Liver Failure /ascites

[ilovemarkb]

my 9 year old dog was seen by vet on monday and has the above,,,,his tummy is rather large........any dog owners have experience of this...... not sure how long he has left. He is still drinking and eating small amounts of food but getting quite restless

[Quizproquo]

What did the vet advise you? I wouldn't want my dog to be in pain from his liver.

[ilovemarkb]

he said if he starts vomiting or bloody diarrhea then it will time to bring him back and put him to sleep

[Mamyalynne]

Sorry to hear your news, I have no personal experience of this but you will know when you look in his eyes whether the time is right.

If he has no quality of life the kindest thing to do is let him go with love.

Take care.x

[Sqad]

Not nearly enough information.........but not a happy outcome if your OP heading is correct.

[seekeerz]

The fact that he is 'quite restless' would be enough for me ....dogs hide their pain so well ...I'm speaking from experience ....so consider your dog's quality of life before the length of it.

You have my sympathy ....in buckets !! :((

[murraymints]

you know what needs to be done..for the poor dog's sake ..very sad..but you must now put the poor thing first and deliver him from misery ....xx

[Tilly2]

Let him go gently. Don't leave him to suffer. I'm sorry for you. It will be such a difficult thing to do.

[woofgang]

Oh that is sad.....but I agree with the others, if he is restless then its time....and I think you know this......Its the final kindest thing we do for our beloved pets to bear pain for them so they don’t have to.

[chrissa1]

The "quite restless" would be enough for me to decide, given the diagnosis that, now is the time to gently let him go.

He is obviously not his normal self and is in pain or discomfort.

Hard though it is, take the loving decision to put him to sleep and keep all the happy memories in your heart.

I know what you're going through. Bless you.

[rsvp]

The last loving thing you can do for your pet is to put them out of pain and not let them linger until it's unbearable. Hard I know but we've all had to do it.
I know from experience how hard it is to make that decision but honestly, better a month too early than a day too late as animals can deteriorate very rapidly and you don't want to be putting him to sleep when he's in great pain and maybe frightened and confused. Rather do it in a considered and calm way (at home if possible) - my old girl went out in her basket being stroked by me and nibbling on a chunk of cheese. Very peaceful.

[ilovemarkb]

thanks for your kind and honest answers....very helpful. sqad !! Animals and Nature !?!

[lankeela]

I would speak to the vet again and tell him your concerns - he may be able to adjust the medication and advise you as it could be something simple - then you will know you have done all you can for him. I can't believe he is nine, if this is the one you were talking about getting as a puppy on here.

[lankeela]

Just found this, so as mentioned above see if the vet can adjust medication or help with the fluid build up. "Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in the abdomen. In patients with liver disease, ascites is caused by a combination of high blood pressure in the liver and an imbalance in sodium and water metabolism. The first step in the control of ascites is restriction of sodium in the dog's diet. However, sodium-restricted diets alone are often not sufficient, and diuretics (medications that promote loss of fluid by the kidneys) may also be needed. If ascites interferes with breathing, fluid can be removed from the abdomen using a long needle in a process called abdominocentesis. Periodic abdominocentesis can also be used if ascites does not respond to treatment with medication."