Do most people make the choice to let them go by the vet's hand?

[MylittleDaisy1225]

Reading all of your posts I am convinced my Daisy is in her 4th stage.  I didn't have the test run the other day when I brought her to the vet. By her breath, and symptoms they are pretty sure she has a diagnosis of Kidney failure.  She is 16 and I struggle with running the tests, getting the results and not being able to help her since they believe it may be a series of things wrong with her in addition to the kidneys. But no one is for sure..  I am struggling with putting her down. Do I keep a sick dog alive and live like this? or let her go to be a peace since she has lived to 16 years old.  She hasnt thrown up since Monday, eats very little, almost seems like it's uncomfortable to eat, she isn't shivering as much, drinks alot, but very spacey/confused like. She still barks to go out??   Most pet owners on  here say they're dogs are not suffering but then I begin to think about the quality of her life.  I am struggling whether to let her go. She is scheduled tomorrow night.  I do know she must feel miserable like a very very bad flu.  I was also told that this disease tends to make them have nuerological problems. .  It makes it even harder when she gets that little pep of life and comes into the kitchen scouring the floor or looking for a handout?  I am so heartbroken she came to me as a little pup on December 23 1995 and now she is almost to the day leaving me. Do most of these cases end up with the dog being let go by the vet?  I dont want to cause her any pain and discomfort or keep her for selfish reasons because I am not ready or I want her there on Christmas day which also happend to be my birthday.  I am so empty and lost ...... and can only cry over her.  I dont want her to go :'(

[TwoBitsMom]

I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and Daisy today.
I know you will make the best decision for her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Connie

[TwoBitsMom]

Hi...
I am so very sorry to hear about Daisy. I know what a difficult decision you have to make, and my heart goes out to you. I know that you are hoping someone here can help you decide if it is the right time for Daisy to be euthanized. But, you know your dog best...and no one else can or should make the decision but you.

As far as the timing goes,
It is my own personal opinion, that the timing is never right. After our dog is gone, We always seem to wonder if we euthanized too soon, or not soon enough. We will always question the timing of it...and as a result, we will beat ourselves up over it,and to some extent, feel guilty about it.
I can tell you from personal experience...the timing is Never Right, because no matter when they die, no matter what their age, they always leave us too soon....and we always wish we would have done something different. I think it would be best, if people could focus more on the reason for euthanizing, as opposed to the actual timing of it.

From what you have told us, "No one is sure" and you are "struggling with putting her down."
It sounds like your reasons for euthanizing have not yet been validated, and basically I think that is what you are looking for.  I think that Tony is absolutely right when he suggested that you have blood work done.  It will help to validate any reasons you may have to euthanize, and as a result, it may help you feel more comfortable about your timing of the decision.

Daisy is a lucky dog to be part of such a wonderful family.
You are a wonderful and caring owner who only wants to do what is best for her.  You have given her 16 years of good care, and good love.
You have made her part of your family, and She knows how much you love her.
Give her lots of hugs and kisses, and tell her she is the best friend in the world.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Let us know how things go...we are here for you.
Connie

[ginger899]

I agree with Karla. I feel it would definitely be worth it to check out Daisy's bloodwork thoroughly before making an irrevocable decision. Then you would be in possession of the full facts. But of course, if she is very weak and fragile, and this would stress her horribly, it might not be worth it....hard to say.
However, even at her stage there are options for medications to give her more time, and make her more comfortable. There are ACE inhibitors, to increase blood flow to the kidneys...there are anti-nausea drugs if she gets queasy or off her food....
It does depend on how she is right now, and what the results of the bloodwork are, as to whether medication might brighten her up...or not work at all.

[Misfits4Me]

Well, I blew it...I apologize.....Have no clue where I got the name "Missy".....I'm so sorry....All this was written to you and DAISY.....Karla

[Misfits4Me]

Bless your Heart!!! I'm so sorry your having to deal with this.....I do want to commend you on your obviously wonderful care of your Missy...16 years is excellent!

I have put a little guy to sleep without ever knowing what was wrong with him.....I continue to do searches on conditions, trying to figure out what happened & why I did it.....This was over 3 years ago, but it still haunts me.....It's not that I didn't try, he visited the Vet too many times to count in his short time with me.....This was my "Heart Dog" & it about killed me...I did it because I loved him so & could no longer let him suffer....It's also what lead me to this forum thinking that helping others would make me feel better with less quilt....

