My dog is sick

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

This will probably be long and rambling and I’m sorry. I’ve thought about this for 2 days and I don’t know what to do.

We adopted a collie from the pound 4 years ago. He was a mess. Mentally and physically. He had been badly abused, was basically skin and bones, had never been brushed and parts of his skin looked and smelled almost rotten from what we think was lack of air able to get to his skin the matts were so tight. He did not know how to play. You would throw a ball and he would just stand there. No one had ever played with this animal. When my husband would put on a belt the dog would growl and back out of the room. Loud noises, especially thunder, still send him into a frenzy. Pacing, drooling, attacks the other animals.

The pound should have, by policy, put him to sleep 2 weeks before we ever saw him. His time had run out. He was an older dog at the time (7 or 8) and no one wanted an old dog. One of the ladies that worked there pleaded to let him have a few more weeks and for some reason they let him live.
When my husband and I saw him we both fell in love. Just one of those things. We went back the next day. And the next. We talked alot about it. We already had 2 cats and a dog. But we knew he was ours to love so we went back the third day and brought him home.

In the 4 years that we have had Jake he has turned into a loving, patient, goofy animal that jumps for joy when we return after a trip, be it 10 minutes or 4 hours. He runs in circles barking and wagging his tail like a nut if you sing the “Jakey Jakey Pooh Pooh Pants” song to him. (You all know the Jakey Jakey Pooh Pooh Pants song don’t you?? :slight_smile: ) Of all the dogs I’ve ever owned I’ve never had a more behaved sweet pet. He is my baby.

He is now somewhere between 11 and 12 years old. Some days he can’t stand up very well. His back legs and hips shake so badly he just gives up and flops back down. Starting a few days ago I have to carry him into the house as he can no longer get up the 2 steps into the backdoor. Sometimes he gets stuck halfway up or halfway down the stairs. His legs just kind of get stuck and he whines and cries until we find him and carry him down the rest of the way. (No easy task as he is no longer skin and bones by a long shot…the pig)

My problem is I am terrified to take him to the vet. Terrified. I know he should go. But I dont think I can do it. I’m too afraid of what they will say. My in-laws had a collie that did EXACTLY all the same things that Jake is doing when he was 14 and had to be put down. At 14 the vet thought it would be unfair to make the dog suffer through a major surgery.
Now granted maybe it is something else wrong with Jake, but I don’t think so. One of those “I just have this feeling and I know I’m right” things.

Sorry this is so long. I have thought of nothing else for 2 days. It’s not all bad for him though as old softie me feeling all sorry-like for him actually cooked him his own chicken breast for supper :slight_smile: Maybe its all an act to get more treats out of me.
Am I really really a bad pet owner for not rushing him off to the vet? 'Cause I sure feel like one. But I can’t do it. I just know they are going to suggest putting him down and I don’t think I can do it. Am I terrible?

Jawofech

2

No, you’re not terrible.

May of this year, we put our 11-year old Doberman, Goliath, to sleep.

He had cancer, and could barely walk.

We REALLY didn’t want to take him to the vet…so, we didn’t.

In the end, he just suffered more. We finally realized it was his time to go…he had lost so much blood from internal bleeding that the inside of his mouth was almost white, he constantly shivered, and could barely get up.

I just wish we had done it sooner.

It doesn’t make you a terrible person for loving your dog that much. But please, don’t let your dog suffer. It’ll just hurt YOU more in the end.

3

Sometimes people don’t realize it–but dogs get arthritis, too. And the place where it’s most noticeable is of course in the legs, where the most important joints are.

I once had an old dog that had trouble with his legs, too. But they -can- give you medication for it. I’d betcha a dime (I’m not a very high roller, am I?) that this is what your dog is afflicted with. If it were something more serious–there would probably be more grevious symptoms than stiff, aching legs in an otherwise happy and grateful dog.

May the Master Builder bless you, Jawofech, for being so compassionate as to take in a loving creature that was already given up on. You -know- that had it not been for you and your wife–he would not have enjoyed the many years he has under your care. And it is also because of your care that he was truly able to -live-, after the nightmare that once was his life.

