Hi guys

I quite upset when my rescue shih tzu was a puppy (now 5) we took him to the vets as his back was curved and he had a rather eggy shaped head and he never wagged his tall (Ever).  Over the past few years his back has gone really arched and is walking rather funny and has been back and forth to the vets.  Today was really scarey he started foaming at the mouth and then was sick loads of yellow slim, he then seemed to have some sort of mini fit.  I rushed him straight to the vet and they said they werent sure what was wrong but said its more than likely to do with his brain and spinal cord.  They did an emergancy xray and that didnt show nothing with his bones.  They suggested taking him for a MRI scan in glasgow.  The vet spoke to the insurance company on my behalf as by this time I was rather upset.  They said they wouldnt consider the claim as it was on his records before he was insured about his back etc.  The vet has said the MRI scan is probley going to cost about £1500, and even then he said that might only give us a diagnosis, and then they would be treatment or management of the diagnosis.  The vet suggested putting him on a 30 day course of tablets to stop his fits and also a 5 days course of tablets to stop him being sick.  Im soo worried as I dont know what to do.  When we got home he had another fit and his back legs cureld underneath him, I called the vets and spoke to another vet who said it would pass and keep him comfortable etc.  She then said "you know sometimes its better to be cruel to be kid".  I knew what she was meaning but Im a little upset at the min.  What would you guys do in my situation?  I really dont want him to suffer, but also dont want to give up on him.  Hes obviously in pain as he is having these fits, being sick, walking funny etc.  Over the past years I have never seen him wagg his tale and now he just curls up in a ball and doesnt play with my other 3 dogs and sits there sleeping?

Hi kiddo, I'm so sorry for you and your little one :(

It's the worst call to make - some vets do not like protracted treatment, particularly if an actual diagnosis is too difficult or even impossible to pin point.  Others will try numerous things to see what might work - not always a good thing.

Dogs become quiet and withdrawn when in pain, often we expect them to howl or whine but this is not usually so.  I'm so very, very sorry but I'm a believer in better a month too soon than a second too late.   I spared the most wonderful friend I've ever known or ever will having any more bad days - it tore me apart and still does and I expect it will forever but to me the pain we feel is all for the greater good because theirs is over.

I'm very sorry.
{{{{hugs}}}} to you both,
Teri x

i'm so sorry thompson, it sounds awful for you both. i think that teri is right though, if you feel he's suffering you know what he needs. on the other hand you know him, you heard what the vet said and you know if you can afford the care (we all know it shouldn't be a factor but without insurance it has to be doesn't it?) be honest with yourself through the pain, it doesn't sound like he has much quality of life if he's so quiet and unwell.

we had our rescue mastiff pts at approx 5 because his HD was so bad he couldn't stand without basically screaming. it was so soon for us but we had to and as my mum always says about it he got 4 years of happiness and care and love, the best we could provide and a lot more than i'm sure he anticipated in his early days on the streets.

you'll make the right choice for him.

massive hugs for you and your boy and i'm so sorry again {{{{hug}}}}

Some one once said to me"Rather a day too early than a second too late"

thanks for your lovely messages, this is sooo hard.  I feel so awful but know where you comming from.  How do I approch this with the vet do I just say I think its for the best if he goes to sleep now? do you have to stay to the end?  Oh this is so awful part of me thinks its best part of me thinks see how he gets on with the tablets. x

I am crying with you right now because I know this is an enormous and heart piercing decision.

If it helps, then speak with your vet and get an opinion if need be from another vet in the practice.  Ask them outright what they would do if this were their own dog.  It's awful, I know, but vets went into their amazing profession because of their love for animals and they are heartbroken too when the time comes to make this type of choice.  They will be honest with you I'm sure in what's best for your little lad.

Should it be they agree it is time to say your goodbyes, were this me I'd be with my friend to the end.  I had the choice taken from me once and would never want that again. 

It is very personal - you should deal with it how best you feel able.  I found that my pets were comforted by my holding them gently and talking to them.  I somehow manage to hold back tears to be brave for them but it's hard to do, yet I feel very important that they don't sense our own fears and emotions.

I wish you strength of mind and soul in reaching a decision and peace in your heart whatever that may be.
Teri x

> Some one once said to me"Rather a day too early than a second too late"

sums it up perfectly doesn't it?

i'm getting rather teary thinking about this.

Thompson, I am so sorry to hear this news.  Just be brave and do what is best for your little dog.  Ask the vet for his opinion, often they will lead you on the best solution for the dog but only if you ask.  I am so sorry.

How is your little one Thompson?

Hi thanks for the message, he has been ok today I tried to get in to the vets today but they said to go back Monday.  He hasnt fitted any and has had a little run round with our other dogs today, its jsut so hard with seeing him so ill yesterday to seeing him today, hes now just sitting quitely in his basket while the others are having there daft 10 mins.

Oh, I am glad that there is an improvement.  If the vet had thought it urgent, he would have told you to bring him in today, I should think, which is encouraging isn't it?  Try not to worry too much (Easier said than done I know) and let us know how you get on at the Vets on Monday! 

thinking of you and your boy
((((((((((big hugs))))))))))))))