My dog is 14 yrs. old, not doing well

[JenniesMom]

I've had Kirby since she was a puppy. About a year ago she was diagnosed with arthritis in her back legs. The Vet. has been giving her pain pills of 2 forms, she gets 2 at morning, and 1 at night. We also bring her to the Vet. once a month to get a shot for pain. Her 2 back legs are even more week since the past few days. Her knees are bent and her bottom is very close to the ground (mainly when she's standing still), when she's walking/running she upright all the way. She still eating her normal amount, still eat's her cookies and anything else we give her, but is continuing to lose weight, she's down 5 lbs. now. I'm sure it's loss of muscle mass...just like any old person would go through. Her hearing isn't as good but that's not a concern, her eye sight seems normal. Kirby doesn't have much energy, she lays around and sleeps most of the day, I'm sure because she's in pain even though she's on medicine it doesn't seem to be helping.

I'm just wondering what you would do if you were in this situation?

Thanks,
Renee'

[jnc_mcguire]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
What kind of dog is she?
If she is on meds for pain that is most likely the reason she is sleeping alot.
You have had her for most of her life and you have gave her a good life. I would talk to the vet to see what he thinks is best for her at this point. I know it is hard to let one go after 14 years. But you also need to think of her well beening also.

It is never easy to say good bye to one. I know i had one that had cancer she was 19 years old and but when there was nothing else could be done for her i had to let her go and rest in peace.

I think that you need to talk to your vet to see what he thinks is best for her at this point. The vet is the one that can tell you better them anyone else.
I will keep you guys in my prayers.

They weight loss is more likely muscle loss where she just lays around all the time.

[ashes]

Hello. This is a tough situation. I would also say to talk to your vet, too. I had an old dog and she had a similar position to your dog's. We ended up putting her to rest, but I think you should talk to your vet about what to do.
Best wishes-I hope everything turns out well with Kirby.

[Bearsbestfriend]

I had a GS with most of the same problems you listed. We tried feverishly to find a magic cure for his almints, but nothing worked for long. After having him on pain meds for what seemed like forever. We decided to let him go. It's not a choice I ever like to make but it was the best. I ageee check with you vet and and see if your at that point. Good luck.

[mommyof4]

I agree with the others that talking to your vet and getting his or her opinion might be best. I'm actually going through a similar situation with my 15 year old and I can't tell you how helpful my vet has been. When her original meds seemed to stop working, I thought it was "time" so I brought her in. Ended up where my vet tweaked her meds a bit and now she's doing much better. I also added glucosamine to her diet and that seems to have helped with the arthritis a lot.

It's so hard knowing the inevitable is coming, but I have taken the advice of many on this forum and have just spent the last few months spending as much time with her as I can, enjoying her company and finding comfort in the fact that after all she has done for me, at this point in her life I can be there for her. Good luck and I'll be thinking of you.

[rubyred]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

I agree with everyone, you should talk to your vet to determine what is best for Kirby. Once her quality of life is diminished, she is ready to go. I haven't been there, but know I will one day and I know it is one of the hardest decisions I will make. I wish you and Kirby luck and will keep you both in thoughts and prayers.

[EmmaGirl]

This post makes me so sad! You have decisions to make. She's failing ans you do need to talk with your vet about the appropriate and humane options.

My heart goes out to you!

[saluki-sue]

After you talk to your vet, talk to your dog and let your heart listen. Your vet can only tell you what he thinks it feels like to be an old dog with some health stuff going on. You will know when the time is right to help your girl move on, she will tell you. When that time comes don't feel bad or upset, remember you are giving her the gratest gift you could ever give her. Your giving her a pain free sprit free of a painful body.

Good luck and God speed to your best girl.

[EmmaGirl]

Originally Posted by saluki-sue

talk to your dog and let your heart listen You will know when the time is right to help your girl move on, she will tell you. When that time comes don't feel bad or upset, remember you are giving her the gratest gift you could ever give her. Your giving her a pain free sprit free of a painful body.

Good luck and God speed to your best girl.

I have to agree here. Well put Sue!

[dustynduke]

I agree also. You will know when she is ready to go home to The Bridge. Dusty was on meds for arthritis from her vet. I did some research on buffered aspirin and they seem to work the exact way the expensive pain meds from the vet do, but a lot less expensive. Before you make your decision, please check with you vet to see if this is an option for you.
Best of luck, I know how hard this is.