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I have a very sweet 13 year old lab, she's been with us her entire life, but that's where the good ends. ...
About a year and a half ago, my wife and I came back home from dinner and found our dog struggling to breathe, her tongue was purplish, so we took her to the emergency room, she had a Tracheal Collapse, so we decided to have her go for surgery, it cost us $6000, for which I'm still paying; the next day my wife already freaked out, worried about the dog acting a little weird, but it was just the sedative, in any case, we took her once again, they did a sonogram and found a tumor in her belly, incurable, they found it the day after the surgery.....she's not in pain or discomfort. We have to blend her food every day, because the surgery pretty much opened her trachea permanently, so she can't eat dry food, because of the risk of crumbs getting into her lungs....
Now a bleeding tumor has developed on the inner side of her ear lobe, it looks like a sponge with blood oozing out of it, so we went to the vet, whom said a specialist would have to remove it, and that is where my dilemma starts, I can't afford it, I'm still paying off the debt from her surgery and I don't know what to do. She's happy, old and a little senile, but happy. I feel I've prolonged her suffering, but she doesn't seem sad or in pain, I don't know if I should euthanize her, but will I be killing her? She's sweet as apple pie, but I don't have the money. What would you guys do?
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Their average lifespan is 10-14 years, so she has done very well to last this long. For someone that has unlimited financial resources, prolonging for another year (or less) with big vet bills might be an option. In my opinion and experience (most recently with a 12 year old Golden) since you really can't tell whether she is suffering or not, at this point I would consider it more humane to euthanize. Don't feel guilt, it's her time.
Note: You might want to ask the mods to move this to the Pets/Dog forum.
It's hard to make the decision but sometimes you have to. My sisters have all had labs and golden retrievers and at about 12 years they usually start declining from any number of problems. Any life saving surgeries at that point are usually futile after 12 or sometimes earlier and you don't want to end up resenting your pet because you are in financial strain.
You have at this point given your pet the best home and care any could hope for. You need to decide what's best for you and your pet. No one who understands these decisions will look upon you poorly. That doesn't make it any easier though. Sorry.
At this point if I were you I would keep her comfortable and happy and not do anymore surgeries. My sisters last golden she had put to sleep at home. Her dog was 10 so not too old but had bone cancer. Was on strong pain meds.He during his final month. Expensive treatment were just not an option, even if it were a younger dog. She said having him put to sleep at home was much less stressful than bringing a large confused pet to the scary vets office. They got a referral from vets office. The vet tech who preformed the euthanasia brought her dog with her after it was done and had it cremated and my sister got the ashes back. My sister said she would never do it any other way again.
Of course each thing cost more, cremation, returning ashes.
Last edited by Izzie1213; 10-26-2017 at 08:04 AM..
My dogs have always let me know when it's time. Either they look in pain/suffering, or they get very depressed and might stop eating.
Since you said that right now, she's happy and seemingly comfortable, I would just give palliative care until she starts showing signs that she's ready to go.
At this stage of her life, I would avoid any more medical costs which seems like a tremendous burden and just give her comfort and love until you're ready and you feel like she's also ready.
I have a very sweet 13 year old lab, she's been with us her entire life, but that's where the good ends. ...
About a year and a half ago, my wife and I came back home from dinner and found our dog struggling to breathe, her tongue was purplish, so we took her to the emergency room, she had a Tracheal Collapse, so we decided to have her go for surgery, it cost us $6000, for which I'm still paying; the next day my wife already freaked out, worried about the dog acting a little weird, but it was just the sedative, in any case, we took her once again, they did a sonogram and found a tumor in her belly, incurable, they found it the day after the surgery.....she's not in pain or discomfort. We have to blend her food every day, because the surgery pretty much opened her trachea permanently, so she can't eat dry food, because of the risk of crumbs getting into her lungs....
Now a bleeding tumor has developed on the inner side of her ear lobe, it looks like a sponge with blood oozing out of it, so we went to the vet, whom said a specialist would have to remove it, and that is where my dilemma starts, I can't afford it, I'm still paying off the debt from her surgery and I don't know what to do. She's happy, old and a little senile, but happy. I feel I've prolonged her suffering, but she doesn't seem sad or in pain, I don't know if I should euthanize her, but will I be killing her? She's sweet as apple pie, but I don't have the money. What would you guys do?
Honestly, at that age for that breed (large breeds tend to have shorter lives), I think you are better off putting her to sleep. I applaud you for trying everything you can, you are so much better than 99% of dog owners and this is coming from someone (myself) who would literally kill a person if they were trying to attack my dog. I wish we as humans could choose to be put to sleep if desired. Considering her age given her breed, I think your dog would go through a lot of pain, just to have new issues arise possibly months later. I would put her to sleep and you can sleep soundly knowing you did everything you could to help her. I'm so sorry, but find comfort in knowing you gave her a great life and you were able to give her a death with dignity. I had my most recent dog who passed away cremated and I found that made the mourning much easier to handle knowing she is still with me. Someday I plan to spread her ashes, but not ready yet.
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