CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Oldies (Over 9s) => Topic started by: AmCocker1973 on June 12, 2018, 11:32:20 AM
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Hiya!
I am new to this forum so i should be introducing myself in another thread but i am in such a dilemma.
My boy of 15 has terrible osteo rthritis in all 4 legs.
He's still really sound of mind and continues to eat at every opportunity........however........he is absolutely struggling to walk unaided now. He cannot stand up of his own accord so i have to lift his hips. when he is standing he uses the walls and furniture to hobble around.
He is on meds 3 x tramadol, 6 x gabapentine, vitamins, turmeric tabs and anti inflammatories.
The vet said well he is still eating and is still interested so he may not be ready yet but he cant walk well at all and cant stand.
I really dont know what to do for the best. I suppose the vet doesnt see him crying in pain when the meds are wearing off. hes meant to have them every 8 hours but they seem to wear off after about 6 and he cries.
I can see he gets very stressed with it all and i am really unsure about what to do.
I cnat bear to see my little boy like this ...in pain and unable to walk properly and falling down every two minutes......
Any comments would be appreciated....i know its a personal decision but its so so difficult.
I will introduce myself properly on the other thread!
Love to you all
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First off :bigarmhug: to you both.
It’s horrible when we are facing such tough decisions about our best friends. Only you know when it is right to say goodbye to him and as you say your vet doesn’t see him when the pain relief wears off or have to watch him stagger around or hold him up.
When you feel the time is right go with your decision and know you have done the best you can for him. :luv: and more :bigarmhug: to you.
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What a difficult time for you, personally I would go with how you feel, and consider (as you have) the quality of life that your boy has.
You are right the vet does not see him at his worst as you do, maybe you could take your boy to the vet when he has not had tablets, or when their effect has worn off and the vet can then see how he is suffering and give more informed advice.
My heart goes out to you, go with your gut. :luv:
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Sending some hugs to you. I know you mentioned Turmeric tablets but have you tried Golden Paste? It is much more effective and they have to take it every 6 hours. CBD Elexir is another natural oil that can be added too.
If you are on facebook there is a group called Turmeric User Group UK and another called Natural Healthcare for all animals - CHC (these sell the CBD elixir)
xxx
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This sadly is something we all face and the question is knowing when the time is right, yes I have asked the vet in the past and got the same kind of answer. It truly is a dreadful time and my heart aches for you.
I don't think anyone can tell you what to do, it just seems to slot into place and you seem to know. Seeing your boy cry in pain is so heartbreaking.
Is he still clean inside the house, for me my last dog became so distressed with messing and wetting in the house and seeing him poorly yet so distressed over that this was awful.
I would spend loving quality time your brave boy and take each day as it comes and I am sure you will have clarity soon.
Sending :bigarmhug:
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So sorry you‘re faced with this awful decision, its something we all dread although many of us have gone through it before and it never gets any easier.
My first dog was pretty much in the same situation as you describe and I put the decision off for as long as possible but then his back legs collapsed while he was eating his dinner and he couldn‘t get up and that was for me the turning point. No one can make the decision for you unfortunately, I think its often a tough call for the vets to be honest and looking back I think if I‘d felt mine had persuaded me to take the decision before I was ready it would have made the mourning process a lot harder.
I wish I could offer advice or some words to help you but I don‘t think there is much to say other than follow your heart, you know your boy better than anyone and the decision you make will be the best for him, just trust yourself and you‘ll do the right thing. Sending :bigarmhug: and thinking of you.
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Hello, and sorry that you are facing this choice, it is very difficult. The only thing I have to say is trust yourself and your instincts. No one knows your dog better than you, have faith in your own judgement. I wish there was a way to make it easier :bigarmhug:
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Thank you to every one for your replies, its nice to have the views of everyone on this forum as I know you know exactly where I am coming from.
Well we are going to take him in to go to sleep tomorrow or Friday. I am waiting for the vet to call me tomorrow as she is off today.
I know in my heart of hearts its absolutely the right thing to do for him now and he wont lose anymore of his dignity.
Thank you for all your support. :-* :-* :-*
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:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Thank you to every one for your replies, its nice to have the views of everyone on this forum as I know you know exactly where I am coming from.
Well we are going to take him in to go to sleep tomorrow or Friday. I am waiting for the vet to call me tomorrow as she is off today.
I know in my heart of hearts its absolutely the right thing to do for him now and he wont lose anymore of his dignity.
