I dont know if its time yet

[charlidawg]

My dog Charlie is almost 10 yrs. She was diagnosed with hypothyroid when she was about 7. Over the past year she has developed a lot of other physical problems, like shoulder problems. She was doing fine on the pain meds that the vet had given us, but this morning I woke up and found her limping really badly from her left back leg. I got her the pain meds and its a waiting game now.
The vet does blood tests yearly for her thyrod, so he also checks her other organ functions, and they are all fine. But with cold weather coming and her stiffness and mobility problem, my mom wants to put her down. Not because she doesnt like her, but because she is worried that she is in too much pain. I think she still has some time left. But that just might be me being selfish, and not wanting to put down another dog. She still eats, drinks, goes to the bathroom, and is still somewhat playfull. She even was trying to play as she was limping around think morning. I just dont know what to do. I need fresh ears and eyes to help me go through this.

[dragondawg]

Just my own opinion but if the dog has a relatively good quality of life, and seems to be happy and content then it is NOT time. Pain can be controlled.

You indicate the pain medication was working but after observing the dog limping you gave it pain medication. It's unclear whether you had stopped giving the dog its pain medication, or if the pain has broken through the medication, and it's no longer effective? There are at least 3 different NSAID veterinary medications on the market. You may wish to consult with your Vet to see if switching to another medication might help. If all else fails low dose Torbutrol (a doggy narcotic) used periodically will relieve pain. Some Vets are hesitant to prescribe it due to the narcotic issue around it. But it's an extremely effective and somewhat sedative drug. Prolonged continuously daily use however can eventually build up tolerance. Discuss this possibility with your Vet.

Outside of the NSAID pain killers, you can try a few other things. Go to Walmart (or your favorite store), and get some Glucosamine+ chondroitin sulphate. If the joint problems are due to the lack of lubrication in the joint, then Glucosamine may help. If it is to be of benefit it must be given every day, and you should not expect to see improvements for up to 3 months. Probably a dosage of 500 mg 2X should be given- consult with your Vet. Side effects are minimal to non-existent. So it's a safe supplement to give. Also start supplementing the dog's diet with fish oil. For example a 70 lb dog should receive 4-1000 mg gel caps 2X daily. Adjust the dosage per the weight of your dog. Only side effect would be loose stools if too much is given. The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have weak anti-inflammatory properties. Which reminds me, when you talk to the Vet ask if a short term 1-2 weeks max treatment with Prednisone to relieve inflammation might be worth a try?

The final thing you can do to help your puppy dog is to make sure that when it sleeps, it does not do so on hard surfaces. Typically a dog with arthritis will lay on the hardwood flooring. Why? Because the temperature of the floor is cooler than carpets, and the cold helps relieve some of the pain. Unfortunately the hard surface with make things worse. If you don't have a "wag bag" or doggy bed already, then get one. Most are sold with syrofoam beads as inside filler. Find one that instead has polyester filler such as those found at the Smith and Foster web site. If you can keep your dog from sleeping on the hard floors that should help.

Maybe not the final thing... since your dog seems to want to engage in play, try doing activities that do not require much physical movement. For example playing on the floor with the dog with its favorite dog toy. If it doesn't have a Kong toy get one and put a little peanut butter inside it. Dogs will spend quite a bit of time trying to get at the peanut butter inside the rubber Kong toy. There's a lot of activities your dog can still enjoy. The most important activity is the enjoyment it gets being around its family.

[Alysser]

I am really sorry to hear that. Does she still walk around alot? Thats a good sign. But maybe she is in alot of pain. You should really take the dogs health into cosideration. But it's entirely your familys desicion. I know it's REALLY hard to let a dog go. I had to let my Great Dane/ Basenji mix go a few years ago due to his cancer. He was in unbearable paina nd he didn't even want to walk. Poor baby! He was only three. Make the right choice even if it hurts and good luck.

[solares412]

Check into acupuncture, it has worked wonders, as fast too. One dog had a terrible case of arthritis, really bad, five treatments and the dog was running around. The use of acupuncture is thousands of years old and has withstood the test of time. Why? Because it works . www.ivas.org

[charlidawg]

I put Charlie down the day after I wrote the first message. We took her to the vet and found out she tore her ACL. The vet explained the surgery, but fincally we could not afford it. The arthritis in the shoulders was also getting really bad. The vet said she would have to be on heavy doses of pain meds for the rest of her life, and I didnt think that was fair to her. It was the hardest decision I've ever had to make, and the worst experience of my life. But I know she is better now, and can run with no pain.

Thanks for the replies.

[.sarah]

I am so sorry! She is pain-free now and waiting for you at the brige. RIP, Charlie.

[luvofallhorses]

I'm so sorry for your loss.