HELP! IS my dog dying?

Hi,

I am not really coherent right now, this morning my 14 year old OES (bad heart, arthritis) was rather wobbly and unable to control his peeing. by the afternoon he started to "convulse" and unable to get up, his eyes also started twitching. We took him to the vet, our regular vet is off so another vet saw him, his thought he was having an ear infection and the imbalance is causing his "threashing" he gave him phonobarb and valium. this reduced the "arcing" of his back somwhat though his neck is still streched towards the back. But the time he got home, our reg vet called and contrary to the vet who diagnosed him said that he is probably having a stroke and unless he is "markedly improved" within 24hrs we should put him to sleep. A few hours ago, he started yelping, we gave him some honey and porridge which seemed to calm him down, he seems to be awake but his eyes are everywhere and the neck still archs. Neither of the was able to tell me and my wife if he is in pain right now. Our hearts are sooooo torn right now esp. he had just recovered from an operation a month ago and the vet said he's still got a few months left in him.

My wife and I were to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary tomorrow, we originally planned to taking a small trip with our dog Tung Tung -- right now, this is becoming worst annivsary ever....

If he is still hungry and willing to eating does it mean that he is not intending to go, if so, are we taking the easy way out by considering putting him to sleep?

thanks in advance
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Hi Roy,

I don't have the answer for you, wish I did. I just wanted to tell you I know what you're going through. My Shaggy had exactly what you described at the end of July and I had also come to the conclusion that it was her time. However, she suprised me and a week later seemed to have recovered from her seizures. She's about the same age as your dog and appears to have the same problems with old age. By the time I brought her in the vet's office she seemed way better and the vet advised that it was not her time yet.

I think with all pet owners we must go through that difficult decision as to "when to let go". Ron from this forum has a wonderful and heart breaking post regarding his dog Jake.

This past week Shaggy once again has had one or two of those seizures..it's very frightening isn't it? Their eyes are darting in every direction and they are disoriented. Ironcially I work with disabled children and have experienced many seizures in my little friends. It struck me that it was the very same thing. Those that have seizures sometimes lose their bodily function,eyes darting and they appear very disoriented and confused after the seizure. My advice is to comfort and continuously pet the dog during it however frightening it seems to you..keep calm and speak softly and reasurring to your dog throughout.

The seizure itself however scary it is to watch is not enought to say maybe it's time...I think the closeness you feel and the love you share with your dog ...his eyes will tell you. That's my advice, wait until he is not seizuring , you and your wife spend time with him...he'll let you know.

I wish you the best of luck and my heart goes out to you.
Dear Marianne,

Thank you for your kind words, it's been 12 hours since Tung Tung got back from the vet, although the threashing has subsided, his eyes are still darting about and his responses still seem to be subconscious efforts (only to sounds but not words). We are still giving him low doses of valium and phenobarb every three hours. The improvements are marginal at best, we give him small amounts of water and honey as the vet mentiond that he might choke.

How long did the eye "thing" last with Shaggy? It's been nonstop for Tung since 3pm on Sunday, it now 6.30AM Monday over here.

It's the yelping that hurts us the most, despite the vets reassurance that the yelps are not conscious actions. Elby and I are now napping in rotation every 2 hours...

He's been with us for 14 years, he just got better from his operation and we were to take him out for the first post op walk today, but there was a storm out. We promised him tomorrow...promises, promises...

sorry

roy
Joan and I have agonzied about how to respond to your moving story.

We would have to say that the best advice that we received was this: "If you decide that it is time, then that is not the wrong decision." In other words, if, with all of the emotion and intellect and love you can muster, you decide that the time is now, then you are right.

I must say that I still wonder if we did the right thing at the right time. Intellectually we did the right thing. We wondered if we did this because he was just too much to take care of ourselves; we wondered about this, we wondered about that.

Instead of thinking that euthanasia is the easy way out, another way to look at your situation might be this: Making the decision to end your dog's life is the MOST DIFFICULT thing to do... that hanging on when the time is right for letting go might simply be procrastination and is the "easy way" as your dog suffers.

