How to know when it's time?

[falconry-fan]

My 16 year old Tibetan spaniel has been taking what appear to be seizures, over the past few days.

When she has them she hunches her back and walks sideways, and makes the most awful incredibly loud guttural noise.

We took her to the emergency vet yesterday and he said it sounds as though it's seizures or a bleed on the brain.

He's unable,or at least reluctant to give her medication, because of her kidney problems and says it's likely to get worse.

He said that in spite of appearances that he doesn't believe that she's in any pain.

She had a seizure at 12pm, then at 1am then 4am then 6:30am. They last about 5 minutes though she's confused afterwards for some time.

I'm taking her back to her usual vet on Monday and part of me feels that she'll have to be euthanised but at times she perks up and is her usual self.She's eating her favourite treat at the moment and was playing with me.

I'd appreciate any advice on how to know when it's time to let her go. I think it's likely that time is now but it's hard to tell when she behaves like her old self inbetween.

TIA

 

[Camirab]

First off, I'm sorry you're going through this. It's always so hard,and the decision can be agonizing.

Honestly, I would see what the vet says. If she's simply having seizures, and that's her only major issue, it would at least be worth seeing if they could find some kind of medication to control them. I doubt all seizure medicines will botch the kidneys.

It's hard to say, because you know her best. If you feel like she's suffering or her quality of life is very bad, then you may want to euthanize her. If, however, she's eating and playing and seems happy, she might still have some time left. I think a very long, thorough talk with the vet is in order.

 

[Barb04]

You will know in your heart when it's time. Hugs

 

[smkie]

I am so sorry, so terribly sorry. I had to just make myself make the decision and thought i was going to back out right until the vet walked through the door. I knew it was the right thing to do but that didn't make it one bit easier. i really feel for you and hope that you can enjoy the time you have left.

 

[bubbatd]

I'm so sorry !! That's a lot of seizures . You'll know , Hugs .

 

[babymomma]

Ive heard that when the bad days out number the good, then its time.. But i say go with your heart..

 

[falconry-fan]

Thankyou for all for your advice and kind wishes.

I took her to her regular vet today for a second opinion.

He's given her some medication to try, phenobarbitol and Prednisolone.

She was very bright and active when she went into his office,though I did show him the footage of her seizures.

He said as she's still so obviously enjoying life that he wouldn't be happy to euthanise her and thinks she has time left.

I'm thrilled to know that and we'll try the medication. If it doesn't work we'll have another talk.

She hasn't started on the phenobarbitol yet but she did have a seizure this afternoon, which lasted 5 minutes, 10 minutes after it began she wanted to go out for a walk, 20 minutes later she was playing.

She's obviously rather tired now but quite alert and enjoying the sun.

Even if the meds don't work I may consider keeping her until the balance tips the other way, at the moment though she's having a few seizures a day they are brief and she's still doing all of the things that she loves.

If the vet is happy that she has a good quality of life then I'm happy.

 

[Doberluv]

I'm so very sorry you're going through this. It sounds like you're making the right decision. It is indeed so difficult near the end. So many of us have had to face this many times. I think when the bad out-weighs the good in life, it's pretty close to time. But my dogs have always let me know. I hope the phenobarb will work and the prednisone should make her feel better. I hope you have some more good time left. Enjoy and make the best of it for you and for your girl. Again, I'm really sorry for what you're going through.

(((hugs)))

 

[Amanda885]

I am very sorry to hear you are going through this...hang in there. *hugs*

 

[chicklette]

My Aunt just euthanized her dog because of seizures, but I think he was getting them more frequently and his kidneys were shutting down. But in your heart you will know when the time has come. Your dog will also let you know when he is ready.

Im really sorry you are going threw this. I know how hard it is, my Aunt went threw so much with her dog but she new when it was time. But at least now you have some hope.

 

[Tsume'sMom]

Having recently let my cat go at 17. You will know when it is time to say good-bye. Till then spend time when you can, give a little extra love, and take pictures. It will all become priceless to you.

Another thing that helped me, was having a plan with the vet well before hand. This way I did not have to make any decitions that day, I don't think I could have if I tried.