How Do I know if its the right time??

TheEdge · 06-30-2010, 03:09 PM

Im new to this forum, but I need opinions from people who understand. I have a 10 year old GSD who I am considering putting to sleep this weekend. She is not in any pain as far as I can tell, but sh does have issues.

About a year ago her rear legs started to give away. She had the claw dragging problem on her rear claws, but she could still get around. I took her to the vet and he gave me his opinion, he said without xrays he couldnt make an exact diagnosis, but he said he thought she had early signs of hip displasia. Well her condition continued to deteriorate, and I made a strap to help her exercise I would basically hold her up while she ran around. Over the past 3 months, she has lost control of her urine and bowels. She poops and pees randomly, I have been basically cleaning this up, not a problem. she has began chewing on her back legs, and i have tried to treat them to no good. She licks off any medicine, and chews off any covering I put on her.

Over the last month she has been sliding around my house while im not home, and has recently been having a hard time sitting up.

My problem is that other than her rear legs, the loss of baldder, and bowel, she is in perfect mental health. She still tries to greet me, she still eats and drinks, and even plays with toys while she lays down. I bring other puppies over, and she will bark and play with the puppies.

I have been told by several people that her quality of life is not good, and she should be put asleep. I have known the day would come, but I dont know when is a good time. If it were up to me i would keep her with me as long as I could, but I know this is for my own selfish reasons. I also dont want anything bad to happen because of her current condition, that would cause her pain. If I have her put to sleep now, I would be saving her those other problems. Or is this the wrong thinking?

im confused, and very hurt. I love my GS very much and dont want her to go, but at the same time i dont want her to suffer. Right now she isn't suffering.

What do I do?

GsdLoverr729 · 06-30-2010, 03:12 PM

I think it's time for her to move on. It's going to be painful for you, but it is probably best for her.

. I mean, I'm not really one to give advice, but that's what I think. I'm sorry :'(

LaRen616 · 06-30-2010, 03:15 PM

I'm not quite sure either. I mean yes she cant control bowl movements and she cant walk that great but she is still playing and eating, drinking and happy to see you. I just dont know

Lucy Dog · 06-30-2010, 03:15 PM

Really sorry to hear about your poor girl. You might want to read this thread. It might help make your decision.

Quality of Life Scale

There are also plenty of other quality of life scales out there if you just do a quick google search.

Kayos and Havoc · 06-30-2010, 03:23 PM

I think this is a personal issue. If you are certain she is no pain and her quality of life is good and she still seems to want to be here than continue to march. You might try a harness to help with her mobility.

I would consider that her chewing on her legs may indicate she is losing feeling in them and they tingle. I think I would have a serious converstion with your vet regrding her condition.

GsdLoverr729 · 06-30-2010, 03:28 PM

You'll know when it's time. I'm sure she'll find a way to tell you. I'm sorry :/

cshepherd9 · 06-30-2010, 03:30 PM

I am very sorry to hear about your dog. I had a similar situation with my 13 yr old mix. She had battled mast cell tumors for 3 years. Every year one or two would swell up and I would take her in to have them surgically removed. Then in March 09, it ballooned up real fast and I rushed her to the vet. After that the vet and I discussed and decided that due to her age and some issues with the blood work this would be the last surgery. Well less than 6 weeks after that she had another tumor that swelled and the swelling went into her front legs and she could barely walk. I struggled through Friday and Saturday trying to make a decision. She was mentally there but I could tell that the tumors were taking over. They had spread at a rapid rate unlike anything we had experienced in the 3 prior years. I decided to take her in on Sunday to put her to sleep. My biggest fear was that something horrible would happen while I was at work and I wouldn't be there to help her. I know it is the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. I can't tell you what to do other than trust instinct and know that you gave your old girl a very good life.

JudynRich · 06-30-2010, 03:33 PM

Put yourself in her place. Then you have your answer. I never want any of my dogs in pain, so maybe before it gets to that point. My heart breaks for you...this is such a hard decision.

Stosh · 06-30-2010, 03:39 PM

We all go through this...I had to make the same decision about my 12 yr old shepherd Omy, the best dog that ever lived. She was having some seizures, nothing too severe but a bad sign. She started staring up at the sky, wouldn't know if I was talking to her, then being startled when she came out of it. Physically she was in good shape for her age but these lapses in consciousness caused her to become fearful, unsure and insecure. I finally made the decision to have her put to sleep and was determined to stay with her until the end...but I just couldn't, I wanted to remember her full of life. I wondered for weeks if I had ended her life too soon. I think if she was in the condition your dog is in, I wouldn't want her to live that way. These dogs are so incredibly strong and attached to us that she may be trying to please you with a big hello and cheerful attitude, but who knows how much pain she's quietly living with. You'll make the right decision and she trusts you to.

GsdLoverr729 · 06-30-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stosh

We all go through this...I had to make the same decision about my 12 yr old shepherd Omy, the best dog that ever lived. She was having some seizures, nothing too severe but a bad sign. She started staring up at the sky, wouldn't know if I was talking to her, then being startled when she came out of it. Physically she was in good shape for her age but these lapses in consciousness caused her to become fearful, unsure and insecure. I finally made the decision to have her put to sleep and was determined to stay with her until the end...but I just couldn't, I wanted to remember her full of life. I wondered for weeks if I had ended her life too soon. I think if she was in the condition your dog is in, I wouldn't want her to live that way. These dogs are so incredibly strong and attached to us that she may be trying to please you with a big hello and cheerful attitude, but who knows how much pain she's quietly living with. You'll make the right decision and she trusts you to.

Very well-said, Stosh.