The point is that nobody else can tell YOU when the time is right. Just know that your decisions, whatever they may be, and whenever they may be, ARE the right ones.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear all,

It's been 24 hours now, neither my wife and I have more than 3 hours' sleep as Tung has been yelping/barking almost nonstop since the last I posted. We had already decided to put him to sleep yesterday night but one of the vets in the practice mentioned that Tung might be suffering from Vestibular Disease ( http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/vestibular.html )-- which supposedly has all the symptoms of a stroke. Now we are caught in a rock and a very hard place. Vestibular Disease cannot be detected or checked as there are no vet practices in my country with CAT scan. According to the vet Vesti. patient might spontaneous recover to 90% of itself anywhere between A WEEK to A MONTH BUT during which time Tung will be like he has been for the past 24 hours -- no control over his bodily functions, incognitive, constant delirum etc. One consolation is that all the vets say he is not in pain nor is he aware.

Neither Elby nor I are sure if we can withstand such a prolonged period, esp. my wife has just recovered from mild clinical depression. I am so worried about the both of them.

Here are the odds:-
30% Stroke, recovery chances: 0%
30% Brain Tumor, recovery chances: 10%
40% Vestibular, recovery chances 60%

This recent development really messed up our original trajectory. And we now feel if we were jumping the gum too soon, YET like I said, I am really not sure how we (esp my wife) are going to cope with a month of this, as despite everything the vets says of his incognitivity and pain free delirium, each bark is breaking our hearts. We are aching so bad right now, we are really confused with what to do next.
Tung is in misery, he is semi conscious and his barks are now bark we've heard in the past when he is in pain. He also began to gurgle when he breathe/pants. We have finally have decided to put him to sleep, we will be taking him to a vet in the morning.

Our wedding anniversary is now the anniversary of Tung's journey over the bridge.
Hi,

I am so very very sorry to hear about Tung Tungs progress, my heart goes out to you and your wife. You'll be in my thoughts.

As Ron, his wife and all other pet owners can attest to the question of when is the right time is never 100% fully known all we can do is our best. We love them so much and yet don't want to be selfish to keep them with us if they can't live the life they deserve. Whatever your choice it's the best one ...you do/did out of love for Tung Tung and I have no doubt he knows that.
I know this won't help any where near how much I hope it wil but I want to let you know me and my family just went through the exact same horrific ordeal. Our dog Barnaby was stumbling as he walked almost as if he was drunk, wasnt eating well and had problems holding his urine but he had just had surgery so we assumed he was still regaining his strength stc. He also would cry at night which brought me to his side, but this was also associated with pain of surgery and his bad arthritis. After a few days when we woke up he didn't seemed to have lost some control of his head, it slightly wobbled. But he had been sleeping alot and hadn't eaten that much so we thought he might be weak and give it a day especially since hed been to the vets so often lately. The next morning he could barely control his head, it swung from side to side along with his eyes which had this distant look in them. We were scared and decided to bring him to one of the best animal hospitals (this one in Norwalk) After a 20min exam the dr informed us he had a problem with his central nervous system but almost definately a brain tumor. You can imagine we almost dropped right there. Our dog 12 at the time was not a prime candidate for surgery, especially brain, especially after already having a surgery and we were told surguries usually don't bring good results. Me and my father had already discussed that if he was ever diagnosed with anything terminal (ex cancer) that we would put him down and not put him through all the suffering and pain for the selfish reason that we wanted him longer. The dr brought up this option and one of steroids. The steroids would only be able to reduce the swelling and would only delay the enveitable unless he responded Amazingly well. We were almost certain that we were going to put him down, but like you this was my birthday and I could not have it happen then especially without seeing the rest of the family. So in a last hopefully attempt we gave him a shot of steroids and took him home to see the rest of the family. He refained his appetite but could barely eat, his head could not steady enough to allow him to get the food and he seemed to have trouble controlling his mouth. All in all the steroids helped a little but we knew what we had to do. The entire family spent the day and night with him and in the morning we were hesitant. But when we looked in his eyes we could see he was slipping away, almost lost in himself. So we did what was best for him not matter how much it hurt us. Now we continue to mourn Barnaby and attempt to deal with the emptiness he left behind but feel comfort from knowing he won't hurt anymore. So if you ever need anyone to talk to please do not hesitate to e-mail or message me, I know your pain. Barnaby was both my baby and almost my brother(i got him when I was barely 7) But now he's happy and in no more pain.

