When is it time?
Hi everybody,
I have a 10-11yo pit bull that has cancer of the nervous system (The exact term is escaping me). He started with a front limb being off and is at the point where he loses balance frequently and today lost complete control of his hind end for 10min and is still really off even by his standards.
Unfortunately finances dictate how much is possible right now (I'm a single mom of 2). If he were younger and the prognosis was better it would be easier to justify the thousands of dollars. But for 6 months to a year more time I don't think it's worth the pain and healing time for him.
My question for all of you is when do you know it's time to let go. In the past my dogs had sudden issues that forced me to euthanize. I know the basic if they stop eating and drinking,etc. But what about pain and mobility issues? Java had had his pain meds more frequently lately and they knock him out. I don't know that keeping him on meds on a regular basis is fair. Mentally he is himself. He wants to play with the kids, go for walks, and run and wrestle with the other dogs. But physically he can't, it's dangerous as he falls. He can't even scratch himself. He gets super depressed. He's use to coming to work with me every day and playing with other dogs all day long. The neurologist thinks in 3 months at most he'll completely lose the ability to walk. I've considered a wheel chair but if he has no control over his limbs that's not going to do him any good. I don't want to be selfish, but I don't want to let go at all let alone too soon.
What would you do?
This is the toughest decision dogs owners have to make, and it's ultimately a personal one as well. As a general guideline, owners look at an indication based on the animal having more bad days than good. The dog doesn't enjoy life anymore, doesn't eat, doesn't enjoy play, doesn't enjoy walks, doesn't enjoy much attention. Many report the dog tells them when it's times, by looking withdrawn and depressed because the pain is no longer manageable and the dog doesn't enjoy anymore living.
http://alexadry.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-...ty-of-Life
This is one of the toughest decisions ever! I know it's really hard for you (been there, done that) but you have to think about his happiness above all other aspects.
We can't give any advice that will help you decide, because it's all about your relationship and your feelings. We are here for you whatever is that you decide -hug-