-Ashley

4

** Lord Davidson ** I’m sorry to hear about your loss of Goliath. I know in my head you are right and I think that is why I feel so guilty. If he is in pain, my selfishness of not wanting to let go of him will only hurt him more if I don’t take him to the vet. I do know this in my head. But man is my head fighting with my heart right now. sigh

** Ashtar ** You might very well be right about the arthritis. I am pretty sure he has it for the past few years. Maybe it’s just gotten really bad because of the cold weather. I hope you are right. And FTR it is my * husband and I * not my wife and I. I am female :slight_smile:
Jawofech is a pretty gender neutral name I guess, sorry.

5

One day four years ago your dog closed his eyes and prayed to G-d.

Dear G-d, I'm getting older now and I have seen a lot in my life. I know that in the great plan you had a reason for sending me to live with the people that you did. I know that I will never understand why but I believe in your ultimate goodness so I don't question it. I'm seven now G-d, that's very old in dog years and I ask for a chance to rest. I ask for a warm place where I can close my eyes and know that there are good people to watch over me and keep me safe. I ask for a family who can give me the things in life that I never had as a puppy. I want to learn how to chase a ball and roll over on my back in their lap. I want to squirm around and wiggle when they hug me and give me people kisses. G-d I want to go to sleep at night hearing the Jakey Jakey Pooh Pooh Pants song (You do know the Jakey Jakey Pooh Pooh Pants song don't you?)
G-d I know that there are going to be a few downsides to giving me a loving family. I know that there are going to be times when they're not going to be here. I also know that no matter how long their actually gone for it will seem like an eternity. G-d I also know that I will eventually have to leave them I know that I will be hard on them, for they will love me as much as I love them. But please G-d please can I have a family to love me, To take care of me when I'm sick, to hold me when I'm scared and to be with me at the end? If you should decided no I will understand, for I know your will is for the greater good. Thank You G-d

And G-d looked at the small creature and smiled and said I love you Jake and so I shall send you two people to love you and take care of you. And they will love you Jake. Almost as much as I do.

6

Thank God your little woofer found y’all at the pound. Whatever else happens, you have earned an eternal amount of good Karma. Please take the dog to the vet. How would you feel if you found out it was something that could have been treated and you waited? I’m sorry to sound cruel, but please go. Your dog needs you to do these for him, cuz he can’t do it for himself. The only possible result is positive. If he’s sick, he can be made either well or comfortable. I feel so bad for you right now. Sending positive thoughts your way.

7

Please, please find a vet like mine;

He will tell you the correct dosage of cortisones so that your animal will have a decent quality of life for the remainder of its years.

Do not be afraid of maintaining your animals quality of life during its last years. This is your last chance to let your animal know what a fine friend it has been all through your life.

That said, please, please do not let your animal suffer. A peaceful end is better than years of agony. This is why I mention my vet. He allowed me to spend years with my pet without letting him suffer in the least.

If you live in Silicon Valley, I will be happy to recommend my pet’s doctor.

8

SILENT-BOB, you’ve made me cry. That was so sweet.

jawofech, I know you’re frightened. You’re in a scary place right now, hoping that Jake will get better, but suspecting he won’t. But please take him to a vet. If the vet finds that there is nothing that can be done, s/he may be able to make Jake more comfortable for a short time. On the other hand (and I speak from experience), Jake’s condition may be treatable. You won’t know until you see the vet. Good luck to you and Jake.

9

Silent_Bob, that was beautiful. Jawofech, you will do the right thing, I know. My heart goes out to you and your family.

10

I really, really sincerely echo weirddave’s advice. This may very well be something the vet can help, and if not then at least you can make Jake comfortable and happy for as long as he is still with you.

I’ve been there (with my 18 year old siamese cat) and I kept her alive much longer than I should have because I just couldn’t face losing her. In my case, when I look back, it was selfishness on my part. I am not saying that this is true for you, please understand that. Just that it will be better to know the truth, in order to make the best decision for Jake’s happiness.

SILENT-BOB made me cry, also. Who would have thought that a guy who is as eloquent with smiley’s as he is could be even more expressive with words?

jawofech I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. But you and your husband gave Jake a family, and he loves you as much as you love him. Nothing can ever take that away from any of you.

((((((((((jawofech and hubby and Jake))))))))))))

11

Until you get him to the vet for a proper evaluation you can give him those enteric-coated aspirins so they don’t bother his stomach. Start with one–that should be enough. Dogs tolerate aspirin well, but DON’T give it to your cat!

