Casper

[gochic]

Hi,
I have a springer spaniel that has been disabled for 4 years. He has a cart but has been unable to use it the past year and he has developed arthritis in his shoulders and refuses to move in it.
He has always had an amazingly good attitude though, Happy eating and excited to see us.
Over the past month he acts like he has given up, quit eating the last 2 days and unable to raise himself.
I always said when he quit eating I was going to put him to sleep but he is just lying quitely. Don't know if I can do it.
Just been cuddling with him giving him some comfort.
Is it time?

[Christine]

Hi...and welcome. Have you tried any pain medication for Casper? Sometimes that is all it takes to make things comfortable enough that they want to do their normal routines.

One of the safer prescription meds is Tramadol and there are many supplements that could also give him some relief - msm, glucosamine and even prednisone preceded by some Pepcid to protect his stomach.

Have you been in contact with your vet about what is going on?
Only you and your boy will know when it is time and I hope there is a simple answer to why he may not be eating. Have you tried cooking some special things for him - boiled chicken (no spices) and the broth - eggs?? Sometimes my dog won't eat because she has an upset stomach. If I suspect that, I will give her some yogurt.

There is a link to an article that gives you some insight to "when it is time". Someone will post that for you. In the meantime, we will move this post the the mobility area and see if we can get some more help for you and Casper that will help with your decision.

[gochic]

.Casper dosen't act like he is in any pain though he is on Rimaldyl. He is breathing heavily at times and is so weak he cannot sit up. I have been in contact with the vet and they seem like they are more intrested in that I don't forget to bring money with me. I called today and they wanted to discuss money. I have been a client for 20 years and have never owed them a bill. Seems like its the end just waiting and hopefully he can go in peace on his own tonight. If not we will have to help him let go.

[CarolC]

If you have other vets in town, I'd recommend getting him in to see one if you are not happy with the current vet. They could do a senior checkup and see if anything is going on with his liver, kidneys, etc. It should not be horribly expensive. Why not call and ask them how much something like that would be?

When a dog is on Rimadyl, they recommend blood tests every 6 months. When my dog was on Rimadyl for severe arthritis, it helped his mobility a lot for months, then all of a sudden he developed problems and we had to discontinue it.

ANY DOG ON LONG TERM MEDICATION OF ANY KIND SHOULD
PROBABLY HAVE BLOOD CHEMISTRY RECHECKS EVERY 6 MONTHS.

I do not know what company you got your wheelchair from, but Doggon' Wheels and Eddie's Wheels can be converted to a 4-wheel cart if your dog has trouble supporting weight on the front legs. Eddie's also makes a counterbalanced cart that helps the front legs. I am not sure if it is appropriate for your dog's situation, but you could call them and ask what they recommend. It is so neat that you got him a cart 4 years ago!

http://www.eddieswheels.com/html/counterbalanced.html

I believe I'd be inclined to try to find out more about the dog's condition before making a decision. There may be something you can do to help him, or if not, at least you are making an informed decision.

Something I have done twice when I had a really, really sick pet, was make an office appointment to simply go talk with the vet, tell them what is going on, get their opinion, and then decide whether I want to transport the pet in to see them. This is especially good if you do not want to stress a pet with unnecessary car rides. In both cases I did that, I ended up deciding to bring the pet in after talking with the vet, and both cases turned out well.

[gochic]

He is 14 year old and dying. The vets can't believe he is still here anyway. The last year has been to just make him comfortable , no heroic efforts. He has not been on Rimadly long term he went off of it because we say no change but we thought it mike make him feel a little more comfortable this last month, He is not in any shape for a four wheel cart as it is an effort for him to raise his head. He now is having trouble breathing so I think we will have to say our goodbyes to my BEST FRIEND!!! . thank you for listening and your support

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

I sit here with you in my heart.

Enjoy what you have left. Lay on the floor with him, look into his eyes, and speak softly to him. Sing to him, let him slip his lines with the only thing that matters right next to him.

I know how much this means to you and I am thankful that you have this precious time together to say thank you to him, to tell him everything you want him to carry with him, to ease your soul, and to say goodbye.

I am on that floor with you. Get your pillow and cushions out to sleep next to him, because you won't want to be 'absent'...