I'm not sure whether this post will be allowed...My vet asked me to give a timeframe for my dog to be put to sleep. She said "and we're not talking months" A few minutes later she proceeded to tell me he was going to be put to sleep in one weeks time and gave me an appointment!!! I've had two dogs before and could tell by just looking at them, I had to get to the vets and put them to sleep. My dog (Joe) isn't like that. He's still himself. He can't walk. His back legs suddenly lost their strength. X-rays showed something. but when they checked his heart, it is very large and they can see something in it, presumably a tumour. Therefore other than medication and physio there's nothing more they can do. I've never heard of a vet forcing you to do this. She also only gave me a week's meds so I'm backed into a corner. I'm totally in bits...
Same thing happened to my mums Golden Retriever & the presumable tumour was in and around her liver. The vet said it was best to put her to sleep but still gave us an option to take her home and let nature set its course until the end, if you really feel this isnt the best option for Joe you should seek a second opinion. Are there any other local vets near you?
I was given the option to take him home and let nature take it's own course too, but two days later she totally changed the goal posts. She said she didn't like the panting, but it's no different to what he has been. Plus there was the heat, the fact it must be quite hard work to walk on his two front legs whilst someone else has the back ones. It was hot when we got out of the pet ambulance. I'm veering more and more towards getting a second opinion. It's always difficult losing a pet, but when they say take him home, spend some time with him and you decide when the time is right, and then two days later changes her mind, gives me a I'm not talking months, then a few minutes later gives me a week... els
Hello I’m deeply sorry for the situation you’re in. Last year we had to make the decision to let Sadie, our 14 year old Labrador, put to sleep. I’d had her since 7 weeks old. She was my everything. I knew she was old and had significantly slowed down but she was still happy, eating, drinking, playing and still going on small walks. I often thought I’d know when it was time but I clearly didn’t. We felt she was okay but over a matter of days her back legs went from underneath her and she kept tripping up. We got her home and she went to bed panting, licking her lips but worst of all the spark in her eyes had gone. We knew it was time and we were devastated. Luckily the vet came out to see us later that day and our vet was familiar with Sadie and she had seen her 6 weeks previously and she said she’d deteriorated significantly and she supported us in a very difficult decision. I was wracked with guilt, in one way I knew it was time but after having Sadie for 14 happy years I didn’t want to let her go. We decided that it was best to end her pain and she was put to sleep. Not a day passes when I do t think of her. How old is your boy? You say his back legs have lost their strength and he has an enlarged an heart with a possible tumour? Have you had a second opinion or do you agree with their findings? I don’t necessarily agree with the way your vet has suggested he will be put to sleep, as this is your decision alone and should be discussed with a supportive vet. Obviously I wasn’t in the consulting room but if it were me I’d go home with my best friend and sleep on it, unless he is suffering. Then you have time to think about things fully before you make a decision. I truly hope things are clearer now for you, either way. My thoughts are with you x
My boy is nine. Ten in November. I have changed vets. I have an appointment on Wednesday afternoon. I would imagine the vets findings and the interpretation of the scan and x-ray will be correct. The only way to get further information would be to go down the route of an MRI, which my vet won't do. Obviously there would be the anaesthesia risk with that. I've spoken to friends with dogs and also the nurse at my new vets. None of them have heard of a vet doing what mine has tried to do. Joe still has that spark in his eyes....
What a horrible situation. I think I'd be so angry at the vet that I couldn't take him back there regardless. What a bad position to put both you and your dog in. Please do get a second opinion if you are able. A second vet may give a different interpretation of the information you already have. Even if it is Joe's time, it's a decision that you should feel in your heart is the right one for you and him. No one knows him like you do and there are other factors in such a decision that don't involve only the vet.
What Emily said. That. You know your dog, and you love your dog. Nobody knows him or loves him like you do. You have had dogs before, and have had to come to terms with giving the hardest, kindest and most loving gift...you know that you must do what is best for Joe, and I am sure you will do it. Thinking of you and Joe - let us know what happens. Hugs.
Thank you so much to everyone who has replied. I don't know why quotes are posting when I post but never mind. Angry doesn't even cover it. Me being me, I spent two days worrying that the vet thought she was doing her best by Joe, and I was trying to undermine her. I then thought, who gives a s**t I need to fight for my boy. I will post updates as soon as I have them.
We have all doubt our actions one way or another through our lives, I know I have and will probably continue to do so, that’s what helps us learn. Anybody with authority or specialist skills has the ability to undermine anyone, those that are good at their job also have empathy and compassion and wouldn’t dream of behaving in such a manner. Stick to your guns and see what the vet says in Wednesday xx
Good for you! Again, I'm so sorry you are going through this and hope you find a solution that is best for you and Joe.
Thinking of you. I hope you get the support that you need from your vet, without feeling under pressure.
Here is my update-My dog is not distressed. Previous vets have not sent the x-ray or scans so the new vet said she would email them. She wants Joe to have hydrotherapy. She said it may help, it may not. She has mentioned heart medication and wheels but says these will be discussed at his next appointment in four weeks time. She was shocked by the previous vets behaviour. So....we will now just take each challenge as it comes. I will look at the clock at 4pm tomorrow and curse that b***h.
Ah, well done Gail. Good work. Enjoy every minute that you have with your boy - you will know when it is time. Thinking of you both.
Such good news, you're Joe's champion. As @Rosie says, enjoy him and you will know when the time comes.
I personally think you know when it’s time and it’s sounds like you do also and it’s not yet Joes time. Good luck.