Um, you can put him on a diet. I know MY hips aren’t what they used to be, but could be if I took my own advice. Twelve is elderly for a collie, but not yet OLD.

It’s that time of year, as you know. Give him a really good combing–some of his hair might be in knots that limit his movement (got a dog like that, myself). The good combing should help him stay cooler, too. Collies don’t usually need help to stay warm.

You should be able to make his remaining years pretty comfortable. I have a dog his age who has come out of retirement since I did the above stuff. Like a (stiff) puppy!

12

** SILENT-BOB ** Well…I am with brachyrhynchos…that was beautiful. Truly beautiful. Words that touch another’s soul are a precious gift indeed and I thank you for that. Most times I think that Jake was given those extra few weeks at the pound more for our benefit than his. He has taught me something very important and I think that is why he was given to us. He showed me that even though he had been treated so terribly in the past, when he could have been mean and resentful and full of hate, he instead was loving and patient and gentle. I think that was a very important lesson for me and I value it.
He is my shoulder when I am sad, my defender against “things that go bump in the night” and my partner when I am feeling goofy (who else but him could love my Jakey Jakey Pooh Pooh Pants song?) I only hope he feels he has gotten as much as he has given us.

** weirddave, Zenster, brachyrhynchos, Trouble Again ** I know you all are right. Believe me I know. I guess I just needed someone to tell me to “smarten up” and get him to the vet. My husband is pretty much in the same spot I am in that he knows we should be taking him but is afraid that we won’t be bringing him home. Then again, although I have never been know to be a “making a mountain out of a mole hill” kind of gal, maybe it is just a bad bout of arthritis and I have been making myself worry for naught. Boy do I hope that is what it is. I would much much rather come in here and apologize all red-faced like with “ummm…it was constipation” than be right in what I think it is.

** scotticher ** Actually it is selfish on my part. I am not taking him because I am afraid of losing him. I guess I realize now that is not best for him, and since I DO love him I guess I will have to take him in to get looked at no matter how scared I am about the outcome.

** dropzone ** I was actually going to post that exact question in GQ later tonight! So I CAN give him aspirin?
Good to hear. At least I can give him something till I make the appointment at the vets.

Thank you all for the advice and support. I have been worried sick for 2 days about this and am truly amazed at how much better I feel just getting it off my chest and talking it out. I am starting to hope that maybe it is something that is treatable. Possibly I just associate the symptoms with my in-laws dog and assumed too much.

Jawofech

13

for doing what you did for him.

And NO, you should NOT feel bad that you haven’t hustled him off to be put down. You should feel bad that you haven’t hustled him off to see what could be done to make him feel better!!

The chances are excellent that his pain can be very much eased and his quality of life greatly improved with drugs. Please check it out. Don’t let your fear cause him to suffer any more.

Most vets don’t like to put dogs down. If you vet is good at all, he or she we have a good assessment of how comfortable they can make Jake and whether it’s time or not.

I say do all you can, but do it NOW.

And let your love for him be your guide. You’ve done a great job so far.

stoid…serious dog lover

14

I think I hate you now. I have just read your post, and I am sitting her with unashamed tears running down my face. I like to think that I can write moving words when I want to, but you have just put me to shame. That was one of the most beautiful things I have ever read in my life. How can you hide such eloquence behind a facade of clevar smilies? You are depriving the rest of us of your brilliance. Please speak out more, we will all be enriched by it. How can you deprive us of your wonderful words?

15

Your post made me cry, too, SILENT-BOB. And I don’t get teary very easily.

16

I just cried at work.

I love my dogs so much I dread being in the position of the OP. I truely pray that you find the strength to do the right thing. I’m sorry for what you’re going through.

Zette

17

Check out this website, there is information about diet and supplements that can help your large breed dog.
http://www.doglogic.com/healthmain.htm

18

It is always tough to come to grips that when you get a dog, you hope it dies before you. Realizing it doesn’t make it any easier.

Echoing everyone else, yeah, you gots ta go to the vet. Even if the pups on his last legs, they aren’t gonna force you to put him down. And wouldn’t you rather know, that fear the unknown?

If the situation is terminal, try to do your best to assess his quality of life. With my old beast, it was too easy for me to concentrate on those rare moments when he was lying in the sun, looking comfortable, and ignoring the rest of the time that he seemed in pain and unhappy. Talking to very many, many people, I did not meet a one who said they put their dog down too soon, but I spoke with many who said, looking back on it, they waited longer than they should have.

