Help! Golden Retriver to be put down... - Paw Talk

KrazeeKristee · #1 11-22-2004, 04:39 PM

I am new to this site, so I do not know how to work anything yet. so please bear with me. I have a Golden Retiever who is about 7-8, not sure exactly as I got her from the pound. She has bad hips which cause her discomfort, and has recently been diagnosed with glaucoma which requires the removal of her eye. This procedure costs $2000, I cannot afford this. I have come to the decision to put her down, with her hips being so bad. I am maintaining her eye with medication, but there is a possibility of her eye rupturing. If this happens she would then be in a great deal of pain, requiring me to do it then. My question is, do I do it now or wait? Do I do it before her eye ruptures, or maybe her eye won't rupture at all. What would you do in my situatiuon? With tears in my eyes I want to do what is best for her and not what is best for me....

PicOlio · #2 11-22-2004, 05:43 PM

First, I am very sorry. I know how hard it is to be in this situation.

As difficult as it is, it really is only a decision you will be able to make. If you cannot afford the needed treatment, or if the cure sounds worse than the cause, then you have to consider her quality of life. If she has some good times ahead that only require you to treat the symptoms and keep things simple for her, then by all means give her everything you can so that she can enjoy her life as much as possible.

If, on the other hand, her quality of life has dropped to a point of it really only consisting of pain, and you are not able to relieve that pain, then allowing her to rest peacefully at the Rainbow Bridge, may in fact be the best option.

Make an appointment to discuss all of your options with the vet. Also note that if you can find the "teaching school" in your area there are discounts to be had for allowing one of the students to perform the operation under the careful supervision of the teaching surgeon. At our local bone specialists there is a 10 or 20% discount that can be obtained for requesting this option... note you have to request it..they do not normally "offer" or "tell you about" this option....

You know your baby best.... look into her eyes and watch her carefully. Having been through it a couple of times, I honestly believe they are able to tell you when they need you to make this most difficult decision for them.

I wish you the very best with this situation. Again, I'm just sorry that you are having to go through it.

Purplebunny · #3 11-22-2004, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrazeeKristee


	I am new to this site, so I do not know how to work anything yet. so please bear with me. I have a Golden Retiever who is about 7-8, not sure exactly as I got her from the pound. She has bad hips which cause her discomfort, and has recently been diagnosed with glaucoma which requires the removal of her eye. This procedure costs $2000, I cannot afford this. I have come to the decision to put her down, with her hips being so bad. I am maintaining her eye with medication, but there is a possibility of her eye rupturing. If this happens she would then be in a great deal of pain, requiring me to do it then. My question is, do I do it now or wait? Do I do it before her eye ruptures, or maybe her eye won't rupture at all. What would you do in my situatiuon? With tears in my eyes I want to do what is best for her and not what is best for me....

That has to be the worse decision a pet owner makes.. You don't want her to suffer any more, so really the best thing to do, is see what your vet says.. If he thinks she is suffering too much, then do what you have to do! But he may think that she has some time to go and is not suffering, so you could spend more time with her..
Keep us informed.. Good luck..

Chrisanne · #4 11-22-2004, 05:48 PM

I am so sorry you have having to struggle with this decision. Many of us can feel your pain.

While we can't help make the decision, we will be here to support you in whatever you decide. HUGS

Welcome to PT

Purplebunny · #5 11-22-2004, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrisanne


	I am so sorry you have having to struggle with this decision. Many of us can feel your pain. While we can't help make the decision, we will be here to support you in whatever you decide. HUGS Welcome to PT

Welcome to PT also, I forgot to mention it earlier..

Sassy · #6 11-22-2004, 05:59 PM

The decision will not be a easy one, talk it over with your vet think about the quality of her life and if she is suffering. Most of us on here have made this decision at one time or another and it hasnt been easy for any.

Welcome to Paw Talk

Amethystbelle · #7 11-22-2004, 06:32 PM

I'm ever so sorry to hear about your dog and i know exactly what you are going through right now and how hard a decision it actually is, i also know its a lot easier for us on here to say whats right and wrong as its not us who are going through this right now. I think what everyone else has said is spot on as you must talk it over with your vet and see what they say and spend as much time as you can with her and make every moment count!

