Hello everyone .I'm in need of some advice.

I find myself in the difficult situation of deciding what is best for my old dog.He is 14yrs old mini schnauzer.He has been on the decline for the last 6mnths or so.At christmas I took him to the vets as he couldn't move without flinching or lift his head.The vet thought he may have a neck or back problem and prescribed Rimidyl ( sp?).This worked very well and when I got the dose spot on he had quite a few good days i.e a twinkle in his eye and some skippy steps ect.However these days kept being punctuated with bad days where he wouldnt move and shaking and he was weeing and messing where ever he wanted ( not a problem at all as far as cleaning up concerend !!).Every time I thought oh I'd better take him back to the vet tomorrow ,the next day he had a 'good day' again.
Anyway this last weeknd he wasnt passing any water atall and standing by back door constantly wanting to go out.When let out not being able to do anything.I took him to the vets and it was decided his bladder stones ( which were first spotted years ago) were blocking up his tubes instead of being passed out through an artificial hole he had made years ago.With a local anathestic and me holding him the vets eventually managed to pull the blockage clear .We scanned his bladder and there are lots more large stones in there.I have brought him home but the vet says if he gets blocked again I have 3 options.
1. too repeat procedure done on Monday - I'm not keen on this as it took a long time and I dont feel it is fair on him knowing what we do know now.

2. too operate on the bladder and remove the stones ,requiring a general and lots of aftercare ect....the stones are very likely to keep coming back as they aren't the ones affected by diet

3. or realise that maybe it's time to say farewell my friend.

I can honestly say I really dont know what to do.Is 14 too old to start having operations.If I choose this option would I be doing it for me or for him?

Should I let him die in peace with no futher medical intervention

or am I giving up on him when he possibly could have some goods days, months perhaps a year ahead....

Pleas help me I really dont know what to do for the best....
Thankyou

Hi I feel for you, this is such a difficult decision to make but I do think that we have to let our beloved friends go in this situation, he has had a jolly good run at 14yrs and I'm sure you have wonderful memories, far better that you remember these and let him go peacefully in your arms. They are big ops for an old man and he may well not make it through the GA at his time of life.
Big hugs, sorry if it's not what you wanted to hear. Debbie x

I think that may be you have already desided, he is suffering and you are doing all you can for him, but at the end of the day we have to make the desision enough is enough, I can only say what I would do if any of my dogs were in that position, let them go.  We had to do this last year with my Oldie Poppy, and once that desision was made we enjoyed the last days in her company. Be strong for him.......will be thinking of you. 
PM me if you'd like to 'chat'

(((((((hugs)))))))

Sweep x

Hi Maddy

I really feel for you and your boy.  We went through a similar situation last year, having kept our baby alive maybe a little longer than what we should have, but we loved him too much to let him go.  I'm sorry I can't offer you any advice as to what to do, just tell you that I'm thinking of you and I'm sure you'll make the right decision for your boy when the time comes.  Maybe your vet could help you decide what's the best thing to do?

Good luck.

I asked my vet what he would do if it was his dog and he said he would operate, however he didnt know what the dog was like at home and that would be his deciding factor.
I suppose in a way I feel as though I'm giving up on him.I am sure people think just because he is messing in the house thats why I'm considering this....which is totally untrue.
All morning he has been on his bed and Iv'e just taken him outside ofr a wee,There is hardly anything coming out again.Now while I'm typing this he has come in,tail wagging and having a rub on the setee and abit of a skip.....oh I wish he was constantly bad instead of perking up again then the decision would be clear cut.Every time he looks brighter it makes me feel guilty about thinking of having him put down....

Horrible situation to be in, any decision is so hard, did the vet say how long he would take to recover from the operation, do you trust your vet, will the operation end his problems so he will be old but happy and in no pain.  If the answer to these was yes then I would give him and me a chance, but if he quality of life after the operation would not be there then it is time to let him go.

hi Maddy, oh i feel for you, its so hard to let them go but 14 is a good age and you wouldnt want him to suffer anymore, i think its time to let him go to doggy heaven so he can be free and without pain, its so hard i know im crying as i type this, youve done what you can, we all have to go sometime, he knows you love him,

Heidi

If the vet says operate then I think I would.  He wouldn't tell you to do something that he thought was pointless and not going to have any benefits for the dog.  Our dog was like this last year, good days and bad, although he had heart problems for most of his life and lived on pills.  When it came to the bad days far outweighing the good, him not really wanting to eat without us handfeeding him and desperately trying to make him want to we decided that it was best for him to go.  It still hurts for us, but for him it was best. 

