my 14 year old bassett hound

[janilou24]

Sammy Lou is just a miracle.  He's had Fibrosis of the liver for 9 years, mess everyday.  In the past 1 and a half he has pinch a nerve in his back and had to be treated at my vet for 2 weeks each time, which got him back up and walking.  Of course he's slow and falls sometimes, but you'd never know ANYHTING was wrong w/ him when it's meal time, that's his favorite time of the day.  Recently he has been peeing in the house, not pooping though.  It's only happened a few times, I called my vet and they said I might want to start thinking of putting him to sleep, they think he may be in pain, I see no signs of this, and his quality of life is about over.  What do you guys out there think?  I do have pain pills, #1 should I give him a pain pill every night?  #2 is he ready to go to doggie heaven.  I know ultimately it's my choice, but I don't want him to suffer in ANY way.  Please help w/ advise.

[JohnT65]

You're welcome and I am sorry to hear about your goat.  Not sure why your vet said what they did.  Remember, vets aren't gods.  They have no way of knowing when your dog will pass.  They usually use really conservative estimates based on similar dogs in the same circumstances.  But, just like people, every dog is different.  I listen to what vets say and then process it on my own and don't "lock" in too much to what they say..  I recently switched vets and wouldn't hesitate to again if need be.   Don't be afraid to talk to your vet again and have them explain their opinion about Sammy.  Hold them accountable.  They work for YOU, as you are the one paying them for their services.

[janilou24]

thank you, I just needed that exact opinion.  I went home yesterday and he was so happy, so you're right, I'll know when it's time.  Sammy is such a trooper, Im keeping him w/ me until I think he's ready to go.  Why would my vet of 12 years, who I got Sammy from tell me that, now I'm a little peeved!!!!

On another note, I woke up this morning to my sweet goat Herman dead in his goat house, not a good day.  I've had Herman since he was born, January 16th 2001!  Sad day, lost his siter Lily in May, he was really never the same after that, we did get him a new friend, Belle, but I guess it was just his time.  People always ask me, "how long do goats live", my answer now is, "approximately 11 years!!!"

Thanks for your responce.  It made a difference in my thinking.

[JohnT65]

I'm in a similar situation.  I have a twelve year old English Bulldog that was diagnosed four days ago with an inoperable tumor in his heart.  After having an echocardiagram done, the cardiologist gave him a week to live.  Mine is also eating as normal.  He limps occasionally on his front right leg, but otherwise gets around okay considering.  My vet also gave pain meds (Tramadol) which I am giving only on the days he limps.  At this point, why wouldn't you give pain pills?
I just can't put mine down yet since he is eating, alert, breathing very well, and fairly mobile.  His pain seems to be minor and definitely not  everyday.  That said, you'll know when he is really suffering.  Fight for him until it's obvious that he is suffering and that the suffering won't subside.  . Trust me you'll know when.  If you see no clear signs of pain and he is peeing just a little as you say but is otherwise okay, I'd wait a little longer but that's just my opinion.  You know your dog best.  You mentioned no indication of a definitive diagnosis that your dog is terminal as well.  Get a second opinion or have more testing done if there is any that can be done.  That's what I would do.  Best of luck.