Further to 'old dog not eating'--managed with some difficulty to get him to the vet but results of blood work show that liver enzymes are elevated, he is not diabetic despite trying to drink large amounts of water.

Xrays indicate that stomach is bloated (he has had gastropexy so not at risk of torsion) and there appears to be something blocking pylorus (tumor?) Water is not getting thru apparently as he throws it back up. I have lost IV access now because it was v. small so can't get fluids into him by IV. He doesn't seem to be in any discomfort but is weak and basically starving. Can anyone advise re supportive care or is it time to say good-bye?

 Quote: Kim Winsor

Further to 'old dog not eating'--managed with some difficulty to get him to the vet but results of blood work show that liver enzymes are elevated, he is not diabetic despite trying to drink large amounts of water.

Xrays indicate that stomach is bloated (he has had gastropexy so not at risk of torsion) and there appears to be something blocking pylorus (tumor?) Water is not getting thru apparently as he throws it back up. I have lost IV access now because it was v. small so can't get fluids into him by IV. He doesn't seem to be in any discomfort but is weak and basically starving. Can anyone advise re supportive care or is it time to say good-bye?

Kim, has your Vet offered No humane advice yet?

Please realize that starving to death is actually quite physically painful, not to mention the emotional anguish of feeling frightened -- Poor old guy

If he were my faithful K9 companion, I would ask a Vet to help him cross the Rainbow Bridge at HOME in peace with dignity, no matter how agonizing that decision may be for me (and I would Not Delay even a moment longer)...

That is the conclusion I've come to. I gave him some water this morning as he is very thirsty but it all came back up. I am managing to get IV fluids into him now as I got the blocked IV open. I've made the call to a vet who has a mobile euthanasia service and left a message so now hope to hear from her.
Always thought I would be fine when he went because I tried so hard to give him the best life I could....but I'm a mess anyway. I'm so grateful for your advice--I think I just needed one other person to tell me that I'm doing the right thing.
He doesn't seem uncomfortable or even scared and is still alert. I believe you are right. I don't want to wait until he is in obvious pain. Thank you again.

 Quote: Kim Winsor

That is the conclusion I've come to. I gave him some water this morning as he is very thirsty but it all came back up. I am managing to get IV fluids into him now as I got the blocked IV open. I've made the call to a vet who has a mobile euthanasia service and left a message so now hope to hear from her.
Always thought I would be fine when he went because I tried so hard to give him the best life I could....but I'm a mess anyway. I'm so grateful for your advice--I think I just needed one other person to tell me that I'm doing the right thing.
He doesn't seem uncomfortable or even scared and is still alert. I believe you are right. I don't want to wait until he is in obvious pain. Thank you again.

Bless you, Kim, my heart just aches for you -- I know you love him so & have gone ALL the extra "miles" in order to do everything possible ... This will be your last MERCY on his behalf, and I certainly hope you'll have Someone There to support YOU throughout such a difficult time (prayers going up right now, my cyber friend).

I'm another person who completely agrees with you and Candi, despite how hard I know this is. (Another factor is that liver disease can become quite painful.)

About the water ... maybe it would stay down better if it was tepid and given in small frequent sips? (It does suck to feel thirsty.)

My heart is with you as you negotiate this miserably difficult path. I know how hard it is (but how worth the effort it is, too) to try to be upbeat for the dog's sake.

Thank you so much to both of you. I could be more upbeat if I could just stop sobbing I did try to give him smaller amounts of water but the pylorus must be really blocked because it all comes back. Hoping the IV makes some difference until I hear from the vet although IV's never make you feel less thirsty. Maybe ice chips....
I'm so grateful for everyone's support on this site.

I would give a small portion of ice chips too. Maybe a teaspoon of them on my palm.

I totally understand about the sobbing. I've talked to the dog in an upbeat voice while tears coursed down my face ...

Kim, I am so sorry... we have all been there and it breaks your heart. Be strong for the dog and fall apart after....

I remember when my old horse Red went down with seizures that would not stop. He was fully conscious but could not control his muscles The vet took 3 hours to get there to put him down and Paul and I had to take turns holding him down by knelling and putting weight on his neck. This was a horse that had been with me for 18 years and it was the most horrifying experience I have ever lived through. I talked to him every minute of that 3 hours and told him he was the most amazing horse in the world. I kept my voice calm and low. Paul said it was like I was talking to an old friend on the phone - no hint that there was anything wrong, except for the river of tears. After the vet gave him the shot, though, I literally wailed.

I wish there was something we could do to make it better, but there just isn’t....

Hugs.

Ps - when I can’t get an IV in, or it gets blocked, I will do sub q ringers. This is not going to sustain life, but will get a good amount of fluids into the body quickly to prevent dehydration or shock. This should not be done without consulting a vet, but sub q fluids are fairly easy to administer..... they don’t seem as thirsty if you do sub q fluids, and a little water squirted into the mouth may help the feeling of being thirsty as well.

Kim, I was away from the board for a while and somehow missed your posts here. I am so sorry for what you have gone through. I know you have given your boy a good life and the very best care. You are among friends here who understand the pain of the choices you've had to make.

 Quote: Cheri Grissom

Kim, I was away from the board for a while and somehow missed your posts here. I am so sorry for what you have gone through. I know you have given your boy a good life and the very best care. You are among friends here who understand the pain of the choices you've had to make.

Amen, in a this most painful time...