You're vet must think this is worth doing, so I think I'd go with his judgement.

My view is that your bou mustn't be subjected to anything stressful at his time of life, so for me 1 would be out, as you have said yourself really :)

If he is likely to have another good 6, 10 or 12 or more months after an op. it could be a good idea as long as the dog is healthy and happy :) Your vet could advise you further with this one.

Difficult. HOw hard it is to see them apparently so full of life and yet with a debilitating problem :( I'm so very sorry for you having to make this decision.

Mine would be based on not how old he is (as old dogs can often come round very well from operations these days!) but on quality of life after the possible op.

Best wishes with your decision

Lindsay
X

I think what makes it harder is not knowing how quickly the bladder stones will reform.If he has the op and they take 6mnths to reform and poss become a problem again then it is worth it but if he has the op and they have reformed within a couple of weeks then doesnt seem much point.The vet cant say how long they will take to grow again.
I think I may be erring on the side of having the op and gauging it daily.If they reform quickly then atleast we know we gave him the best chance we could.........mind you having said that if it doesnt work out then he will have spent his last days or weeks in pain.........oooooohhhh

Hi Maddy

Not a nice decision but I would look at it this way.

I think would rather have my dog pts at home in their own surroundings with me present, than risk anything happening on the operating table or putting a dog through an op just for an extra few months when you know the problem will re-occur and is painful. 

I do know how much it hurts to lose a beloved companion and went though this last month with Fennel.

Whatever you decide I am sure you will be thinking of your boy and what is best for him rather than yourself.

My goodness Maddyfor you, we've all been there!! 
I'm lucky with a very healthy bunch but our rule of thumb is that after 10 years old, we'll keep them pain free and comfortable and not have them pulled around!  Our old lady was a couple of weeks off her 15 birthday, and like you, we'd had good days amongst the bad ones for some time.  As an ex Vet nurse, to me giving peace when life is just too much of an effort is the final gift we can give to our pets who have given so much to us over the years.  It's just about getting the timing right, and with hindsight, I would NOW say that I left it about a month too long - as you rightly say, for me!
Golly, I feel for you and sent good wishes! 

I would talk to your vet and see the quality of his life after the op and how soon they will come back....Then make your descission if you want to do the op or pts....You will never know if you don't ask your vet.

My taz is now 10 years old and every now and then he gets the puppy back into him, but it don't last to long...He can now only walk a block before he starts walking sideways or his back legs buckle under....I only go as far as he wants and me walking and him sniffing everything and playing in the snow a bit. He does whine sometimes but he's not ready to say good bye yet.

Iam totally sorry for the choice you have to make and I feel for you as I know I will be there soon some day probably sooner then I think. Only you know if your little man is and how his bounce of life is, he will tell you if he is ready to go and when he does you will know.

So very sorry :(

Thankyou for all your replies.Well I awoke this morning to find Robbie not being able to wee at all and straining.I phoned the vets however my vet isnt in today.I spoke with a very nice lady vet and we went through all the possibilities.She thinks the operation is a very long one for an old dog and she says it may not be too long before the stones return.He would have to go in today but with it being a Sat they didnt know what time they could operate and my vet wouldnt be doing it.
I have thought about this none stop all week and I have finally come to the decision to have him PTS.The vet is coming at 12 noon here to do it.
This is the only way I can be 100% sure that he will not be in any futher pain and is the best way to end his days.Operating on him is too full of uncertainties and 'waying up the odds'.At this time in his life even if he has a few more months I dont know think it is worth taking the chance.He doesnt go for walks anymore and is deaf and nearly blind so it isnt as if he will be out for walks agin in the future.
So with a heavy heart I wait the arrival of the vet.Robbie is sat here at my feet as I type and I'm pleased he wont know anything about what is too happen.
He has my mum and Nanny and old dogs waiting for him on the other side and I know they will welcome him with open arms and paws and look after my little man for me......
Thankyou for all you kind words.It has helped.
Rachel

I'll be thinking of you, Rachel, when the time comes. You are being very brave to put your dog's quality of life before your own. It is the hardest thing, to let them go ...
((((((((((((((((((((hug))))))))))))))))))))

