View Full Version : Have to Put Our Shepherd Down Soon ..
bettagurl
09-15-2008, 10:48 AM
She's having a very hard time lately... she went from being playful and acting like a much younger dog to having difficulty even getting up in a matter of weeks.. She's in pain.. Her back end doesn't seem to be working right and she fell down a few times already.. She attacked out pit yesterday with no provocation.. Tink just walked by her, I guess while Dutch was hurting she just lashed out at whatever was nearest. I was right there, thankfully, or they may have gotten into it. But what if it had been my niece there, petting Dutch when she lunged? It would have been at Tia's face most likely, her eyesight isn't that good.
It's harder with Dutch than it was with our other shepherd, he didn't have a zest for life in his last few months, he was almost 16 and looked like a skeleton when we helped him across the Rainbow Bridge.
Dutch eats, she tries to get up and go play, she wants to keep going, we're all torn about her.. :(
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll24/bettagul/000_1049.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll24/bettagul/000_5599.jpg
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll24/bettagul/000_6494.jpg
Squawkbert
09-15-2008, 10:53 AM
Talk to the vet, if you aren't already doing so, try COX-II inhibitors (Deramax) - they help my older beagle mix a lot when her rear is stiff in the AM.
That said, 16 is *really* old for a dog that size...
snoopy65
09-15-2008, 11:02 AM
That is very old for a large dog. Beautiful shepherd by the way. There are an assortment of meds that the vet can give you for the dog to help her pain to allow her to live out the rest of her life more comfortably. It is always hard to put down a animal that has been a part of your family for so long. I know with my dogs, they become my children. I feel for you with the decision you have to make.
msjinkzd
09-15-2008, 11:13 AM
sorry to hear about the difficult decision ahead of you.
bettagurl
09-15-2008, 11:15 AM
Dutch is 14 right now, we think she has pancreatitis again.. she had it a couple of years ago, and we treated her for it, but it's the same symptoms.. We're going to talk about our best options with the vet.. She's an old lady.. Everthing I have read says the general age for shepherd is 10-12.
We have her on pain meds, which seem to help her be a bit more comfortable.. which is really what matters now, we will not be taking her to the vet to be put down. they last thing we want is for her to be scared in her last moments because she's at the vet.. We'll have him come here, we did that with out black shepherd.
J double R
09-15-2008, 11:17 AM
16?! wow...
hip dysplasia is prevalent in larger older dogs like that, and i'm surprised it didnt come around earlier.
good on you for making the right choice to end the pain.
snoopy65
09-15-2008, 11:17 AM
That is awesome that your vet will do that. I think it makes their going alot easier on the dog and on the family as well. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
excuzzzeme
09-15-2008, 11:37 AM
I put down our shepherd/chow mix when she was 18. This was close to 5 years ago and I still miss her.I certainly understand how you might feel and yes, talking options with your vet is the best course of actions.
Dangerdoll
09-15-2008, 12:48 PM
sorry to hear this news, bg.... it might be best to keep the other dogs out of her range as you have witnessed. Give her a soft bed to lay on and have her water there.... My sister's shephard went this way too. It was strange how it happened, one day she was tussling around with the other shephard in the yard, the next day she was practically dragging her back end... it's a hard decision to euthanize but she's led a long and healthy life where she was much loved. Your decision is one I don't envy but in the same breath I admire because of the responsibility you are upholding in making the dogs life comfortable... for life.
duke33
09-15-2008, 1:32 PM
I feel your pain. My male is 11. He looks just like yours. I'm not going to let him live in pain. Meds till...Sorry
judgemax
09-15-2008, 2:56 PM
Aww! I am so sorry to hear you have to do this:( Its hard when you have had them for so long. They become integrated into your life so very much. We are all here for you and I will keep you in my prayers!
I'm sorry. That is really hard to do. I have been there. I had to put my 10 year old Sheltie to sleep after her health quickly deteriorated to some unknown illness. A few months ago I had to put my rat to sleep. One day I noticed him dragging his back legs and here he had masses in his lungs. Its an terrible spot to be in even though you know you are doing best by not allowing them to suffer and prolonging the inevitable .