Sickness and Euthenasia of my pet

[jljoneslegal11]

My dog was about 15 years old.  He has had Health problems concern a hyenal hernia but this was all fixed.  He lost his companion of 14 years in January, but did well at first.  In the last few weeks he had not wanted to go for his walks and just wanted to lay around.  He would skip a meal every now and then.  Then all of a sudden he could not hardly get up off the ground.  I would have to help him up and the he would be wobbly. He also quiet eating completely, not matter what we offered him.  We took him to an emergency vet and they gave him a shot of B12 and dextramethazine, his blood work came back with high liver functions.  They said the meds would kick in in about 24 hours.  Well he was very lethargic and crying all the time. The shot helped him walk straighter, but he still could not use hind legs to get up or down and would pull himself around on the ground.  He is a large dog.  The third morning after he cried all night I took him out to peepee and it was dark orange and he had blood in his stool.  I immediately took him back to our regular vet (who was also the ER vet).  He said he was in liver failure and with all the strength I had in myself I had to make the decision to let him go.  The doc said within the last few days his eyes had become more yellow and his pee was very orange and leaking out.  He told me that he could flush out the kidneys and give fluid but it was a temporary fix and he would resume this state within a week or so.  Has anyone had this happen to them?  Also, as he was being put to sleep I was hugging him, and he began barking loudly before he passed, and then had about five breaths after he was pronounced dead.  I am beside myself.  Someone please help me.  

[Margot49]

Oh, I too am sorry you have list two pets in such a short time.  Many of us here understand how you feel having been down that road ourselves.  I have had to make those decisions more times then I like to think of and some were much younger dogs.
You were very fortunate to have your dog for 15 years and a testament  to the good care and love you gave him.  It is hard but we have to realize, in most instances, we will most likely outlive our animals.  This just sounds like the process of old age, just like us, body wears out and we do what we can do as long as we can.  When there is no chance for recovery and no quality of life, it is often the last act of love we can do for them.  I am glad you were able to be with him as he passed over.  
Please do read the Rainbow Bridge poem.  It is comforting.
Hugs.

[ginger899]

I am so very sorry for your loss. As Jerry said, the time to leave this world comes to all of us, and the best we can do is make sure our loved ones have lived a happy full life.
You did your very best for him, that much is obvious.
My heart goes out to you as the loss of both your dogs this past year must be so hard.
If you find it hard coping with your grieving, and could do with a little support, there is a caring community on this website:

http://forums.rainbowsbridge.com/?forum=150830

Blessings xx

[daisysmama]

I just wanted to tell you I am sorry for your loss.  Our pets become a part of our family & when they hurt we hurt.  I know that must have been hard for you to do.  

God Bless.

[Jerry_NJ]

I still remember being the family member standing by our 90 pound 12 year old Golden Retriever (see my pictures in profile).  He had cancer and could have lived perhaps with a suffering period of radiation.  

He clearly made it known to me he wanted to go home as we waited in the examination room for the vet to prepare the injection.  However, the dog went down quietly without any noise - he just went to "sleep".

It still troubles me, and that mostly because I still miss the dog these 3 or 4 years later.  I suppose that is testimony to the fine dog, pet, and friend he was in life.

All, us included, have to die and it is always sad but quick has many advantages, and with dogs/pets we have the power to make it quick.

I'm sure your dog had a great life with you, and that's the most any of us can hope to achieve with our pets.