Millimi · #8 11-22-2004, 06:36 PM

I am sorry about your dog. It is one of the most difficult decisions a person has to do in their life. There is nothing else you can do, and your dog had a great life, I'm sure, so you are making the right choice. Hang in there!

Oh and

to PT!

Brittney · #9 11-22-2004, 11:46 PM

I had the same problem, although after the burst I had to put my girl down. It was so hard before I even found out that that's what was going on, but that day when she came to me something just told me it's time and sure enough the vet told us what was best.

I say talk with your vet and just see what he/she and you thinks is best. I know it was so hard for me because the choice was mine. Just try to make the best decision.

I am just so sorry you have to go through this.
I just wish you the best on your decision.

greybird2 · #10 11-23-2004, 06:53 AM

I know I am also new here, but I hope y'all won't mind if I say something in regard to this message.

I am so sorry for you and your dog. As I was reading your message, it brought so many memories for me. As responsible and loving pet owners, we all have struggled with this dificult desision at some time or another and it is always heart wrenching.

As an animal owner and a former vet tech, I've been on both sides of the table. I've held my own pets and cried as they were euthanized, but I've also held many other's pets and cried right along with them, feeling their owners pain. I've had to euthanize entire litters of puppies and kittens as soon as they have come into the world, simply because their owners didn't have their pets neutered and the babies were unwanted. These are the ones that hurt the most! As a pet sitter, I've taken my client's animals to be euthanized and even if the pet is not my own, it's certainly no easier for me. Some of my clients can make the decision, but are incapable of walking into the vet clinic because they are so overwrought with grief.

As others have said, you know your dog better than anyone else. Is she in pain and does she seem to enjoy her life. Does she still eat? Does her deteriating hips prevent her from walking or just some mild discomfort? You have to weigh the good with the bad. Talk to your veterinarian and discuss her prognoisis. If he/she says, "you know, I think we've done everything for this dog and even if we proceed with the surgery, her quality of life is not going to be good", maybe putting her down is the best option. Is the overriding consideration the cost of the surgery? Although, I've not worked in a vet clinic for several years, $2000.00 seems a little steep for the procedure your dog requires. (at least in my area) Maybe there is a program in your area for those who can't afford expensive treatments for their pets. I know in my area, there are some vets who are willing to do some treatments at cost. Some vets will set up payment plans to help ease the financial burden.

My heart goes out to you. Listen to your dog and listen to your own heart and when you come to your decision, trust in yourself and believe that you've made the right decision for both you and your dog. Rememember, euthansia is the final act of love and compassion that you can show to your dog, to ease her suffering at the expense of your own is a very kind and unselfish act. Also know that you have been kind to her in life and because of you she had many years of love and happiness.

Again, I know we all feel your pain at making this decision. What ever you decide, let us know and also know that we are here if you need to talk.
~Kathy~

DirtySouthChins · #11 11-23-2004, 07:34 AM

I have nothing to add, as everyone has given helpful advice.... I'm sorry for what you are facing, and may you be strong enough to make the decision that you feel is right for your dog.
Welcome to PT!!

AprilsMom · #12 11-23-2004, 11:17 AM

First, welcome to PT! I am a new member as well. I have found PT to give very good advice and you get to share some happy, sad, and comforting stories, pictures, and ideas here.

Second, everyone above me has already given very helpful advice. This is a very tough decision to make. But, your baby knows best of what they need. Just look into their eyes and they will tell you if they are in pain or if they want to fight this. I understand what you are going through, I have been through it with a few of my dogs.

I am so sorry that you have to go through this. I am sorry you have to make such a tough decision. But, we are here to support you with whatever you need. Good Luck!

KrazeeKristee · #13 11-24-2004, 04:04 PM

[quote=Brittney]I had the same problem, although after the burst I had to put my girl down. It was so hard before I even found out that that's what was going on, but that day when she came to me something just told me it's time and sure enough the vet told us what was best.

Can you tell me anything about your experience? How long did it take to get to the point where the eye ruptured? What happened when that occured? What kind of a dog was it.. As, the specialist told me that it is common in Goldens (they have a special name).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you all for your warm welcome and heart felt advice.

I know I need to go back to my family vet and discuss my options with him. I just wanted to get some opinions and reassurance as I mulled over this decision. I thank you all for being here for me. I will keep you updated.....

~~Kristee