We still wonder if it was the right thing to do but as Marianne said, you never know for sure.

~Bonnie
Barnaby's Momma
Maggie, my golden retriever is over 10 years old. For the past 9 days, she has been lethargic and she struggles to stand. She refuses all food, except for some Frosty Paws treats (she even rejects her regular treats) and water. I saw the vet on Tuesday and he said he thought that she had arthritis, so he gave her Metacam--an antinflamitory. She is not getting better. She'll come outside with me, but it's all such an effort--she pants heavily. Has her time come? How do I know? I'll see the vet tomorrow, but this is so hard. FL
Hi Floralynne,

I can only offer support to you at this time. It's ironic that you brought up this post which was written almost 2 years ago and included post of Roy and Elby concerning their beloved Tung Tung and mine with Shaggy. Both of our friends have now since passed, but as a result of that, Roy and Elby from Hong Kong became involved in rescuing a dog which ended up in my home in Canada. We all felt at peace that we did it in honor of our dogs. Panda is now shown in my avatar. They eventually opened up their home to two others that badly needed homes. All are unique and not seen as replacements to those we lost as they were special.

Maggie has shared your life for 10 years and doubts may creep into your mind as you want her to be with you forever. Yet, you want what's best for her. It's a heart rendering decision that only you can make after exploring all options.

I am at a loss of what to advise and I know the grief you are experiencing. I can tell you that Medacam takes a while to "kick in" and you may not see the results for aprox 2 wks. Listen to what your vet tells you closely and perhaps bring a friend with you so as in your emotional state you will not miss a thing. Listen to his/her advice but YOU more than anyone in the world knows your dog, her moods and all her little nuances. Base your decision on your what your heart and gut tells you. It may be the hardest thing you may have to do.

If we could we'd wish for them to live forever. Yet, there comes a time which we all dread when we must make a decision that we feel we don't want to make. I mentioned in those post from 2 years ago that it wasn't Shaggy's time ..I had another 6 months with her.

My mom tells me of a heartbreaking story when she was a teen and her mother was dying of cancer. She begged the doctor to make her mom live because she loved her so much. The doctor responded by telling her sometimes loving them means wanting them to go as well. They will be at peace and free from pain.

Whatever happens tomorrow, know that we'll be here to offer support and won't judge any decision you've had to make.

Hugs to you and belly rubs for Maggie.

Marianne and the boys
floralynne... I have been wondering how your visit at the vet went. I know that sometimes there is nothing more we can do and it is so hard to make the final decision, however, I think in your case it may be prudent for the vet to run more tests, check for anemia and thyroid conditions as well as parasites. If the metacam is not helping, it may be that she has no energy for another reason, not necessarily arthritic pain.
I hope everything works out as it should for your dog and you...
Hi Floralynne,

Just wanted to let you know I've been thinking of you and Maggie.

Marianne and the boys
Royandelby and Floralynne,

Our hearts go to you in those difficult times. You will be in our prayers tonight.

