Exhausted

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CMcC

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I have posted on another thread about my 4 year old lurcher who has an immune system disorder and (unconnected) liver problem.

Since the end of the summer she has gone into liver failure four times, it is very distressing, although the vets do not think she is in pain. At the beginning of December I had booked to have her PTS but on the morning of the appointment she made a miraculous recovery.

She had the same problem yesterday, very distressed, unable to stand and had little awareness of where she was. I manage it by giving her anti-convulsive drugs and she sleeps for 18 hours. Has woken up this morning eaten breakfast (and half of someone else's breakfast), drunk a bowl of water and is now sleeping peacefully. About to take her out for a short walk. I am exhausted by worrying about her and spending half the night lying awake.

The problem is between these episodes she is OKish, but not the dog she was - no crazy lurcher running or playing with the other dogs, seems a bit depressed and lethargic. So I don't know how long I should let her go on like this. I scored against the questionnaire Sheep helpfully posted the other day and she came out 2.8/5. 5 being well and healthy.

Have never had to deal with this decision in a young dog. Should I let her go on with an OK but less than optimum life?

Sorry for long post, just could do with pointing in the right direction.
 
I’m in situation of not knowing how long my dog has got and waiting for things to get worse so I can sympathise. How often does she have these episodes? what’s the prognosis for the liver problem?

I think we just have to trust our gut in situations like this. It doesn’t sound like she’s unduly suffering but for me it would have to depend on if she’s likely to ever recover or not.

Thinking of you x
 
Is there a chance of improvement, will it stay stable/manageable (or can it improve to get to stable/manageable), or is this something which is only going to get worse?

I'm in the camp of having no problem with PTS, but that's always easy to say when it's not your own dog/cat/horse/etc. What matters is what *you* and the vet think - many vets don't seem willing to tell any owner that perhaps it's time to PTS, these days.
Liver failure and immune system disorder sounds pretty bad though.
 
I feel for you, have you noticed that from 180 views you have only a couple of replies?! This is because we all sympathise but find it hard to advise, especially without seeing or knowing your dog. You will not get help from a Vet either, they just don’t seem able to tell you to call it a day.
It’s sometimes very, very hard to tell if an ill or old dog is happy and even worse when you know they are young.
If it were me and I was very worried about quality of life, I would be strong and let go. It will be you that suffers in this situation but not the dog.
Good luck xx
 
It is never easy but I am in the 'better a week too early, than a day too late' camp. I think you must consider quality of life and the prognosis. If the vet holds out hope for an improvement in either /both conditions then a less than optimum qol in the short term is ok. But if the prognosis is for deterioration, you have to ask yourself, "What I am I keeping this dog in this state for?"

You have all my sympathy, it is such a hard decision to make.
 
I try to think how confused and upset the dog must feel during these episodes, you can't explain to them that it's for their own good.
If there is no full quality of life then that would be my answer x
 
Thanks for your replies, really helped me make a decision.

Went out for a walk this morning and met another dog walker, Mouse oran up to meet them - first time I have seen her run in weeks. So that was good.

The vets have been very good and one has already suggested to me that it might be time to let her go, so I know if I speak to that vet I can get some support - all though I am fully aware it is my decision alone.

I spoke to vet before Christmas and agreed that I would have some more investigations done on her liver at the end of this month. The liver problem was only discovered as a result of tests for the immune disorder and hasn't been properly investigated. I am going to bring that forward to next week and see what prognosis for liver. Immune seems to be under control with steroids for the moment.

Thanks again for replies they were really helpful in getting my head straight.
 
definitely see what the liver results find, as perhaps there may be more effective treatment.
as others have said- when very sick she much be distressed and then the fact she doesn't bounce back straight away as well is not good. I have known a few dogs with epilepsy, but although they have a terrible time when having a seizure, and may take a few days to recover as they are exhausted, they can often go months between seizures living a happy life.
I can completely see why you put it off, but would your decision of been easier if they were older? just interested, as quality of life is quality of life at any age, but lets face it psychologically it is easier to say goodbye when they are older.
 
I would PTS a lurcher that was depressed, lethargic, not running about and playing for a prolonged period of time with no diagnosis after this time.
As hard as it is for you it sounds like both you and the dog need an end to this.
Have a hug, it's tough.
 
It is so heartbreaking to have to make such a decision in a young dog. Quality of life is of course what is the most important thing. Perhaps keep a diary of good/bad days and changes in her behaviour. If you have a supportive vet who you trust then keep in touch with them and let them also guide you. I hope you have much more quality time with your dog yet.
 
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