06-30-2010, 03:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
TheEdge New Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 1	How Do I know if its the right time?? Im new to this forum, but I need opinions from people who understand. I have a 10 year old GSD who I am considering putting to sleep this weekend. She is not in any pain as far as I can tell, but sh does have issues. About a year ago her rear legs started to give away. She had the claw dragging problem on her rear claws, but she could still get around. I took her to the vet and he gave me his opinion, he said without xrays he couldnt make an exact diagnosis, but he said he thought she had early signs of hip displasia. Well her condition continued to deteriorate, and I made a strap to help her exercise I would basically hold her up while she ran around. Over the past 3 months, she has lost control of her urine and bowels. She poops and pees randomly, I have been basically cleaning this up, not a problem. she has began chewing on her back legs, and i have tried to treat them to no good. She licks off any medicine, and chews off any covering I put on her. Over the last month she has been sliding around my house while im not home, and has recently been having a hard time sitting up. My problem is that other than her rear legs, the loss of baldder, and bowel, she is in perfect mental health. She still tries to greet me, she still eats and drinks, and even plays with toys while she lays down. I bring other puppies over, and she will bark and play with the puppies. I have been told by several people that her quality of life is not good, and she should be put asleep. I have known the day would come, but I dont know when is a good time. If it were up to me i would keep her with me as long as I could, but I know this is for my own selfish reasons. I also dont want anything bad to happen because of her current condition, that would cause her pain. If I have her put to sleep now, I would be saving her those other problems. Or is this the wrong thinking? im confused, and very hurt. I love my GS very much and dont want her to go, but at the same time i dont want her to suffer. Right now she isn't suffering. What do I do?

06-30-2010, 03:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
GsdLoverr729 Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cartersville, Ga, USA Posts: 1,527	I think it's time for her to move on. It's going to be painful for you, but it is probably best for her. . I mean, I'm not really one to give advice, but that's what I think. I'm sorry :'( __________________ Kymmey Dakoda~ 4/29/10 Black & Tan (Bright Points & Silver Ticking) GSD R.I.P.~Cheeko, Dronimoe, Kiba

06-30-2010, 03:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
LaRen616 Crowned Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 10,582	I'm not quite sure either. I mean yes she cant control bowl movements and she cant walk that great but she is still playing and eating, drinking and happy to see you. I just dont know __________________ ~ Sinister 3 yr old black male GSD 3.11.09 ~ Malice 9 mth old black female GSD 6.19.11 Cats: Chaos, Monster, Wicked

06-30-2010, 03:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
Lucy Dog Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 5,180	Really sorry to hear about your poor girl. You might want to read this thread. It might help make your decision. Quality of Life Scale There are also plenty of other quality of life scales out there if you just do a quick google search. __________________ Paul

06-30-2010, 03:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
Kayos and Havoc Crowned Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: McAlester, OK Posts: 16,921	I think this is a personal issue. If you are certain she is no pain and her quality of life is good and she still seems to want to be here than continue to march. You might try a harness to help with her mobility. I would consider that her chewing on her legs may indicate she is losing feeling in them and they tingle. I think I would have a serious converstion with your vet regrding her condition. __________________ Kathy The Wrecking Crew URO3, UCD "Kayos" CD,TDX,RE,CGC,HIC,TC URO1, UCD "Havoc" CDX,GN,RE,CGC,HIC,TC,BH At the Bridge: Lucky, Wolf, Max Gone but never forgotten

06-30-2010, 03:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
GsdLoverr729 Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cartersville, Ga, USA Posts: 1,527	You'll know when it's time. I'm sure she'll find a way to tell you. I'm sorry :/ __________________ Kymmey Dakoda~ 4/29/10 Black & Tan (Bright Points & Silver Ticking) GSD R.I.P.~Cheeko, Dronimoe, Kiba

06-30-2010, 03:30 PM	#7 (permalink)
cshepherd9 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 416	I am very sorry to hear about your dog. I had a similar situation with my 13 yr old mix. She had battled mast cell tumors for 3 years. Every year one or two would swell up and I would take her in to have them surgically removed. Then in March 09, it ballooned up real fast and I rushed her to the vet. After that the vet and I discussed and decided that due to her age and some issues with the blood work this would be the last surgery. Well less than 6 weeks after that she had another tumor that swelled and the swelling went into her front legs and she could barely walk. I struggled through Friday and Saturday trying to make a decision. She was mentally there but I could tell that the tumors were taking over. They had spread at a rapid rate unlike anything we had experienced in the 3 prior years. I decided to take her in on Sunday to put her to sleep. My biggest fear was that something horrible would happen while I was at work and I wouldn't be there to help her. I know it is the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. I can't tell you what to do other than trust instinct and know that you gave your old girl a very good life.

06-30-2010, 03:33 PM	#8 (permalink)
JudynRich Master Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Los Angeles Area Posts: 537	Put yourself in her place. Then you have your answer. I never want any of my dogs in pain, so maybe before it gets to that point. My heart breaks for you...this is such a hard decision.

06-30-2010, 03:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
Stosh Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: tyler texas Posts: 8,434	We all go through this...I had to make the same decision about my 12 yr old shepherd Omy, the best dog that ever lived. She was having some seizures, nothing too severe but a bad sign. She started staring up at the sky, wouldn't know if I was talking to her, then being startled when she came out of it. Physically she was in good shape for her age but these lapses in consciousness caused her to become fearful, unsure and insecure. I finally made the decision to have her put to sleep and was determined to stay with her until the end...but I just couldn't, I wanted to remember her full of life. I wondered for weeks if I had ended her life too soon. I think if she was in the condition your dog is in, I wouldn't want her to live that way. These dogs are so incredibly strong and attached to us that she may be trying to please you with a big hello and cheerful attitude, but who knows how much pain she's quietly living with. You'll make the right decision and she trusts you to.

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