11 1/2 year old EM: Need Advise Please.

[Mjolnir68]

We rescued our EM, Baby ten years ago. She has been nothing but a loving addition to our family since then. Recently we noticed she has become incontinent. She is also losing her hearing, developing pustules/abscesses from in-grown hair follicles (giant bumps under the skin) and she has now developed aggression towards us and the children due to her arthritic discomfort. The aggression exists only when she is being prompted to move from a laying position. I am concerned she may harm my children. I am completely torn with the idea of prolonging her life with discomfort versus ending it now while she is still somewhat "happy".

Has anyone been through this and can you share your thoughts, feelings and/or recommendations?

 

[Tailcreek]

First things first it sounds like she would be much more comfortable on some pain medication.

Jennifer
www.tailcreekmastiffs.com

 

[moose]

Hello, I am sorry your going through this. How is she with eating, going to the bathroom, moving around etc. Do you have her on any meds now? I think as an owner especially when you had her so long, that you known when it is time. I would personally rather a dog go peacefully then see it go through any surgeries, big vet procedures, or severe discomfort at this point in its life.

 

[mia]

There are meds for incontinence, check with your vet. As for discomfort, again there are pain meds and or supplements that may help. I would suggest a visit to your vet and see where she's at and check quality of life. If there are some simple things you can do to keep her comfortable and happy, well why not? I have an older EM as well and she is on meds for incontinence and supplements for arthritis. The most important issue is her quality of life and if you can do a few things to keep her happy in her golden years. Best of luck to you.

 

[Cody]

I would definitely talk to your vet, but if meds aren't working and she is still in pain and getting aggressive due to it, I believe you will know the right time. Both Moose and Mia are right, it is about her quality of life.
As hard as it is, sometimes we prolong their lives for ourselves as opposed to what may be the best thing for them.
When we had to pts our baby it was a tough call as to when. But my main goal was to do before the pain was so unmanageable that she struck out. I didn't want to remember her that way. It is brutal and hard and I am tearing up thinking about it. My thoughts are with you and your family when and if you choose that route.

---------- Post added at 11:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:46 AM ----------

Also I want to add a thank you for adopting her and giving her such a loving and long life with your family.

 

[Cody]

Also I want to add a thank you for adopting her and giving her such a loving and long life with your family.

 

[Dogue]

Sorry to hear that. Archie had similar symptoms. My wife and I adopted Archie, a seven year old american bulldog, from our local shelter last october. He had a hard time getting up due to his joints. I took him to our vet and he gave him joint supplements (smell like meaty treats). After three days he was no longer having a hard time getting up. He was running, doing his perimeter checks, and playing with Miel. A happy bully! Try the Vet first and hopefully that works.

 

[TxHorseMom]

I understand your pain. We had a boxer for 11 1/2 years that we recently had to put to sleep. We had her on joint supplements that worked for quite a while, and we also had her on "doggie dementia" pills that worked for about a year. After they stopped working we decided that it "was time". before her life was no longer happy. I can't imagine being incontinent, and being in pain makes anyone very happy. I agree with checking with your vet, see if any meds can help. But it sounds like she has lived a full life until now.