Dilemma

[Meg]

I've made a few postings over the last few years re my geriatric border collie bitch and have received a lot of support.
The situation now is she has hardly eaten for 2 weeks and for the last 2 days has eaten nothing at all.
Fifteen months ago we found out she had tumours on her mammary glands, I really didn't expect her to last more than a few months then.
I've been at the vets again today, they wanted to keep her in and put her on a drip feed which I won't go along with. Instead I consented to her having 2 injections, anti biotic and ant acid. Should have mentioned above she has thrown up at least once a day every day for the last 2 years.

I think I am finally getting to my question.
Vet asked if I'd thought about euthanasia, which yes we have, but really don't think it's at that stage yet, although we do know it could be imminent.

Lankeela always says "better a day to early than an hour too late". Albeit not eating she is still alert and is not in any pain.

Just getting things off my chest, I'm giving loads of TLC and fretting.
Thanks for listening, Wendyxx

[wolf63]

My first dog died in 1988 and making the decision to have him put to sleep was a long and drawn out process. He was only 8 years old but had a lump growing on his skull.

I agonised over what to do - and finally decided one day that I would just take him to the vet and end the uncertainty. He hadn't been suffering nor had he been really ill - but he wasn't getting any better and it was only a matter of time.

I was upset after I left the vet but it was such a relief - for both of us.

I never regretted my decision.

[lindapinda]

I'm in tears like most people who read this Wendy...we've all been there and never wish it on anyone else. Just want to give you my hugs at a ghastly time x

[Meg]

Ratter, masma, wolf, linda thank you for your kind words. No change this morning.

[ttfn]

Wendy - when my dogs were not taking any food I always gave then Brand's chicken essence. I used to get this from my local chemist. Have you tried it ? Assuming it is still available - incredibly nourishing.I have been racking my brains to remember the name, sorry it took so long.

[Meg]

Thanks ttfn, I'll see if I can find it.

[ttfn]

They also used to do a beef variety Wendy, but chicken was more popular with my pets. Can be easily diluted in a little warm water and syringed down the throat if necessary. Good luck ♥

[lankeela]

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but to me it sounds as though Meg's quality of life is no longer as it should be. Eating at least one meal a day is a basic requirement even if you have to tempt them. Not eating for two weeks means her body is not getting the required nutrients. I think your vet has tactfully suggested what is best but you seem unable to grasp that the time has come. Do the right thing by the dog that has given you years of pleasure - better a day too soon than a moment too late. Part of loving is letting go.

[woofgang]

can't agree with the day too soon thing, that last day could have been a happy final one for a beloved pet....I would say though don't leave it too long for your own comfort...I know you won't ((hugs))

[lankeela]

woofgang, I think you miss the point totally - if you left it even a moment later than you should, who knows how the animal might have suffered? No-one is saying that any animal should be pts before it should be, but when the time has come who are we to decide whether the animal might not be in pain or suffering, if all the signs point to it being the right time? I hear so many people say they dare not take an animal to the vet in case they put it to sleep, well sorry, but surely if a vet considers it should be, then who are we to argue? No vet wants to lose a customer, and they will do all they can for the animal, but if they are suggesting an animal is pts then I think they should be listened to. So many times its is the owner who doesn't want to face up to it, and they are not doing it for the right reasons, they are doing it to save themselves grief.
If yu could ask the animal I am sure they would rather be let go in peace. I know many people who would if they could.

[woofgang]

I agree with all that lankeela but that is NOT the same as the "day too soon" adage

[woofgang]

PS we have had a long and happy relationship with our vets and they have never ever suggested or insisted that one of our animals should be PTS. They have always given us a kindly, sensitive and accurate assessment of what the pet's chances and options were and how they were likely to be feeling if that wasn't evident...Always always the decision has been left to us. If it hadn't been i don't think we would have stayed with them but on the other hand, they know us well and know we always want the best for our pets.

[Meg]

Woofgang and lankeela thanks for your input. I take on board what lankeela says and stress I am not keeping this dog alive for selfish reasons. We have just been for a short walk which Meg enjoyed and she is now sleeping peacefully on her duvet.

ttfn, I went to the chemist, the girl had never heard of Brands, she kindly offered to look it up but could find no record of it.
was worth a try, thanksxx

[ttfn]

Oh dear Wendy - health food shop? here is link to Brand's
http://www.brandsessence.co.uk/faqs.asp

[clio57]

Wendy, feel so much for you and your situation. This is similar to the position we found ourself in two weeks ago. Jack had been ill for some time with heart problems. He was such a friendly and sociable dog who gave 100% unconditional love but on the night before we made the final decision, we could see that he was not enjoying himself - he wouldn't touch fresh chicken or his other favourites.
You will know when the right time is and will have lots of people thinking of you and supporting you. x

[Meg]

ttfn, will have a look in the health food shop.

clio, thank you, so sorry to hear about Jackxx

lankeela, in May 2009 we were told she had tumours which, if untreated,would lead to problems. We decided against surgery. Do you think I should have had her put to sleep then thus saving her from any discomfort from them in the future?

[boxtops]

Wendy, a quick google suggests that you can buy it in Tesco's. Food rather than chemist.

[lankeela]

Without knowing the situation or her condition I cannot say, but I would say I had a greyhound bitch aged about ten who had a full mammary strip and she lived a further three years with no problems whatsoever. Every situation is different but unless there were very good reasons not to I would opt for surgery particularly with mammary tumours.

[ladyalex]

Just read this post, Miss Meg...so sorry for you in this situation....I cannot add anything to what has been said so far, just really feel for you.....
:-))

[carmalee]

Thinking of you and your dog - had my treasure put t sleep a year ago - very hard decision but I felt if I put it off until she declined to the stage of being either incontinent or in pain then I put it off for too long.Of course the temptation is to think just one more day, then another and so on - but imagine finding her very distressed one morning - perhaps she had been that way for hours - I know it's hard but at least you have the choice to spare her that. I'm sure you will make the right decision so enjoy what time you have with her - she's a lucky dog.

[Meg]

Thanks ladyalex and carmaleexx
I'll try Tesco boxtops, thanks.