Danita, Saul, Lennon & Sofa.
Hi there,
I stumbled upon these postings while searching for information on the symptoms of approaching death for my elderly dog. The questions raised here can be so difficult and confusing and heart wrenching. Your stories moved me greatly and I'd like to share with you my own personal experience with the hopes that it will offer some small comfort to others facing this difficult decision. Almost 6 years ago I adopted a wonderful 1 1/2 year old golden retriever from a retriever rescue society in Charlotte, NC. He was listed as a 'special needs' dog and, after having worked with adults and children with special needs, I was immediately drawn to him. I can say with 100% certainty that I do not now, nor have I ever, for one second, regretted the decision to adopt him, despite the heart ache of losing him and despite the fact that, even after two years, I still miss him greatly. Shortly after adopting Tyler I discovered that he had an extremely serious medical condition (more info on all of this can be found at: http://www.grrcc.com/mypage/tyler.htm) and twice I had to decide whether or not to put him through a very risky surgery that would only prolong his life, at best. I told myself (and Tyler) that as long as he was willing to fight, I would do everything in my power to help. There were many, many nights without sleep, more trips to the emergency vet at 1am (especially in the beginning, before he was diagnosed) than I can count, thousands of dollars out of my pocket (and debt, the bank almost foreclosed on my home) and thousands of dollars donated by others - family, friends, the rescue society, the vet hospital. There were tears of helplessness because I couldn't wave a wand and fix him, there were many days of being afraid that he would die at home, alone, while I was at work...there was much about the situation that wasn't 'easy'...what actually ended up being easy, however, was the decision to do all of the things I just mentioned...what it all came down to, for me, was the question "does Tyler want to be here?" and, through everything I just mentioned, I truly believe that he did. He was the happiest dog I've ever had the good fortune to share my life with. Sure, some days were better than others, but we all face that. Tyler had gone through so much in his short life that every day, almost, seemed like stolen time. The fact that he could be so outgoing and joyous always amazed me. When I think back I realize that, at least for part of that time, he must have been in some kind of physical pain, but he somehow had learned to live with it and be happy at the same time. I also told myself, during that time, that if there ever did come a time when Tyler was ready to leave, if he ever got too tired and was ready to die, that I would, again, do all that I could for him. I promised myself that I wouldn't keep him here. I figured that, after all of the fighting to live the little guy had done, well, when he decided it was time to rest I'd somehow make myself be ok with it. A few months before he died I had this feeling...he started spending more time alone, he started getting this far away look...I didn't want to believe it, but I knew. He didn't actually decline, instead he died pretty quickly, over a 16 hour period. We took him to the emergency night vet, in the morning they sent us to the vet school and he died of a heart attack almost immediately after getting there. I recently read a book written by two hospice nurses and they say that people choose their time time die - some choose to be alone, others to have loved ones present, things like that...I think that it's likely animals do, as well, all we have to do is listen. I know it can be hard and we ask ourselves if we are really hearing what our pet is telling us. We become afraid that we'll mis interpret such a monumental communication with our beloved family member, we worry that we'll make the ultimate mistake and the responsibility feels unbearable. I would like to offer some reassureance by saying "Trust yourself" and "Yes, you do know and understand your dog." If you have spent your days and nights sharing your home and your time and your love with your dog, if you have napped together, watched TV together and played together - you know your dog. You've given him food, he's brought you your shoe (or gummy toys}, you've witnessed him doing his 'personal business' and he's probably seen you do the same...you know each other. Trust yourself and your ability to communicate with your dog - if they can, I really think that they will tell you when they are ready to go, they will gladly help you make this decision...I honestly don't think that they would ever want you to have to shoulder the burden alone, anyway. All you have to do is listen and trust that what you are hearing is true...you'll know when it's time...my blessings go out to all facing this moment and my gratitude goes out to all of the furry loved ones - thank you for sharing your joy and light, you make our lives a better place to be. Peace, Tracey
Having to put a dog to sleep can be the hardest decision one makes. I definitely agree with you Tracey, that anyone going through this will know when "it's time".

Tyler seemed like a great boy. Sorry to hear that he had so many medical issues. It sounds like he was a real trooper.
Hi,

What a heart rendering emotional roller coaster you went through with Tyler and you were such a good mom and fought a good fight. You both did! Reading your post it brings back so clearly the emotional battle I went through with Shaggy almost three years ago as did Roy with Tsung Tsung his boy. I feel for you and know the loss you are experiencing.

I mentioned that both dogs have passed since the original post. At the time, it was too soon for me to get another and I was still grieving over Shaggy's loss but Roy wrote about another dog needed help asap. I already had two in my home but her passing allowed me to help another and that consoled me. The new dog, Panda, in turn saved my sons life when no one was home. My son had a seizure and had fallen unconscious. I returned home to find him on the floor, Panda curled behind him so that my son remained on his side thus preventing aspriation. So the story became twofold, Roy was grieving over his Tsung Tsung, me over Shaggy, and Roy heard about his dog being abused in Asia. He was unable to help him, so Panda was sent to my home and he inturn saved my sons life. Some pretty amazing karma.

