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i have a yr old collie mix jordan there are more of my

Sent to Pet Experts January 8 2006 at 7:53 PM
   

I have a 14 yr old collie mix, Jordan. There are more of my tears in his fur than you could believe.   He is now arthritic, incontinent, half blind, pretty much deaf, but is still happy most days and gets around okay. He is now falling (down 16 stairs, urinates in his sleep, and has a staph infection that 4 series of antibiotics will not clear). I have been told it is time to put him down, but he hasn't "told" me it is time (as some dog lovers told me he will). I cannot wait for a disaster, as it would be devastating to do that to him. I guess I am in denial. His vet says to call when it's time. How do you know for sure? He is still happy and coping with all of his problems with no complaint. How do I make the right decision for him? I am wreck at the thought of his impending passing. Any insight would help.

Optional Information:
Age: >12; Male; Breed: Collie/Husky mix

Already Tried:
Listening to all other animal lovers who have been through this. Now, I am trying to accept what is inevitable, but I must know that Jordan is ready, I guess.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $20
Answer
January 8 2006 at 7:56 PM (2 minutes and 41 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

This is a tough call to make. There are medications that can be used to control the urinary sphincter tone and it can help with the inappropriate soiling.

If you are considering euthanasia, I can give you some tips on that.

As far as quality of life and longevity are concerned, this is a pretty tough question to answer and I really think that it's a personal decision that you must make.

I counsel people on this topic all the time, though, and I can tell you what I would tell them.

You should choose three things that your pet loves to do. It might be riding in the car, eating cheeseburgers, going for walks, chasing a ball. As he gets older or, maybe, sicker, he will cease being able to do these things that he loves. When one thing is gone, like chasing the ball, it's ok because he might take up a new activity like sleeping in front of the fireplace. However, when you can no longer find even one thing that he loves to do, it might be time to reevaluate the situation.

As far as guilty feelings go, you should not feel guilty if you decide that your pet is no longer living a happy, content, productive life and you help him to go on to a better place. You have to remember all the good times that you have had with him. We are lucky in that we are allowed to help our pets to move on. Sometimes I wish that we could do the same for people.

Let me know if you have more questions.

I am very sorry about what you are doing through and truly feel bad for you. Losing a friend is never easy. It makes me so happy to see a pet owner who is pulling out all the stops, though.

Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
January 8 2006 at 8:05 PM (9 minutes and 38 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: The dilemma is this....he is happy but ill and in peril of a spill that may result in agony. There are 2 other dogs and 2 cats at risk with his staph infection, and the clean-up from incontinence is constant. He hates to ride (carsick), but I have ace to sedate him. Should I have him euthanized now? I am devastated at the thought of doing this before he "asks" me to.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
January 8 2006 at 8:08 PM (2 minutes and 37 seconds later)
         
Relist: I still need help.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
January 8 2006 at 8:16 PM (8 minutes and 5 seconds later)
         
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Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
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