How long do we have left?

[happysmom792]

Our little rescue, Happy, a West Highland White Terrier who is only reaching two years old, was diagnosed with heart failure last month.  Unfortunately, we only rescued her six months ago, and this comes as quite a blow.  Last night she suddenly became unable to stand on her own, and has shown no signs of improvement today.  She shows no interest in food or water, and no ability to move about on her own.

My question - as she was diagnosed with advanced heart failure, how long do we really have?  Our vet cautioned us at her last visit that she might only be with us another month, and that the best that could be done at this point was to give her Lasix twice a day.  As she was unable to control her bladder last nigt, I'm expecting the worst... but is it fair to let her go on her own, or is she actually suffering so much that we should be considering euthanasia?  Please help - we are all heart broken at the latest development, and we just don't know what to do now.

[wagonerc71]

Yes, I agree with all previous comments. My Jack Russell had steroid shots on the 10th and became lethargic. Followups to vets revealed little on physical exam. We loved on him until yesterday when he began to have seizures and was disoriented walking around with no clear destination. It was obviously painful and we put him to sleep last night. That progression was just eleven days to give you some idea. Be thankful that you have the time to say goodbye and prepare...

[ginger899]

I love that! The childrens' pictures.....
I did that with my last dog, and there was a special sacredness somehow about that last week of his life. The time seemed to stretch out and was very special, and not unpleasant. I told a little girl who asked me why I was carrying him one day...."He's not very well, and will have to die and go to Heaven soon, but he's having a happy time"
"Maybe the fairies will go with him" she said.
Yes, maybe they will, I said, and painted a picture of "The Faerie People with Toby"
It all helped somehow.

And I am sure that she will be at home when her time comes. Or if you feel she is taking a bad turn for the worse, call the vet out, so she will just go to sleep with all her family around her, in her own special place. I did that with my Toby.

[happysmom792]

Thank you for your words - we continue to watch her - I can't believe she has held on this long - and continues to be lethargic.  We are making a point of staying with her as moch as possible, and my children have taken to drawing her pictures in hopes to make the change easier.  Though she is up walking again, it is brief.  We have taken a lot of time to think about exactly what you said - quality of life etc., and as we cannot see obvious discomfort or pain in her, we are hoping that Nature will take its course, and that she might be home when the time comes.  Thanks again.

[BluCrystal]

I also agree with margot and ginger.  And would like to add that your dog's quality of life is the thing to look at.  Basically, is she happy?  Does she appear to be having a good time mostly?  If the answers to these questions is no, then it is time to give her the last and most loving thing gift you can... take her to your vet and let them put her gently to sleep.  My heart goes out to you.

[ginger899]

Lasix is a diuretic isn't it? It makes sense that if she is being given a diuretic (to prevent fluid build-up on her lungs etc) it will make her pee a lot more. This, plus her general weakness right now is most likely why she wet herself.
I'm afraid I don't know a lot about heart failure in dogs, the prognosis, and all the possible treatments. It would be an option for you to consult a couple of different vets perhaps, to see if there are any other treatments which may help her?

If she really is suffering, and there is no treatment which can be offered at all, -if it gets to the point when no "management" of her condition is possible anymore.....then Margot has given you some wonderful advice.
Hugs from me too.