Now that Panda has been with me for aprox 2 1/2 years I have never regretted it , I love this boy with all my heart. There will never be another Shaggy, Tsung Tsung , nor Tyler, as they were all unique and irreplacable. Although it may also be too soon for you , somewhere there is another needing a good mom like you. It would never be to replace Tyler but to honor him. He was such a special boy.

With time some of the pain of Shaggy's passing has eased somewhat, but there are moments when I find myself missing her so much. Tyler sounds so much like her! I also work with special needs and like Tyler she seemed to have an inate knowledge of how to bring comfort to many. I read his story and what a wonderful boy he was and you as his mom did everything you could to help him. You were right to recognize his time to go and still knowing that, it's so hard to say goodbye.

Roy, who wrote the original post went on to help two other dogs, so in some ways the legacy of his Tsung Tsung also helped to save two more that needed homes. You sound like such a wonderful mom not to share your life with one that needs your love and devotion. While Tyler is no longer with you, he will always live in your heart and mind. Thank you for sharing a bit of his life with us and knowing how special he was. Perhaps in time you will return and share some more stories of him.

I'm so sorry for your loss and may he be now free of pain and playing happily over the Rainbow Bridge.

Marianne and the boys
After reading all of your stories and wiping away many tears, I have had to post this. I don't know if any of you will read this but I have to ask if your dogs were on any medications like Metacam. A lot of you tlaked about either surgeries or arthiritis. Metacam is one of the many drugs given for arthiritis and can cause sezures in some cases. I know this beczause my dog had a partial seizure this morning. Metacam can also cause the staggering, disorentation, shaking and involutary muscle spasms but totally coherent the whole time. It happened just after I gave him his Metacam. I have been looking all over the internet an have found lots of other comments about the coincidence my vet talked about!!! Makes me so angry that they cover up for these drug companies. Always ALWYS research your poochies medications through forums of other peoples experiences because what they say on the packet are only the side effects they have encountered while researching their drugs.
We have a 13 yr old setter/lab mix; continent, eating well, enthusiastic outdoors, other signs of high spirits. A few months ago she began to pant heavily. We took her to the vet who did blood work etc and pronounced her a typical 13 yr. old dog. About two weeks ago the panting became even more pronounced, with a lot of gurgling. She stumbles now and then, barks at nothing and is attached at the hip of whomever is closest. Does not appear to be in pain though she'd certainly like a ramp rather than three steps. Do these symptoms resonate with anyone?
Have them check her for CHF - congestive heart failure. It is the same in dogs as in people.
Our Tazz was diagnosed after a bout of pneumonia (with the breathing you describe), but came right back after the ABX stopped. After a chest xray - turned out to be his grossly enlarged heart was inefficient and the fluid was accumulating in his lungs. He is on meds everyday, and it is 3 years since his diagnosis.
I know this thread is old, but I'm worried about the dog I'm caring for while I'm housesitting.

She is panting really heavily and as far as I can reckon hasn't been drinking any water over the past three or four days that I've been caring for her, altho is eating ok (perhaps there's enough water in her wet food to keep her semi-hydrated).

Poor mutt is 15 yo and so arthriticky that I have to carry her upstairs so she can sleep in the area that she's accustomed to. She's on pain medication for the arthritis and does nothing but sleep, eat, poop, then repeat. Not drinking water that I've seen.

I've been through the experience of caring for my mother's dog who died while her regular carer was interstate and I gather that sometimes the stress of their loving parents not being around can push a pet over the edge.

Winnie's parents are back in a couple of days, but I don't want her to go through any more distress, and I'm scared that she might pass during my watch.

