If your pet had a terminal illness...

[cyber-sibes]

Here's praying she'll be fine... and if she isn't, you'll know when it's time. Had to face that decision last Nov., with my 17 year. old cat. I worried about making that decision too, but he let me know when it was time. Have a talk with her, she'll let you know. Can't explain how, they just do. And enjoy every precious moment you still have together.

[RedHedd]

Here's praying she'll be fine... and if she isn't, you'll know when it's time. Had to face that decision last Nov., with my 17 year. old cat. I worried about making that decision too, but he let me know when it was time. Have a talk with her, she'll let you know. Can't explain how, they just do. And enjoy every precious moment you still have together.

Ditto - I went through this with Goldie who was with me for almost 15 years. I made her last few months with me as comfortable as possible and when it was time, she told me. I could see the tumor and she could barely move it was so large and painful. The hardest thing I've ever had to do. I still miss her and I remember her last few months with me and the constant TLC she required.

[PinkSunshine]

We lost our 6 year old APBT 2 years ago due to testicular cancer.

The last 6 months of his life were hard. He wasn't in *pain* persay but his quality of life had declined. He ate very little, had very little 'play energy', ect. We (mainly DH, it was his dog) made the decision to put him down when his health declined sharply after only a few weeks. The day before we were to take him in to be PTS he passed away on his own. His passing was very peaceful and I swear that dog waited for DH to get home from work to die. He died in his arms 20 min's after he got home

[Miss Z]

I'm so sorry about Nicki, I can't imagine how terrible that thought preying on your mind is. I had a rabbit who had a terminal internal tumour, but we didn't know until it got very bad and it was too late. I hope this is nothing to worry about, and perhaps you will have spotted it quick enough to get it removed if it is serious.

[Freckles]

Ask the vet what he would do if Nicki was his.

[slick]

Max is 13.

If I were told that he had cancer and it was terminal, then I would not opt for treatment. Assuming that he's eating OK, acting normally and in no pain, he would come with me and I would appreciate all the days he has left. There is no question that Max would let me know when it's time. I would not wait until the last minute.....the very second I suspect he's in pain, then I would help him to the Bridge. It's all about quality of life, not quantity of days.

Prayers for Nicki.

[slleipnir]

I hope Nicki is ok

As for me...I would find it so difficult, but I don't think I could live with myself if I let them suffer just because *I* don't want to let them go. It wouldn't be fair. This is lame, but if I had some illness I would suffer, then die from....I would wish to be "put to sleep" if it were allowed for humans....

[jenluckenbach]

Having been in this situation recently, as well as several times in the past, I know that there would be NO WAY for me to "wait until the last moment". Because, to me, the pet's emotional pain would be as real as any physical pain they might have.
A dog that can't walk............he doesn't understand why his legs will not do as he commands............emotional pain.
A cat who can no longer jump up on a favorite perch, no matter how low it is, will continue to try and fail..................emotional pain.
Any pet who begins to have constant accidents in the house.............they know it is wrong to be dirty.................they don't want you to be mad...................they know it puts a subtle strain on your relationship...........emotional pain.

Having dealt (in all instances) with cats, I know they hide their physical pain. The signs are subtle. They may eat less. They may stop doing a ritual thing that they have done their whole life. They may simply look "dull".

You will know in your heart and you will see it in their eyes when it is time.

{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}

[Logan]

Max is 13.

If I were told that he had cancer and it was terminal, then I would not opt for treatment. Assuming that he's eating OK, acting normally and in no pain, he would come with me and I would appreciate all the days he has left. There is no question that Max would let me know when it's time. I would not wait until the last minute.....the very second I suspect he's in pain, then I would help him to the Bridge. It's all about quality of life, not quantity of days.

Prayers for Nicki.

Kim, if you have followed my stories on Murphy, Zipper and Mimi, then you will know that I am not into heroics, especially to buy just a little more time. BUT, I always have had excellent veterinary advice, which I think is crucial. He has never told me what to do, but he has guided me to my decisions.

I quoted Slick because I thought her words were what I was trying to say.

Good luck. I hope it isn't something that can't be reversed, but I also pray that if it is something that can't be fixed, that you will have the strength and wisdom to do what you need to for Nicki.

Logan

[catnapper]

I talked to hubby. If it IS cancer, we won't be doing anything except making her as comfortable as possible since she'll be 12 in a few months and when she was a puppy I was told her life expectency was 10-12 years. So in my mind, she's lived a good long life. In my mind, 12 years is NOT ENOUGH!

But anyway, if it is cancer then we'll just take it by day and see what transpires. I can't afford a vet trip at all right now. Just take my word on it - its not going to be a financial possibility. We have too many medical bills for ourselves and the baby (and the father is NOT paying ANYTHING ), I have to have exploratory surgery, I basically quit my job the other day.... so I'll watch Nicki closely for the next few weeks. I don't know what to think. She's losing weight but still eating well. She's active... actually more active than she's bieen in a long time (perhaps because she now feels better to be thinner?) She seems happy and attentive. I don't see any pain in her eyes or actions. She didn't flinch when I palpatated her stomach. Her stools are completely normal.