Lucylou17
New User
I have a 9 year old Chocolate Labrador who over the last few years has become completely blind. We have had her seen by vets and there is one treatment available for her however the vets are refusing to operate on her as last year she had a small operation to remove fatty lumps and she reacted very badly to the anaesthetic and was not herself for months after the op.
The treatment they are offering would mean that she would be able to see again however she would have to wear contacts that would have to be changed twice a day and have eye drops everyday therefore both me and vets dont think the benefits quite out way the bad points.
As well as her blindness she also has arthritis which does sometimes affect her very badly but sometimes not so much. Like any old dog with problems she has good days and bad days but it is getting to the point where there are now more bad days than good.
She still goes on two small walks a day but she is always very reluctant on the way home and a five minute walk home takes about 30! We have tried giving her longer walks to see if she wants to go further but she just gets too tired! The only reason we still take her out is because she does ask to (sits by the front door) and we think it is important to keep her exercising and as much weight off of her due to her arthritis.
The vet has also warned us that she may be likely to develop dementia in the next few years and to try and keep major changes to an absolute minimum. Next year I am meant to be going to university and although she lives with my family she is my dog and doesnt really respond to anyone else but me. The vet said that it might be an idea to put her to sleep before then otherwise she will grieve and suffer.
I dont want to be one of them owners that old on to a dog for selfish reasons not seeing how much pain/discomfort they are in etc. So I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice on whether any of you think its time to let her go or to keep hold of her until something happens that gives me no other option?
Any advice will be appreciated!
The treatment they are offering would mean that she would be able to see again however she would have to wear contacts that would have to be changed twice a day and have eye drops everyday therefore both me and vets dont think the benefits quite out way the bad points.
As well as her blindness she also has arthritis which does sometimes affect her very badly but sometimes not so much. Like any old dog with problems she has good days and bad days but it is getting to the point where there are now more bad days than good.
She still goes on two small walks a day but she is always very reluctant on the way home and a five minute walk home takes about 30! We have tried giving her longer walks to see if she wants to go further but she just gets too tired! The only reason we still take her out is because she does ask to (sits by the front door) and we think it is important to keep her exercising and as much weight off of her due to her arthritis.
The vet has also warned us that she may be likely to develop dementia in the next few years and to try and keep major changes to an absolute minimum. Next year I am meant to be going to university and although she lives with my family she is my dog and doesnt really respond to anyone else but me. The vet said that it might be an idea to put her to sleep before then otherwise she will grieve and suffer.
I dont want to be one of them owners that old on to a dog for selfish reasons not seeing how much pain/discomfort they are in etc. So I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice on whether any of you think its time to let her go or to keep hold of her until something happens that gives me no other option?
Any advice will be appreciated!
Not an easy decision for anyone to make, sometimes doing the kindest thing for the ones we love is the hardest thing in the world.