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Post by allthehounds on Oct 16, 2015 3:39:12 GMT -5
Thank you all for your responses. It helps to know that I'm not alone at this terrible time. I have decided to go for palliative care as I know Stanley would not cope with losing his front leg. As you all say it is only me that can make this decision as I know my dog. It is definitely the hardest decision I have ever had to make. Lots of love to you all xx ps Sian I will drop u an email xx It really is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever have to make and you'll probably end up second guessing yourself the whole time but I've done that whatever option I've chosen. It's difficult to try and stay positive rather than thinking about the "what-if's" but you want to make the most of whatever time you have left with Stanley and remember he doesn't know what's happening so try and enjoy your time together. The pain can be controlled effectively with the right drugs although as I said in my original post, Ringo's pain became too much almost straight away whereas Ernie's didn't and was completely manageable, again it depends on the individual dog and the tumour itself. There is that risk of the bone breaking if you don't opt for amputation but again you can manage this by regular x-rays to check the bone or restricting running and jumping. As I said with Ernie we knew the bone hadn't been weakened by the tumour and didn't want to restrict his lifestyle. After discussing it with our vet he gave us an injection with morphine in to keep in the fridge so that if the worse happened and Ernie was in pain we could knock him out straight away before taking him to the vet and that gave us some extra security. We never had to use that though and we made the decision to let him go when we could see he wasn't enjoying life as much as he used to. He also had a good death which was important to me and the arrangements were made in advance, he was sedated in the back of our van with myself and my husband sitting with him before the final injection was given and then we drove straight to the pet cemetery with him and carried him into the little chapel there ourselves. We said our final goodbyes and then took our other greyhound for a walk before returning to collect his ashes. It was important to me that he wasn't away from us for long if that makes sense. I'm still sad when I think about Ernie and writing about his death has resulted in a very soggy keyboard but mostly I remember all the fun we had after his diagnosis and he finally got to eat all his favourite things. He'd been waiting 7 years for a cheese burger from McDonalds and as it disappeared in two big gulps I'm not sure it was worth the wait but it's little things like that I remember and they make me smile now. Big hugs for you both and I hope Stanley has still got lots of good quality time ahead yet. Sian xx |
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Post by cerd1964 on Oct 16, 2015 7:27:57 GMT -5
Hi Sian. Sorry I haven't emailed you yet! Will do as soon as I have a spare minute. Finding what you are saying a great help. You have experienced this all ways. Like you say everyone knows their own dog and what is best. I am enjoying the time I have left with Stan although keeping him calm is somewhat challenging! He is enjoying a few treats! Xx
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Post by laura2001 on Oct 16, 2015 10:03:40 GMT -5
Our 11 year old grey, Grady, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his front wrist. A lump appeared almost overnight & diagnosis was one the hardest things to cope with. We also decided on palliative care, as amputation wasn't offered to us. Our vet at the time gave us weeks, but Grady continued living life to the full for a further 9 months with only metacam to help with any pain he felt. At the end, it was something unrelated that took our boy. Do we ever regret anything? Definitely not. It was the best decision for him, as he would never have coped with the vet visits as a tripod. He continued living life to the full until the very end. As others have said, only you know your boy the best, and any decisions can only be based on what is best for him. Enjoy your time with him, however long that may be, and make a lot of happy memories. Xxx
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Post by cerd1964 on Oct 19, 2015 14:47:40 GMT -5
Hi everyone, Stan had his reiki today which he thoroughly enjoyed. He is still happy in himself and doesn't appear to be in any pain. It's hard to stop him rushing about quite as much as he would like! I am giving him lots of fuss and he is having the whole sofa to himself. Take care. Caroline x
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Post by alexandsteve on Oct 19, 2015 14:52:32 GMT -5
Hi everyone, Stan had his reiki today which he thoroughly enjoyed. He is still happy in himself and doesn't appear to be in any pain. It's hard to stop him rushing about quite as much as he would like! I am giving him lots of fuss and he is having the whole sofa to himself. Take care. Caroline x So pleased he's still happy and enjoying life  Hugs to you both xxx |
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Post by sassbu on Oct 24, 2015 11:38:22 GMT -5
What a hideous disease, so sad reading everyone's losses to it. Hugs to you all xx
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