If you have the means to have blood work done, then I'd do it....Only for your knowledge......Most people would not spend the money, but me for one, would want to know just exactly how sick Missy is......

However, This whole scenario is going to be overwhelming...If your there to euthanize & then you add to everyones (Including Missy's)  misery trying to get a blood sample, then you'll only remember the bad ending & wish you hadn't done it....

So, ask yourself....How has she reacted before, during a blood draw? Did it really stress her out? Was it a fight? If it was, I would NOT make her go through it.....

I guess I really have been no help....Just wanted to make you aware of how this could turn out......Please know that I'm thinking about you and your family....We are here to help you when & if you need...

I'll be praying for "Peace" for You and your beloved "Missy"......Sincerely, Karla

[tonyb286]

Hi. It seems reading your post as if Daisy is worse than when you first posted, if she now isn't eating anything at all. My heart goes out to you. It's hard going through this, I know, but be assured that we are all thinking about you and if we could we would all put our arms around you for support. Big hugs, Tony

[MylittleDaisy1225]

Hi Linda, no I never kept her on Rymdal. I tried it for a while and she had a lot of G.I upset.  I did read up on it and it could cause liver damage.  I did Glucosomine tablets for her and some acupuncture for a while. I was afraid the Rymdal would be too hard on her G.I and her liver that I would loose her earlier due to that.  I am so blessed to have had my gentle girl for 16 years.  And yes I agree with both you and Tony, I am going to have the blood work done just so I know and I don't have that guilt. And like most we still carry the guilt regardless.  It is very tough on my 8 year old son.  I hate seeing his little face with big tears when we talk about her or when he sits with her.  My daughter is 6 and has asked if "God can take her to his workshop, fix her and send her back"..... :'((  

[MylittleDaisy1225]

Thank you Tony, I am sorry for your  loss of BB. So far today she isn't eating at all. I have tried hand feeding her and I washed her big comfortable blanket so it was fluffy & cozy for her and we laid together. I lie up next to her back and hold her paw and she gently rests chin on my hand.  She stares at me and I stare back.  I can see she is tired and the sadness in her eyes.  I am going to run the test just for my piece of mind.  But I do not think she has the quality of  life she once had.  I know she is feeling badly and since she cannot talk I don't want her to suffer in this confused state. I am afraid she will take a turn even worse within the week.   I will keep you posted and let you know how we do and what the results are. Thank you for your words. It does help to know that the feelings I am having, the pit inside my stomach, and the thoughts that race through my brain are what others go through too.  I can tell you I am exhausted.....

[lindapalm]

I agree with tonyb286, if the tests aren't too hard on her, I would have them done.  You will then know you have done everything possible, and believe me, knowing that helps in the end.  Also, is she on any pain meds, like Rymadyl, etc?

[tonyb286]

16 years is amazing. My own dog, BB the lurcher, passed away at just 12 yrs after kidney failure. In fact, the speed of it took me by surprise - and left me in shock. She had virtually no symptoms until the last couple of weeks of her life, and even four days before she passed, she was happily running along the beach as usual. The last 3 days were a total nightmare, for her and for me. She went from being an active dog to one that couldn't stand up, eat anything at all, and seemed like she had no energy whatsoever.

If your Daisy is indeed in 4th stage kidney failure, blood tests will confirm it. They are worth doing, if only for your own peace of mind. It certainly helped me make the decision when the final day came. Not that it was an easy decision - and like all dog owners, I still feel guilty even now. But that's the price of us loving our dogs - and our dogs loving us.

If Daisy is still eating something, even if not as much as she used to, and otherwise seems contented, then maybe the time isn't now - but may be quite soon. You could try her on some more nutritional and easy to digest foods. There are other threads on kidney disease that list a variety of potential foods - while I tend to favour green tripe, if you can find it in your pet store. It stinks, but dogs absolutely love it, and it is rich in all the right things and might help maintain your dogs weight and energy levels.

Worth a try, I think.

Please post back and let us know how things go.

Big hugs, Tony