She's smelly, gums are dark (which indicates a lack of oxygen getting to her heart on top of the panting) etc. Any suggestions?
do you know who the dog's vet is? Why not give them a call. They'd be a good resource for you to talk to; they'd be up to date on the dog's medical history.
Please call the vet or find an emergency care facility near you. Most importantly call the owners to let them know what's going on. As they get older fluid balance is even more important.
I came across this forum topic while struggling with the recent loss of my Golden Retriever, Jesse (17yrs).
Jess also had a decreased appetite (and loss of muscle mass in his hindquarters). I managed to help him with homemade food and supervised his water intake to make sure he was getting enough. Just when he seemed to be bouncing back in the middle of the night he had a massive seizure and I planned to take him to the vet the next morning. I slept on the floor beside him. The next morning before I could take him to the vet he had another massive seizure and my world went dark.
He was the love of my life and I miss him horribly.I know he wasn't an OES and I may be seen as an interloper but I was comforted by the knowledge that I wasn't alone and wanted to reach out to thank you for sharing your experiences.
It doesnt matter one bit that your beloved pet wasnt an oes. I am glad that you posted here as we all feel your pain, it helps to talk to someone who has gone through the same awful decisions.My thoughts and love are with you xxx
Hi Joni, my eyes just filled with tears reading your post. You are very welcome here, our love of dogs is something we share generously, you don't need to have a sheepie to join.
My thoughts are with you :ghug:
Joni: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful Jessi. He will be greatly missed.
:cry: :cry:
I am so sorry, I know exactly your pain as
we all do!
:ghug:
You are not an interloper...We are all friends and are here to offer help or opinions, all are welcome...........Kathy
You are most welcome here--special thoughts for you and your dear Jesse. :ghug:
There are lots of us with other breeds of dog and we all feel your pain at the loss of your beloved Jesse.
I been there too, so know how bad you're feeling right now, thinking of you at this devastating time.
:ghug:
"...and my world went dark." How simple and perfectly descriptive that is.

I am sorry for your loss and your pain, and thanks for sharing your poetry with us.
Joni...I'm sorry for the loss of your Golden boy, Jesse. My husband and I adopted our first Golden...9 year old Tesa...7 months ago. I hope we get to have as many wonderful years with her, as you got to have with your boy! Come here whenever you like...I don't have an OES at the moment either, but it does'nt matter...I always feel welcome anyway! :D
Ron wrote:
"...and my world went dark." How simple and perfectly descriptive that is.



So true Ron, it is a perfect description.

I am so sorry for your loss.
I am sooo thankful that I have come across these posts today. I do not have a OES, my girl is just a mutt that we name Rags because she looked like a dirty rag when we found her and she is 17 years young. My heart is breaking soo much right now because I fear she is dying but I am not sure. She has all the symtoms have a seizure or stroke but she is 17 so again not sure. But coming across your posts has brought me some comfort. Rags has been such a wonderful dog for us and she is everything to me and my husband. I don't want to have to put her asleep but I will when the time comes and I hope that I am strong enough to be with her through the procedure but I am not sure. I just want her to be pain free. She is deaf, can not see , we think maybe shadows but that is it, she has the normal joint problems for a dog her age. What has happened is was I gave her a bath on Sunday night and she did all the normal after bath stuff and than went to bed. Monday we woke up and she was having the eye twitching and the neck bending towards her back and confussion but other than that she seemed normal. Today we wake up and she has peed in her bed which she has never never done, she won't get up, she won't eat or drink even if I hand feed her and she is now covered with a blanket to keep her from shivering which she has NEVER liked anything on her. I just need to know if anyone thinks it is time. I just don't want her to suffer and after reading some of the post I am not sure because she is 17 which for any dog is really old. Please someone give me advice.
probably should call your vet and describe things. 17 years is remarkable. doesn't sound like dear rags quality of life will improve at this point. very sorry.
I'm sorry this is happening, I hope you've been able to speak to your vet.

All the best to you and your precious Rags.
I am so glad I found this site. Its been two weeks since my baby has been with me. Seemed like he was old and tired but one day just turned for the worst. Brought him to er due to hearing him howl a shrill howl that sent a dark feeling through me. Went to go see him and he was under the bed panting and urinated with blood mixed all over him. I brought him in late that night and the vet told me he was having congestive heart failure.

I literally fell over and started vomiting in the vet er due to it being my worst nightmare. He was 12 and I was thinking I wanted him at least another 2 to 5 years more. They explained keeping him for observation but I just couldn't have it because this er was known for putting animals on major pain meds racking up the bill to tell you its timeto let your dog go..came home with him on furosemide ..water pill...and was told to give him baby aspirin.

