Hi, I am new here, but really needed to 'talk' to some dog people. Glad to see that Leerburg has a bb!
My guy, Roland, is having some severe back problems. It started 2-2.5 months ago with a heavy limp on a previously injured leg (ACL surgery in April 2004) that progressed to general pain and refusal to get up and walk. Figured he played too rough and took him to the chiropractor. Chiropractor thought he had wrenched his mid back area and adjusted him. Some improvement, but temporary.
We went to the vet--agreed with back injury--gave us muscle relaxants, cortisone shot and pain killers. Some improvement, pain controlled. Walking better, not much though. Next was back Xrays looking for obvious sign of disc bulge--none found, but 2 spots of spondylosis. Another cortisone shot and sent home for rest and on prednisone. 2 wks later not much improvement. Vet said either do MRI or nothing he could do--cant afford MRI and wont do surgery anyway.
He did terribly with the knee surgery (he decided he was dying and laid down to wait) and I promised no more surgery. He has been getting chiropractic adjustments and aspirin but has been getting worse. We put him back on the pain killer and that helped for 2 days, then he couldnt walk again. Went back to vet, said try higher dose of pain med, wouldnt give cortisone.
We made an appointment with another vet-orthapedist.
Last Fri, I really thought it was time to let him go, couldnt get up, starting to get sores on hocks, and looking sad. Vet let me have some cortisone shots to make him more comfortable--now he is walking again, with a heavy limp and he needs to rest often, but at least he is up.
Vet truly believes this is a disc injury and he will not heal and if it is, I will let him go. We go to see an orthapedist today for a second opinion and more information. But my struggle is still the same. My very high drive, hard, football player kind of dog is reduced to laying around the back yard 'waiting'. His attitude is good, he wags his tail, he eats, poops and pees and is responsive. Is this life good enough for him? If I cannot fix his hind end, do I end his life before he becomes unhappy? He is only 6 and is an amazing dog, beautiful temperment, bomb proof with the kids and my constant companion for 6 yrs. I do not want him unhappy, but am struggling with how hard to work to keep him alive. I absolutly cannot do surgery on him but am feeling terrible because I believe that leaves me with putting him down.
I would love a miracle to come out of our next vet appt, but just watching my dog, I dont think so.
I am sorry this is so long--I know long posts can be hard to read. I am hoping some one can share how they make this decision for their dogs.
Thanks for taking to time to read this,

Jennifer and Roland

Jennifer,
I went through the same thing last year with my dog and asked Ed and this group the very same question. Ed's response to me was, when you are keeping the dog alive for YOU and not for HER, then it's time. Others said when she cannot do most of what she loved to do before (walking, pooping, peeing, playing catch, etc) then it's time.

I layed awake crying many nights asking God for a miracle, or to at least let my girl go peacefully in her sleep. When "the day" came, I knew. She walked up to me where I was sitting on the floor, put her head into my chest, and let out a big deep sigh. She was so brave and strong the whole time, but I knew she was doing that for ME. Once I realized it was MY responsibility to be strong for HER, I was able to accept what I had to do. It was not easy, and I still cry, but she is no longer in pain and is at peace.

As long as you can keep your dog comfortable, do what you can. But if the situation/condition is untreatable, the end is inevitable...as much as it hurts to realize that. It really sucks, and I'm sorry you're going through that. I know exactly how you feel. I've been there.

hi Jennifer. Sorry to hear what you are going threw. Just sat here and cried remembering our bought with our Boxer last year. We had to put him down and think we waited to long. Never really know what the cause was but think it was cancer in him.Did all we could and also hoped for a miracle. He was only ten. The day it was over he looked at me and I knew it was time. Have to go before I lose it. We will pray for you and your family.
Mitch and Paula Kuta

I am very sorry to hear what you are going through. I hope you dog recovers.

Thank you for your replies. They help a lot.
I was hoping to get more answers from the vet yesterday, but I am more confused. He doesnt think that Roland has a neurological or back problem. He thinks his knees and hips hurt. Xrays were ok though. Basic blood work was normal. He is considering neuromuscular, immune mediated or degenerative conditions. He wants me to do more testing, but it kind of sounds like even if we diagnose the problem, we cant really fix it.
He gave us a new pain med-tramadol. And said to use pepsid for his tummy. He is throwing up a little. Now that the cortisone has worn off he is not able to walk as well.
I guess I will give it a couple more days.
Thanks for your support!!!
Jennifer and Roland

Today was a bad day. Roland couldnt get up at all. I got him outside and he worked very hard to stand up to pee, lost his balance and fell over. I decided to give him the last cortisone shot I had. That helped, but I decided that I had to let him go.
Tonight I had him put down. The vet wouldnt come to the house, but did let us keep Roland in our van so as not to stress him too much. It is awfully quiet at the house tonight, but at least I dont have to worry if he is ok. Just have to answer the questions of 3yr olds (I have twins) tomorrow about where Roland is. I hope there is a doggy heaven where there are lots of frisbees.
Thanks again for your support.
Jennifer

Jennifer, I am so very sorry for your loss but you did the right thing. I'm wiping away tears as I write this because I know how difficult and heartbreaking this decision was for you. I am coming up on a year since I put down my girl. I can feel the sadness building up knowing that difficult day is ahead.

Despite what others have said, it does not get easier. I think you just learn how to live with it somehow and keep going. Please be at peace with your decision, it was done out of tremendous love for him, and you knew it was not right to make him suffer any more.

You are in my thoughts at this sad and difficult time.

My sympathy on your loss. I had to put my 14 year old dog down in September 2003 and I don't think I've ever done anything harder. The only comfort I can offer is that you gave him the gift of ending his pain and misery. There is a point when that's all we can do for them.

there are many of us out here that have done the same and feel your pain. I know it doesn't help. My wife and I will continue to pray for you and your family