Veterinarians.....opinion please

[HHI944]

The dog is a 15 year old yellow lab, I've had him half my life, he's had issues with tumors before, bit never this severe....
I'm a little lost. I think the best thing is to just make him as comfortable as possible for the time he has left rather than rounds of surgery and chemo......I just don't know

[Rikao4]

not a Vet.

Chemo & Surgery..not me
15 yrs is a very good run for a large breed..
Humans are miserable doing chemo..
they UNDERSTAND the why /& that gives them hope..
Surgery..the tumors will just come back..

we all want more time..
I prefer to have them comfortable..
it's about their needs & comfort..
not mine..

tough call.& only you can make..

Rika

[HHI944]

Up until a month ago he was running and playing. He started to slow a little then. About 4 days ago it really went downhill.....complete loss of appetite.....trouble walking.
Hell, he had a tumor removed from his leg in April and the vet said his blood work was perfect.

[GH85Carrera]

Agressive cancer is just bad news. I am very sorry for you.

[wdfifteen]

I can't imagine what you're going through. I'm so sorry.

[HHI944]

Happier pics

[Rikao4]

they are tough dogs..
my large boys went fast..
given your last input..
I think it's time..
they will give & give...
don't let him suffer..
he will do so for you and never complain..
go scream/hit something..
then sit by him...
hold him & tell him it's okay to go..

Rika

[craigster59]

I looked into it briefly for my German Shepard (bladder cancer). Very expensive vs. longevity/ quality of life. Agree with Rikao, 15 years is a good life. If it's his time, let him go with dignity.

[SiberianDVM]

As a DVM, you always have to give the owner all the options and they have to make the decision. Sometimes the options have very low success rates, but you still have to give them.

As a dog owner, I've had to make the decision twenty times or so for my own dogs, and it never gets any easier.

I'm sorry for you, and I know the heartache, but I think it's time to say good-bye.

[HHI944]

Just got off the phone with his regular vet.
Gonna spend as much time as I can with the pup.
He had a good run and only a short period of not so good and made it well past the average......

[TRE Cup]

We had a red/golden retriever with the same cancerous masses- hurt a lot to put him to sleep, but it was best for him- he went down hill really fast. Don't let him suffer- dogs are so stoic when it comes to showing pain. He is ready to say good bye

My condonlences

[Buckterrier]

I concur with all the above. I've had to say good bye to two of my pups. It sucks bad. You'll remember all the good times even smile from time to time thinking about them. I have two more now and they are as special in different ways.
Say good bye to your boy when it's time.
So sorry HH.

[HHI944]

My vet said I'll know when he's ready......I hope I can get another day or two

[Hads930]

Hey I hate this for you. We just put down our Min Pin that my wife had for almost 14 years. If I can suggest anything, go get that guy a steak and let him know what a great friend he has been. Does not make it any better for you, but you can let him go out like a champ. We took a pound of smoked Texas brisket and sausage to the vet and let him get down. My wife also went to a craft store and made a mortar footprint of him. He truly had us trained well. Hope you find comfort knowing that the last thing you did for him was make him comfortable, you were a great owner.

[WilShel]

My last yellow Lab had a tumor as well and it paralized her back legs. I tried everything for her including accupuncture. She was a very loving dog but at the end she pulled away from the family and told me it was time. She was 12. Good Luck to you and your dog !

[nostatic]

15 is a really good run. Our boxer was 11 when it was finally time. Doesn't make it any easier, but I don't think that "extraordinary means" do the dog or the owner any good. There are thousands of great animals that get put down every day because they don't have a home. Your new best friend is already out there. It won't replace this one, but it'll sure be happy when it comes home.

[vash]

[GWN7]

My guy had a weird scab on his left front paw this summer. He was licking it but it got better. And then he developed a small fluid filled (pea size) bump by his eye. I took him in for his shots two weeks ago and asked my sis (DVM) about them. She opperated on him 3 days later to remove both suspected areas and clean his teeth. The one on the foot "looked weird" (area underneath was normal) so it was sent off for biopsy. She got the results back today and two hrs later I was looking at the same x-rays as you posted. We also ultrasounded him. Nothing showed up on either the x-rays or ultrasound. I've already decided that if it was the other way I'd make him as comfortable as I can and then the long sleep. That's how I want to go.

Hope your guy is as comfortable as he can be.

[HHI944]

I'm taking the day off, have him sitting next to me outside by the pond. He's definitely worse today..........do I let him go naturally, bring him in to be put to sleep or just feed him all the tramadol he was sent home with at once....

[pete3799]

So sorry for the both of you. Can't tell you what to do.
When i had to put my first dog down (16yr. old ger. shepard) i had the vet come to the house. I was sitting outside with her head in my lap when she passed.
That was 18 years ago and i'm in need of a tissue as i type this.
Have had 2 dogs since.
May be time to let him sleep.