I knew it was the ending. But I wanted him home by me if he was going to go. That night was terrible, hewas in and out having seizures and for the first time I was scared real scared but I laid and followed him around the floor that night giving water, trying to fees him ...just giving whatever I could. He would wobble seizure every hour or so...I just was hoping for a miracle.

The next day I got into the vet. Late. I went through the day with him howling that howl that sent a spear through me. Well... we got to the vet and hours later I made the decision to let him go. The vet said they could do surgery in another state implant a pace maker, etc. He has a 20 percent chance to make it through. I am still questioning the 20 percent, but no I did not want to see him suffer. It tears you apart and I just was wishing for more time.

I guess God gives us the short time with them to know what unconditional love really is. I have to say I thank God for allowing me to love him and him love me. God bless our babies. Yes, we will be together with them again where there is no end.
What an awful, heart-wrenching experience. I am so sorry for what you went through. I am sure he was comforted by your efforts, sticking by him, and letting him go. You have my sympathy. :hearts:
Ok, i said to myself dont cry stay strong but...im crying :(
This thread is so upsetting. My love is with all of you, and all those dogs are playing happily at rainbow bridge thats for sure xxxxxx
Thoughts are with you xxx
sam
So sorry for your loss. :ghug:
Dear Guest,

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beloved boy ( hugs)

The original post was started in 2003 by Roy and Elby whom was responsible for Panda my sweetie who is still with me at age 12. However, since that original post I've also had to say goodbye to Shaggy, Blue and most recently Gilligan. I think of all of them often. Eventually my tears were replaced with smiles when I think back of our happier days. In honor of each one, never to replace the one lost, I saw there was room to help another in need. I knew my furkids had enjoyed life to the fullest and I took solace in that as you will too.
From reading your post I know you provided so much love to your boy and all dogs should be as lucky as yours was! Right now the grief is strong but as I've said the heart heals but the mind never forgets and they live forever in our hearts and mind. Perhaps in time you will open up your home and heart to another as your love is too great to not share. Not now however, as you miss your boy so much and the loss is too recent.
I am sorry you have to go through this. This site provides comfort and support for all those whom have lost their loved ones.

Hugs from me
Marianne
royandelby wrote:
Hi,

I am not really coherent right now, this morning my 14 year old OES (bad heart, arthritis) was rather wobbly and unable to control his peeing. by the afternoon he started to "convulse" and unable to get up, his eyes also started twitching. We took him to the vet, our regular vet is off so another vet saw him, his thought he was having an ear infection and the imbalance is causing his "threashing" he gave him phonobarb and valium. this reduced the "arcing" of his back somwhat though his neck is still streched towards the back. But the time he got home, our reg vet called and contrary to the vet who diagnosed him said that he is probably having a stroke and unless he is "markedly improved" within 24hrs we should put him to sleep. A few hours ago, he started yelping, we gave him some honey and porridge which seemed to calm him down, he seems to be awake but his eyes are everywhere and the neck still archs. Neither of the was able to tell me and my wife if he is in pain right now. Our hearts are sooooo torn right now esp. he had just recovered from an operation a month ago and the vet said he's still got a few months left in him.

My wife and I were to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary tomorrow, we originally planned to taking a small trip with our dog Tung Tung -- right now, this is becoming worst annivsary ever....

If he is still hungry and willing to eating does it mean that he is not intending to go, if so, are we taking the easy way out by considering putting him to sleep?

thanks in advance

Please get your dog to the vet. My 10 yr old dog just went through the exact same thing. He kept falling he looked like he didn't know where he was and his head was tilted (which doesn't always happen) anyway I learned he had s sever middle ear infection and had a Waited it would have gone to his brain. I'm not a vet I am only telling you I had the same thing going on I forgot his eyes were osculating too. This may not be thee problem but like I said my dog just went through that. I would like to hear what happened and I pray he will be OK...
Has anyone had their Dog checked for West Nile Virus? If you look it up you will see these are all the symptoms of West Nile Virus. Please this is serious it makes the brain swell and causes these symptoms. Ask your Vet to check your dogs for it.
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