It is a very sad and hard thing to do letting our loved ones go when the time comes. You will put on a brave face and i will bi thinking about you. Sending a big cuddle to you x Night Night Robbie

Jean x

Rachel I'm thinking of you too at this sad time.  Sleep well Robbie.
Lara x

Thinking of you...so so sorry but he will be in no more pain soon..free to run and play as he did in times gone by
Archer

such a hard thing to do, im so so sorry, goodnight Robbie
Heidi

~{{{{{{{{{{{Rachel}}}}}}}}}}}}}~
Lea

Hi Rachel
Have just read this thread and want to say how sorry I am about Robbie. This is the hardest thing in the world to do, and we've all been there and will be there again. For my part I think you've made the right decision and have shown your love for him by letting him go. I'm shedding some tears for you both right now.
Take care - Kat

Just to let you all know through my tears that Robbie is now at peace.
Thankyou each and everyone of you for your support.
Love Rachel

im so sorry Maddy, ive been there last year and know how hard it is but you did the right thing he is now at peace no more pain, RIP Robbie

Heidi and Toby xxx

You know he is in no more distress or discomfort. You have done the greatest act of kindness to him. Bless you.

So sorry Maddy, you did the right thing
Anwen X

Better a day to early than a day too late {{{{{hugs}}}}}

I'm so sorry Rachel, but I'm sure you've done the best thing for Robbie.  Thinking of you.

Bless you Maddy.

Big hugs for you Rachael xxxxxxxxxx 
Debbie

Hi Rachel.  Just to let you know how sorry I am to hear your news.  I too have a mini schnauzer who is now 14 years old  and I dread the day when it comes.  All I can say is Please dont feel guilty about letting Robbie go, he is now at peace.  You have many fond memories I am sure.  Take Care.

Rachel, I admire you very much for having the courage to do the right thing for Robbie. Thinking of you. (())

Rachel,
You did the right thing.
God bless Robbie.
Thinking of you
Liz x

I'm so sorry, Rachel, I've no doubt at all it was the right thing to do for Robbie's sake, I have recently gone through something similar myself and I know how difficult it will have been for you, try to focus on the memory of happy times with Robbie.

I'm so sorry Rachel.

You did the right thing and Robbie is at peace now.  He'll live on forever in your heart.

Lots of love and hugs,

Lisa

Thankyou everyone ,you are so kind.Your words have brought great comfort to me and it helps tpo know I'm not alone on this.My husband is away in Canada at the moment so I dont really have anyone close who knew Robbie like I did.I broke the news to him yesterday and he was very upset but said the same things as you all have done.Waking up this morning I am glad I chose this option as he was so calm and peaceful and was staring into my eayes when he closed his instead of a strangers he didnt know.
Again Thankyou....your a great bunch of people on hear.I do believe god makes special people to look after his little animals on earth and you lot have just proved it.

Rach

Hello Rach

Just caught up with this thread again and am sorry to hear that you have lost Robbie, sadly it comes to all of us with dogs at some point but you showed him that you loved him by not letting him suffer - I feel this is the greatest gift we can give our dogs after their years of devotion.

I'm so sorry :(

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss, but you did do the best thing for him. It's very hard but it was right for him.......

Best wishes
Lindsay
X

Rachael

I am sorry sorry to hear you have lost Robbie but he is at peace and running free.

Take Care

Lucy
xx

Rachael
My sincere condolences on the loss of 'Robbie', he will live forever in your heart and memories.

My thoughts are with you.

Sweep x

I've just read this thread and my heart truly goes out to you...I was going through all of this last week (or thereabouts) with one of my Staffs who was knocking on death's door and we were a couple of hours away from having him PTS.  It was a terrible position to be in and I thank God that my boy managed to fight the illness and started to improve. 

After he did begin to improve and the vet assured us he was on the road to recovery, I did wonder whether in the end I would have had the mental courage to have him PTS or whether I would have continued his "suffering" just in a hope.  I really hope I would have had the courage because I truly believe it is the last final act of kindness you can give a faithful companion and friend...

You have bestowed that final act of kindness upon him and gave him his dignity...

Juliet I'm very pleased for you that your boy has recovered you must be truelly relieved.I dont think any of us know for sure how we will react in this situation but certainly having friends around you to give support really helps.
Thanks