When is It Time?
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I'm sorry you are going through all this at the moment, no one can really answer your question as you are the only one that knows your doggie better then anyone else. 
I asked the same question earlier this year, have a read, it really helped me decide it was time for my elderly girl. Hard decision and hard to know exactly when it is the best time. With the incontinence you can try incontinance products like "Depend" extra large they fit like panties on them and are good for inside and the drips they cant controll. With the HD it is probably contributing to the leaks due to the weakness there in the back end. Look into supplements to help ease the maybe pain with HD and vet prescribed medication like a good anti-inflam to comfort them. I say if not able to get up on there own, suffering bowel & pee incontinence as well or constantly in pain & uncomfortable, loosing weight and not too interested in food, then you know the answer then. If she seems quite alert and active then she probably has more time with you.
Look to the Depends for her and the drips. Have a read of this too, lots of support here from everyone as you decide what is best for your baby. http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=23371&start=0 Hugs Lisa |
My heart goes out to you  , but only you will know when Lucy's time is near. Just watch her and if she has longer periods of confusion, you may want to talk to your vet. Our Drez had severe hip dysplasia too, but her spirit was there, right until the end. That's what made it so hard for us to decide "when," because other than her bad hips and incontinence, mentally she was right there with us.
The deciding factor for us was when we forced ourselves to realize that Drez's quality of life was gone and that she was in constant pain, even with meds. She couldn't stand up from sitting without help, couldn't walk well, had to wear diapers 24/7. We knew how hard it must have been for her to live in pain because this just wasn't her. You will know when it's time, and please know that we're all here for support for you.  |
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| AS folks say you know your baby better than anyone. Have you spoken to your vet, IMO, they can advise you as well. If her bad days outnumber her good ones....well........sorry cant help as I am crying now so I am no help what so ever.....xxxxxx |
| Have you talked to your vet about her "senior moment?" She might be a candidate for Anipryl, a med for doggie demential.
As Lisa said, there are "pants" you can put on your gentle lady and add a pad inside. Splash wore one for several years. Just as with humans, one has to keep the skin washed and gently dried to stop chaffing. Meds help with the pain.....up to a point. Eventually nothing works and then you have to end their misery. After years of faithful service and love to you, you have to set aside your selfish need for their presence and gently let them go. It is a very hard. |
Quote: However, she still seems quit alert and active. If you're not sure it's time for her to go... It may be time to consider stronger drugs to control her pain. Just in case you haven't seen the Drs. Foster & Smith info on hip dysplasia and supplements- http://oeshealth.org/hipdysplasia.htm. If you can find a med that works and follow Lisa's and Susan's advice on how to keep both Lucy and the house as clean and dry as possible, it might allow you both to have some more quality time together. Quote: It is clear that sometimes, more in the afternoon/evenings she gets confused. She gets a terrified look in her face and doesn't want to move or barks her scared bark incessantly.
If you think she's having cognitive issues... talk to your vet about the medication Susan mentioned and also about a prescription dog food for this disorder. My sister had great success with Hill's b/d. Her sweet ol' pitbull mix had problems... you could tell she just wasn't in touch and had that blank look. She'd be standing there an pee on the floor, not even knowing what she was doing. After a short time on the food, it was like a switch was turned back on. If she went off the food, the symptoms would return. http://www.hillspet.com/hillspet/produc ... 4441760632 Panda, my "city girl" with hip dysplasia, doesn't know it yet but she's got a life jacket coming soon. Her activity level has gone down so she's going to begin swimming to help build up her muscles. She's not even a fan of dew on the grass so it should be fun. 
I wish you and Lucy the very best. |
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