WWYD in regards to a dog

My lab mix is having a very rough time. She has hip displaysia and now has lost the use of one of her front paws - so is basically only has full use of her 1 front leg. She is on Rimadyl and another opiate pain reliever... the rimadyl is giving her Kidney Disease and we test her blood monthly - she is still in an early stage but she is due for another blood test this week.

She has lost a significant amount of weight (she went from 75 lbs to 50 lbs in 2 years) We had a sonogram and an xray, but they can't find anything wrong with her. She still eats very well. (They suggested a $2,500 - $4000 biopsy of her intestines to continue to research whats wrong, but we said no)

The vet has xrayed the front paw and can find nothing wrong with it. We have tested for tick borne diseases and she doesn't have any. The vet wants us to bring her to a neurologist, but at this DH and I both think what's the point? We have already spent well over $4000 on vet bills in the past 2 years trying to diagnose first her hip displaysia, weight loss, the kidney disease and now on the front paw. (not to mention the cost of treating these things) We are basically at a point where we can't afford to spend another $1000 on a new series of xrays and tests where they "might" be able to figure out what's wrong and the fact is we are getting frustrated with the results always being negative! Even if we go to a neurologist, and shell out the $ for the tests, the odds are the condition will not be treatable anyway (or at least not within our means) or they might not even find anything and send us to an orthopediest instead...

However, my poor dog is truly suffering. We are not sure of her age because she was a shelter dog, but we believe she is 9 -11. I hate to think of putting her down, when, other than her legs, she is in relative good health. And she is truly a sweet dog.

If you read this far... thank you, this was sort of a vent too...but fellow dog lovers, what would you do?

UPDATE## We brought her back to the vet today (we saw the main one we see who had been unavailable the last two times) and he thought it was probably a bone tumor - he ran some more xrays but he still couldn't see anything. He said the diagnostic test would be very costly and didn't have any encouragement about possible treatments. We decided to Euthanize - we are relieved that her pain is over, but are broken hearted over the loss. thanks for your responses.

Message edited 10/27/2010 10:30:26 PM.

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

I don't have an answer, just

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

To be honest, I would pay for the tests. I just can't picture not doing anything I could to keep my dog around as long as possible if there was a decent chance they could have a good quality of life. That's what I would base my decision on - the likely quality of life for the dog, and I would probably get a second opinion from another vet if you don't know what to believe about whether these tests are a good idea.

I'd be happy to recommend my vet if you want, he's always given it to us straight including when he believed it was time to put our dog down after we tried other things - Dr. Selkowitz at East Rockaway Veterinary Hospital.

ETA: I don't mean this response in a judgmental way, and if you decide to not pursue testing that doesn't mean you're not a loving pet owner, you obviously care enough to have gone through what you've already done. Just think about it, and consider how you might feel down the road depending on what decision you make. I hope everything turns out okay with your dog.

Message edited 10/26/2010 11:43:53 PM.

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

It's such a tough situation. I would probably also try to get the new tests done. You've done so much for her...maybe this is the last step. Sending many to you and your poor baby.

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

I think you did the right thing. From what you've mentioned, it doesn't sound like anything could be done to give your dog a good quality of life. There are times where we all have to do what's best for the animals, even if it's the worst thing for us....

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

Posted by GoldenRod



I think you did the right thing. From what you've mentioned, it doesn't sound like anything could be done to give your dog a good quality of life. There are times where we all have to do what's best for the animals, even if it's the worst thing for us....

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

Posted by SusiBee

Posted by GoldenRod



I think you did the right thing. From what you've mentioned, it doesn't sound like anything could be done to give your dog a good quality of life. There are times where we all have to do what's best for the animals, even if it's the worst thing for us....

Well said.

It would be so easy for us if our furbabies could tell us when they are in pain and are suffering.
The look in my cat's eyes was enough to tell me that he had enough of his pain and suffering, that's when I made the decision to put him down. It would have been very cruel to wait for nature to take its course.

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

I am so very sorry for your loss. She is at peace now

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

Posted by GoldenRod

Posted by SusiBee

Posted by GoldenRod



I think you did the right thing. From what you've mentioned, it doesn't sound like anything could be done to give your dog a good quality of life. There are times where we all have to do what's best for the animals, even if it's the worst thing for us....

Well said.

It would be so easy for us if our furbabies could tell us when they are in pain and are suffering.
The look in my cat's eyes was enough to tell me that he had enough of his pain and suffering, that's when I made the decision to put him down. It would have been very cruel to wait for nature to take its course.

After we had to help Darwin on Tuesday, I was telling DW that it's cruel irony that humans (for the most part) can say the words "I'm done, I want to end the pain", but we can't do anything for them. Animals, on the other hand, CAN be helped over, but they can't say the words....

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

I am so sorry for your loss I know it was a difficult decision.

Re: WWYD in regards to a dog

Posted by GoldenRod



I think you did the right thing. From what you've mentioned, it doesn't sound like anything could be done to give your dog a good quality of life. There are times where we all have to do what's best for the animals, even if it's the worst thing for us....