no doubt that you and yours are also going through a lot seeing her like this. God bless xxx

DON79

Got the vets at 12.30 today... having to go to a different one as they usual one is not answering their phone at all no matter how many times we try! It is engaged and then when it does ring, no one answers. :mad:

She got herself out the back door this morning and lay there for a little while and then she has tottered up to her usual spot under the shady bush at the top of the path.

rising_from_the_ashes

tanith wrote: »

I would simply ask your vet if she was his pet what would he do?

That's what we usually ask as I perfer a "quality of life" treatment plan not just keeping them going for as long as possible if that has gone.

Hope everything went OK for you.

paulsad

I let my old girl go (dalmation age 13) a couple of weeks back, she'd been pooing herself for a year or so, falling down and couldn't get up unaided etc. - I put it off but in the end, booked in for a consult and poss pts. The vet gave her advice but in the end you must make the decision - unfortunately there will always be a nagging thought that maybe you could have given her a bit longer but time will help with that.
A house trained pet lying in her own waste at night unable to get a drink - can't be great for them can it?
My girl was a trooper and never really showed pain like some dogs - she did start to whimper when trying to get comfy; so enough is enough in my view - I think if you have a good talk with your girl and with yourself you will know the time.
All the best - I think I know your dilemma too well.

DON79

Thank you Paulsad, sorry to hear about your own loss.

Our girl is still with us. The vet said she seemed to have lost control over her back legs as she couldn't support herself on them. He gave her a steroid injection and something for pain just in case. He said to give her another few days and then if no improvement then we will have to decide what is best then.

Thanks all...