Difficult question

Slave2Magic

Slave2Magic

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My cocker spaniel is 14 years old. He seems happy enough in himself but has several health issues. He has a lump under his chin which the vet said to leave unless it gets alot bigger. It hasn't. His breathing sounds raspy all the time and he coughs alot. He also seems to need to wee alot. I wouldn't put him through an an operation as he also has a heart murmur. When do you know when to call it a day? I don't want to think that he is suffering. I am going to take him to the vets again tomorrow to get his opinion.
 
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My cocker spaniel is 14 years old. He seems happy enough in himself but has several health issues. He has a lump under his chin which the vet said to leave unless it gets alot bigger. It hasn't. His breathing sounds raspy all the time and he coughs alot. He also seems to need to wee alot. I wouldn't put him through an an operation as he also has a heart murmur. When do you know when to call it a day? I don't want to think that he is suffering. I am going to take him to the vets again tomorrow to get his opinion.

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Yes, do take him to the vet just to check it isn't something like an infection that will clear up. However, if this a chronic condition which cannot be managed satsifactorily, there is a chance you may need to make the decision that we all dread.
My motto is always "better a week too soon, than a day too late". I truly hope that it has not come to this for you, but if it has, then <<<<hugs>>>
 
Difficult to know, as some say, it is always better to do it too soon than too late. My veterinarians have always asked me, with my now late bitches and cats "What sort of life quality does X have?"
After all, it is not only a matter about asking ourselves if they can stay alive a little longer but also if a possible longer life, would be of a good quality.


About the "When do you know when to call it a day?", all I can say is that even when I have known that this is it, it have still been difficult.


{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}
 
I think you know by their eyes. See my post above. Mine will be tomorrow
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it sounds like he might have a heart prob which could be treated and could make him more comfy for a few mths at least so dont lose hope yet.
 
My old Spaniel used to cough a lot, as though he was going to be sick. He did it for a couple of years before he died. I was told it was probably "heart failure" which panicked me, but it did not cause his death.

He was fine in himself, apart from occasionally coughing like that.
 
My grandad spaniel died just before Christmas.... she coughed alot and then died in her sleep. Apparently its common in spaniels that there heart swells and put pressure on their breathing materials causing them to cough and eventually bring on heart failure.

If your dog is still happy then I would not do something irrational and unnecessary....! Only if there is alot of pain involved... then its time to call it a day!
 
Well the vet confirmed my suspicions. It is congenital heart failure.
frown.gif
He has given me some tablets to try for 10 days to see if Sam improves at all. All we can do now is wait and see.
 
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