[morri2]

Why is it that you always get a strange feeling when something bad is about to happen?  I took my lovely sheepdog Kate to the vet this morning because she has been limping on her front right leg.  Vet had looked at it a couple of weeks ago and could not find anything wrong with her paw or lower leg.  She's been getting worse and did not want to go out for her run with me this morning - so back to the vet.  Have just spoken to the vet after her having been x-rayed and she has bone cancer in her shoulder.  There is no treatment (so I'm told), only to have her leg and shoulder blade removed.   I'm absolutely devasted to say the least.  I just knew there was something more going on, I've had this bad feeling since yesterday evening and couldn't work out why.  So, there you go....can't take her leg off because at 11 years old she already has signs of arthritis in the back ones - she'd never manage.  OH is picking her up and bringing her home whilst we have a think about what we can do. Painkillers until it gets too bad is now the only option I understand.  Anyway, getting around to what I'm posting for, has anyone had this problem and can give me any advice for my dog. 

[Brucklay]

So sorry to hear you news and sorry I have no advice to add but I would be interested in advice given - our bordercollie Tess is 18 and limps from her arthritis in all her legs but still has a 'smile' on her face, she's on Metacam and I guess that helps but how do people manage to say enoughs enough - our vet seems to always say there another drug or another treatment and I just wonder sometimes if its the right thing to do - hope you get some good replies Morri2 and my thoughts are with you

[morri2]

Thanks Brucklay - I'll keep you posted on what she's given.

18 is fantastic age for a dog.  Arthritis is a fact of life I would think at that age.   I am of the opinion that if she's happy, leave her be.  Its when they start suffering that you have to step in.  Cheers!!

[pikilily]

Hello, i am sorry you have this news and dilemma.

I have no experience of cancers and amputations on dogs. However, i have nursed humans with cancers, and i have masses of personal experience in making the kindest decision for my animals.

Please, i urge you not to go for heroics, cos, to put it harshly, who would you be asking to be the hero?  If the dog is limping, it IS sore, and i do know that bone cancers are one of THE most painful!  Animals are too good at suffering in silence.   You mentioned 'painkillers until it gets too bad', how are you going to know when it is 'too bad'??                    ...if you equate this to bone cancers in humans then they would probably be offered morphine....so a bit of anti-inflamatory brufen type painkiller is prob not going to touch it!! and if the vet does offer opiates - what sort of quality of life is your dog going to have?

My guideline is " rather have your loved animal put down four months too early, than four days too late"  I live by this and have never had any regrets.

 In Feb i lost my much loved horse to colic. He was put down at home, with me by his side. It was quick, and peaceful. the alternative was to travel him to the Dick Vet hospital (four hours away) for surgery. he might not have made the journey, and would have been in excruciating pain most of the way because the painkillers were lasting for about ten minutes. Even then he probably would not have survived the surgery, and even if he did, his life would be plagued with troubles. I loved Floyd with every ounce of my being it has torn me apart to lose him, yet the greatest honour out of the 17 yrs together, was to be able to make the decision to let him go before he suffered intolerably.

It is hard, but the love for your dog will help you though this!
Emma T
 

[jameslindsay]

This is awful, I am so sorry.

[doganjo]

Emma has put my feelings and thoughts into words very eloquently.  Friends of mine were given a 2 year old dog by me when they lost their old one; when she was 11 she developed osteoporosis - unheard of in dogs. He phoned me in tears one night to tell me what his vet had diagnosed - she had been limping only a few days - he wanted my thoughts as she was still technically mine.  I asked what he would have wanted had he been the dog, and his answer was the same as most other dog  lovers.  "I would not want to suffer as she has done these last few days, crying in pain at every  movement"  I told him, "neither would I, you  know what you need to do".  We cannot (yet) do it for humans, but we can give that dignity and love  to our much loved animals.  We will all be with you in spirit when the time comes.

[Rosemary]

Our thoughts are with you.

[faith0504]

i am a strong believer in once they cant live life how they used to, once they cant do the things they like to do, its time to say good bye, im not sure about other people but, i always think you know when the time is right if you are tuned into your pets thinking.
its an awful thing to go through, its about not being selfish.
my thoughts are with you

[Brucklay]

I agree totally with what your saying and what your meaning - just I can't do things like I used to but don't want put down yet - but I would like to reserve the right to be put down in the future!!! Not trying to put a spanner in the works but I guess thats were the difficult desicion lies!!

[cameldairy]

Please check out this website! http://tripawds.com/forums/ I found it after just recently having to have my Pyrenees front leg and shoulder amputated and she is very old AND also arthritic. but she is still so full of life we couldn't bear to put her down.

[morri2]

Thanks for all the replies.  Good to know there's support out there.  Katie is OK at the moment, but we will not, under any circumstances let her suffer.  Its hard to guage at the moment just how she is going to be affected after having had various injections and painkillers.  Like Faith said earlier, if she can't be what she was, she is certainly not going to be happy.  We are all coming to terms with the fact that the day will come sooner rather than later and OH is geared up for the dreaded task at the vets.  Cameldiary, I will definitely have a look at the website although the x-rays show something also forming in her chest, although this is not affecting her yet  it will soon.  So we could be putting her (and us) through unnecessary stress if we decide to take that route.  All very difficult to live with, but we will do what is best for Kate, whatever.  Cheers all.

[cameldairy]

my heart aches for you, your OH and Kate

[Sandy]

Such a hard decision, our pets are a part of our families, I am split, one part of me says operate and the other no more suffering!!!

[katie]

All animal lovers dread this decision. My sympathies.

[faith0504]

i had the bad feeling 6 weeks ago when i said good bye to my big cuddly teddybear (my german shepherd) sam. its so hard. i feel for you so much. take care and enjoy the time you have with her