It is a bitch of a decision to have to make. It hurts. Let us know how things work out.

19

Dammit Bob, I hate to cry at work…

Oh Jawofech, we were in the same position a couple of years ago with hubby’s Lab Caesar. We knew he was never going to get really old, he had lots of surgeries as a puppy including having both hips replaced. He also had a cancer on his leg.

One day, when he was about 12, we noticed that he didn’t want to get up & go out. Oh well, no big deal. The next thing I know, he has gone to the bathroom all over himself & his dog bed. It wasn’t that he didn’t WANT to go out, HE COULDN’T. We had to carry all 120 lbs of him to the car, and straight to the vet (a substitute vet, BTW). After 4 hours, she couldn’t diagnose & x-rays were inconclusive. Took him to animal emergency hospital here in SoCal, and got a shock. They said he was within minutes of dying without immediate care.

It turned out he had cancer in the pericardial sac around his heart. He had such a deep chest, it never did show up on any x-ray. They drained half a liter of fluid from around his heart that first day! They told us that he would just be back in the same spot soon, but let us make our own decision.

We took him home and cried for about a week, giving him every treat & toy that he loved, lots of brushing & games & love. Then when the fluid built up & he started having trouble again, we had him put down.

It was awful for us, but a blessing for him. Now he’s in a place where he can run without pain, breath deeply, and pee on everybody’s flowers.

Remember that scene in “What Dreams May Come” when Robin Williams finds his dog in heaven? What a happy day that will be for us!

Do what you know in your heart is right, you love him too much to let him hurt. I will be thinking of you and Jake, and Angus sends big wet slobbery Newf kisses too.

20

jawofech, you are truly beautiful. Yes, your husband, too. It takes special people to do what you did - so many people want only puppies or young dogs, and the old ones are left to die. All of my dogs have been rescues, and Duke, my newest, was plucked off of death row last October. I have never known anyone who saved a dog that didn’t have that kindness repaid a thousand times over by an eternally grateful, new best friend. (Duke was also very scared, and for anyone with a similar situation, if you are just patient with a rescue, or any animal, you will soon see a big change)

My oldest dog Grizzly is now 12 1/2. He’s a big boy, about 90 lbs. Last year, I thought he was a goner. He wouldn’t get up, he wouldn’t eat, nothing. It was so bad I slept on the floor with him in case he died. (I had this dog since he was 4 weeks old - saved him from a dumpster.) The next day, I carried him to my vet, and he gave me a prescription for Rimadyl. In 2 days, I had my dog back. Not that he was running like the wind, but he was at least able to walk ok. I knew he was feeling much better.

There are some conflicting reports about Rimadyl, but I believe that, like anything, people are more likely to write a letter of complaint than of praise, and that’s why there is some negative feedback. Talk to your vet about Rimadyl, or a similar type drug. (Rimadyl was originally intended as arthritis medication for humans, but it was discovered that dogs metabolized it more efficiently). Make sure Jakey gets a blood test and liver function first. Some people will say that extended use of Rimadyl may lead to kidney failure, etc. I feel that my dog’s comfort is worth it. Let’s see, 3 more years of painful, arthritic life, or 2 years of comfort, but he’ll die of kidney failure. I’ll stick with Rimadyl, thanks.

Also, start with the prescribed dose of whatever you get, and after you see improvement, try lowering it until you know what he’s comfortable with. Grizzly was prescribed a 100mg tablet, 2x a day. I give him 1/2 2x a day. He’s fine, and I figure his liver is only dealing with half as much. If you do get Rimadyl, the tablets are cheaper than the chewable kind. And if you wind up doing any type of drug therapy long term, I’ll bet you can do better by buying in bulk from a catalog. (I saved close to $100) I can give more details on this if you’d like, and also many dog internet sites that you can read to help you make a decision.

Also, whoever posted before about diet is right - extra weight is a burden on arthritic hips.

SILENT-BOB, I’m with everyone else. For someone who never says anything, you sure say it well.

Everyone else here who loves their animals - the world would be a wonderful place if everyone felt the same way. There’s waaaayyy too much cruelty going on. I read plenty of stories about it, and it makes me sick.