Daisy is 14. She was diagnosed with hip dysplasia, via x-ray about 2 years ago I think. Until this last winter she was pretty much asymptomatic and remained pretty much her obnoxious, normal self. She has started slowing down significantly since then, between infections and increasing weakness in her rear. We also recently moved, which hasn't helped.

This last week and a half it has accelerated. She started walking like a American show-line GSD, was crying when trying to get up or lay down and stopped eating unaided. I took her to the vet on Wednesday somewhat prepared to have her euthanized then. That didn't happen, but the vet diagnosed an infection and severe arthritis, but couldn't really say anything else without bloodwork. Due to her age and our current financial concerns, we decided to play it by ear instead of by "best medical practice" and he prescribed Rimadyl and antibiotics. I really wish we could afford the bloodwork, at the moment, just for my own peace of mind...

Now its Friday, and the antibiotics seem to have helped. She is mostly eating again (though I am baiting her food a bit and she wont eat the Rimadyl straight). However, her pain and walking don't seem to have improved much. If anything the walking is worse. She still cries when getting up and down. Once up, she can walk somewhat, but after a minute or so her rear will sag until she has to sit down, which i doubt is a comfortable position either. She has started falling on our 3 very shallow porch steps and if I try to help her, it seems to hurt her worse. Mentally she seems very present, just reluctant to move because of the pain.

I have another appointment at the vet tomorrow morning. I'm not exactly sure what I'll decide... I've never had to euthanize a dog before, but I definitely remember the animals that either weren't, or not soon enough... Any advice is welcome.

This is just me ...

I'd make her very comfortable tonight, perhaps on a couple of sofa cushions pushed together and covered. I'd probably give her a tramadol if I had one. I'd try to arrange a sturdy temporary ramp for those steps to the potty.

I'd give her whatever she likes to eat as long as it won't trigger diarrhea.



I'd have it it my mind that tomorrow may well be the day. You'll know in the morning.

I might not worry a lot about bloodwork at age 14 with severe OA. I honestly can't think of a blood result that would change much.


I'd be as upbeat as I possibly could, for her.


All JMO. I am VERY sorry. I've been there, and it never gets easier.

Thanks Connie,
That's what I needed to hear.

Kristen, I've had many dogs since childhood. Never less then 2-3 at a time since I was about 12 14. I've cried over every last one of them and will do so again before it's my time here. On occasion I've let my feelings hold onto a dog far to long.
You have to look deep to decide what's best for the dog.
As Connie said
"It never get's easier"

Thinking about you, Kristen.

I can't really add anything to what Connie and Bob have already said. Just wanted to let you know I'm so sorry for what you're going through.

She sounds like a very brave dog.

If this were my dog I would put her down now. There is no bloodwork or medication that will turn back time.
I try not to let my animals struggle too long when the battle can't be won.


I understand that this is SO very difficult for you to do, and I feel sad for you.

Oh Kristin I am so sorry for you having this awful situation to deal with.

I don't think we are ever prepared for this day, and because they are always around, we forget that the time will come when they will leave us.

I wish all our dear friends could just slip away in their sleep, warm and peaceful in their familiar beds.

I am sending you my most sincere wish for courage and strength when the time comes for your girl's release from her pain.

I think if you could get a mobile vet to come out and put her to sleep it would be easiest on her, and on you? That way she wouldn't have to get up and endure traveling or anything, she could just lay in her comfortable bed at home. I'm so sorry its never easy.

I'm sorry Kristin

With Missy, I gave her a double dose of pain meds (she was on both tramadol and rimadyl at that point) and asked that the vet come out to my car. She loved car rides and with the high dose of pain meds she seemed very relaxed and comfortable. I gave her the meds early in the afternoon and took her in in the evening. I'll always be glad that she one last relaxed, pain free afternoon and car ride at the end.

FWIW, I knew it was time when she needed the double dose to be comfortable. She also had advanced hemangiosarcoma at that point so the combination of the two made it the simplest, but most heartbreaking decision I've ever made.