I don't know what to do

My dog has cancer. I have done everything I can to make her better, but nothing has worked. I so badly wanted to give her a great last few months, and the vet previously agreed with me not putting her to sleep because she was in good spirits, and was eating.

Now out of nowhere she is not eating, and she has lost a lot of weight. My husband and I are driving to New York on Friday, and had every intention to bring her with us, but with her not eating, I am so afraid that I am going to have to put her down tomorrow.

Last night she ate half a can of food, and i was so excited, I thought maybe she just had a stomach bug, but now today she is not eating again.

I am feeling so rushed into this definite decision of putting my fur baby down because of this trip. I am so attached to her, and I don't know if I am being selfish by not putting her to sleept.

I don't know what to do.

I think part of it is that she saved me once from an intruder in my home, and I feel like I owe her my life.

I don't know what I am looking for. I guess I just need to get it out.

Re: I don't know what to do

i'm so sorry you're going through this. i can't even begin to imagine how you're feeling.

Re: I don't know what to do

I am so sorry you are going through this, I truly believe animals will tell us when they are ready to go, listen to her cues.

I also wanted to ask,

Re: I don't know what to do

have you tried enticing her with other things too that she probably doesn't normally eat like veggies or even chicken?

Re: I don't know what to do

If I were you I would be postponing my trip to NY. I would want as much time as I can with her whether she is eating or not. Can you seriously put your dog down and then go on a vacation? I'm sorry that you've been put in this situation but, I think the choice is obvious. I don't mean to come off harsh but to me it's a no brainer. I understand that this is a difficult decision, that is why I said, it it were me.

I think that she would be experiencing other symptoms other then not eating if she was in any pain. Why don't you call your vet and give him/her the latest update and take it from there.

Many hugs!!

Message edited 2/24/2010 2:43:49 PM.

Re: I don't know what to do

Posted by pinkandblue

I am so sorry you are going through this, I truly believe animals will tell us when they are ready to go, listen to her cues.

I also wanted to ask,

Posted by katiebug



I think part of it is that she saved me once from an intruder in my home, and I feel like I owe her my life.

:

wow, can you explain what happened, if you don't mind

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Re: I don't know what to do

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Re: I don't know what to do

Posted by katiebug

Posted by pinkandblue

I am so sorry you are going through this, I truly believe animals will tell us when they are ready to go, listen to her cues.

I also wanted to ask,

Posted by katiebug



I think part of it is that she saved me once from an intruder in my home, and I feel like I owe her my life.

:

wow, can you explain what happened, if you don't mind

Sure. When I was living in Los Angeles my husband was out doing laundry and I left the door unlocked so he could come back in without having to take his keys out.

I was sitting on the couch watching poker with Kasey (my dog) and I heard the door open and close. I thought it was my husband so I did not look up from my computer. Then I felt to large hands come behind me on the couch and this really deep voice said something, I have no idea what and Kasey in a flash jumped up and went for the guys throat. She got him out of my apartment, thank God because he was a large man I don't know what I would have done or what would have happened to me if she had not been there.

She also took down and dog that was trying to attack me in Los Angeles (there is a big problem with dogs off leash there).

She is a very special dog.

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Def. call the vet. It sounds like you are doing whatever possible it is to keep her comfortable.

My dog's name is Kasey too, with a K.

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What kind of dog is she and how old?

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She sounds like an amazing dog. All I can say is don't rush into any decision. If you take her to NY and God forbid something happens there are many emergency vets you can take her to. Is there any way you can board her at the vet? Could they take care of her? If it were me, I would take her to NY and see what happens.

Re: I don't know what to do

Posted by katiebug

Posted by pinkandblue

I am so sorry you are going through this, I truly believe animals will tell us when they are ready to go, listen to her cues.

I also wanted to ask,

Posted by katiebug



I think part of it is that she saved me once from an intruder in my home, and I feel like I owe her my life.

:

wow, can you explain what happened, if you don't mind

Sure. When I was living in Los Angeles my husband was out doing laundry and I left the door unlocked so he could come back in without having to take his keys out.

I was sitting on the couch watching poker with Kasey (my dog) and I heard the door open and close. I thought it was my husband so I did not look up from my computer. Then I felt to large hands come behind me on the couch and this really deep voice said something, I have no idea what and Kasey in a flash jumped up and went for the guys throat. She got him out of my apartment, thank God because he was a large man I don't know what I would have done or what would have happened to me if she had not been there.

She also took down and dog that was trying to attack me in Los Angeles (there is a big problem with dogs off leash there).

She is a very special dog.

Re: I don't know what to do

I would definitely speak to the vet, because if it is a vet you trust they will give you an honest answer. Maybe you could leave the dog with them while you are away so they can tend to her bandages?

She sounds like an amazing dog and I am so sorry you are dealing with this.

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I am so sorry to hear this. The dog I grew up with got cancer years ago. We tried everything, but in the end, she was just suffering too much and had to be put down. After all of the love she had given us, it was the most selfless (albeit incredibly painful) thing we could do for her.

Kasey sounds like an incredible and much loved member of your family.

I hope this process is as easy and painless for both of you as possible.

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Honestly it sounds like its just a matter of days.. I feel terrible reading this.. I dont know what to say.. I have no idea what you should do.. But I am still praying that God makes all of this easier for you and your family.. My heart is so broken for you..

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So sorry that you are going thru this.
My cat had cancer and watching him suffer was the most excruciating pain I have ever felt.
He too stopped eating after a while, it didn't help that he had squamous cell carcinoma in his mouth and part of his tongue and jaw were cut away. He just started to waste away.
I made the decision to put him down instead of waiting for his death to happen. It was just the look in his eyes one day. Like he was pleading with me to do something because he was suffering.

It does sound like the end will come soon for Casey. Not eating or throwing up what she has eaten means that her body cannot digest the food and is starting to shut down. Happens with humans too, and unfortunately, I have experience with that as well.

Talk with the vet and say what they tell you would be the best for Casey.
Casey will always have a place in your heart.

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