Thank you for all your support. :-* :-* :-*
:luv: it was precisely the loss of dignity which was the decisive factor for me too. You‘re doing the right thing, go easy on yourself and all the best, will be thinking of you. :bigarmhug:
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Karen
It is such a difficult time, be kind to yourself and be brave for your boy, he knows more than anything how lucky he is to have you and how much he is loved.
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No words, just :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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having been where you are now, with my lovely girl, I know how hard it is to make that decision, but what you are doing is out of love for your little one
take care of yourself :luv:
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Hi and hello. wish you had found us and joined the family on better terms.
Its a hard decision every time but the time comes when we as guardians of these lovely creatures know the time is right. Your heart has made the decision so what you do now is for the greater good. Your boy has been loved and treasured for 15 years. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Thanks again everyone.
He goes to Heaven later today.
He's currently sleeping in our boot room on his own. I dont know whether to leave him there or bring him into the lounge. He had such a bad night last night, he was very uncomfortable. I have put his blanket over him and maybe its best to leave him be and so he can have some peace.
I am having to work this morning so its such a strain trying to be brave knowing what is going to happen later on.....
:'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
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Bless him. I would leave him in the quiet where he is.
All of us who have been in your position know how hard this is for you but you are absolutely doing the right thing for him.
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: for both of you.
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Bless him. I would leave him in the quiet where he is.
All of us who have been in your position know how hard this is for you but you are absolutely doing the right thing for him.
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: for both of you.
My thoughts too.
Sending lots of :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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You are doing the right thing for your very dear boy.Such a hard time but he will be looked after in heaven . my thoughts and prayers are with you both.
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Karen
I am thinking of you so much at this sad time, be brave for your boy and think of the pain you are saving him from.
I am sure that there are no words to find at this time to comfort you - but all of us are thinking of you.
Sending all the support and comfort I can
Julie
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Thinking of you and your darling boy :luv: You have made the right decision. :bigarmhug: Such a difficult time, sending lots of love.
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:luv: :luv: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Thinking of you and your family - loads of :luv: and :bigarmhug:
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Thinking of you :bigarmhug: xx
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Thinking of you
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Sending heart healing wishes :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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My heart goes out to you. Dogs give you a lot of the best days of your life, and one of the worst.
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Hi All
Well my boy is in Heaven now.
It was quite peaceful process apart from the fact that the nurses couldn't find his veins!! It took 3 nurses and 6 attempts my poor little man was so good throughout though.
I feel like it was definitely the right decision and the last gift I could give him.
Thanks for all your support over the last week.
We've been offered an older pup but will wait a wee while before we take on another baby...but we WILL get another furbaby and it WILL be a Cocker! They are the most adorable breed.
Kind regards
Karen
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:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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:luv: :luv:
An awful decision to have to make, we've all been there. You have done the best for your beloved boy. Remember the happy times. Sending :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Thinking of you and sending love at such a sad time.
A heartbreaking but selfless decision.
Sweet dreams precious one xx
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Thinking of you and take care Karen.
Your boy is peaceful and pain free, sleep tight little one.
Julie
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Be kind to yourself, your boy went to the bridge surrounded with love. :luv:
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Hi All
Well my boy is in Heaven now.
It was quite peaceful process apart from the fact that the nurses couldn't find his veins!! It took 3 nurses and 6 attempts my poor little man was so good throughout though.
I feel like it was definitely the right decision and the last gift I could give him.
Thanks for all your support over the last week.
We've been offered an older pup but will wait a wee while before we take on another baby...but we WILL get another furbaby and it WILL be a Cocker! They are the most adorable breed.
Kind regards
Karen
Trust me, the last gift your boy did for you was chose your next true love. Pup is waiting and will find you when the time is right :luv:
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:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Thinking of you at this sad time xx
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Thinking of you all loads of love and hugs :luv: :bigarmhug:
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Hi
Sending you a hug - I have only just seen this as I have been offline for awhile. We faced a similar situation as one of our girls had arthritis from quite a young age. We finally said goodbye a couple of years ago after her being on meds and special diet for most of her life. She was 11. For the last 2/3 years we used a dog trolley for her as we had an older dog who was still very active. Libby continued to eat (as she was a glutton :)), but the vet was so supportive. We got to the point that she hardly walked and we were worried that she might really damage one of her legs over the winter. So we made the hard decision to let her go. She was such a big part of our lives, but we remember all the good times and madness that she brought into our lives. We also lost the older dog about month before making the decision.
Both girls will be in our hearts forever and at some point we will get another one, or 2, or three :).
Take care x