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Time to put him to sleep?

Mac

My chocolate lab is 14 and has polyneuropathy in his rear legs. He is on tramadol 100 mg 2x a day and rymadyl 2 x day. He is getting worse, heavy panting, falls often, struggles to rise, but still eats and wants to be where I am. When wil I know?

Symptoms: Breathing, Exercise Intolerance, Pain, Collapse, Lameness, Paralysis

• Veteran Advisor Alison says:

  May 05th, 2008 at 03:58 AM

  Hello!

  It's SUCH a hard decision to come o and in knowing when the right time to call it a day is.

  From personal experieces with my own dog and also the daily working in a small vet practice where I deal with these situations on an almost daily basis, I would advise that you put him to sleep while he does still have a litle dignity and happiness left.

  The most common problem is poeple letting their animal go on for too long for their own sake rather than thinking of the animals best interest. Dogs (Especially labradors! :-) ) will eat until the end so don't be guided by how well he is eating. Also - don't be guided by the fact he still wants to be whereever you are - they are companions and will always follow you - even if it's a struggle. By the drugs he is on you can't do more there. The fact he is collapsing frequently on those legs and is breathing heavily shows he is struggling to cope with it all now and everyday iife is becoming more of a battle and a demand on him.

  The decision is ultimately yours and no one can tell you what to do. You have to be ready to let him go - but I would advise soon before he collapses one day and can't get up at all. Allow him some dignity left as you put him to sleep - now seems to be a sensible time for him.

  I hope this has helped. I do know how you feel. Please feel free to contact me again if you need to chat more.

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