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discussion title:
 

Heart Breaking Decision

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  1810.1
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  2/7/2005 6:39 pm

My female dog (10, chow chow) can barely walk. She has terrible hip dysplasia & partial hind end paralysis. I had even taken her to a University Vet hospital in April. I would have paid any amount of money if she could have been operated on & made better. The neurologist stated, even if she had a herniated disc(his feeling), she may end up totally paralyzed, if opertated on. He felt I should not opt for that, but to give her steroids & see if she responds. So basically she went on a course of steroids every other month. Since Christmas, she has gone down hill. She can barely walk, sometimes has to drag her hind legs, has to be propped up, is incontinent. I feel it is time to put her to sleep. I feel so guilty. I know that if I were her, I would not want to live this way. She is sweet and had a hard life before I got her. She was a rescue. She broke my heart the first time I saw her & had to adopt her. Now she breaks my heart because I cannot help her. The steroids make her better, but she cannot stay on them continuously.
How do I get over the guilt? WHen I see her wag her tail, I die inside. But I also know I am not being fair to her.
Please help.
discussion title:
 

Heart Breaking Decision

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  1810.2 in response to 1810.1
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  2/7/2005 8:42 pm

Dear charmed,
Your dog has been very lucky to have been rescued by you and loved for so long by you. She knows that you care. (((Charmed))) These decisions are the hardest ones to make, but she will be out of pain and she will be running around in that great doggie wonderland up in the sky.
You have my thoughts and prays. I'm so sorry.

 

HEIDI

cl-caribouhugs

Visit me at Caring for your Cat, Wildlife Watching, Tough Decisions, The Sand Box and Ask Dr. Ruth

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Meet my rattie girls, Perri and Winkle!!

discussion title:
 

Heart Breaking Decision

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  1810.3 in response to 1810.1
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  2/7/2005 10:07 pm

I have had to make this same decision several times in my life and it never gets any easier. No one can ever make a decision for you but we can be there for you when make your decision whatever it is. Please email me if you like. With my last dog, Blackie, a Chinese Shar Pei, he developed a blood clot in his back and I came home from work and he was paralyzed and crying in pain. I was with him the whole time talking to him and petting him while he laid his head in my lap and breathed his last breath. It was not an easy decision but in this case I felt it was the right decision and it was the decision recommended by my vet. That happened several years ago and I still miss him and so does my dd. A day doesn't go by that we don't think about him but we both know that he is at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for us. Please remember regardless of what decision you make that your beloved dog would not want you to be guilt ridden. When you are ready, you will make the right decision for both of you.
discussion title:
 

Heart Breaking Decision

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  1810.4 in response to 1810.1
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  2/7/2005 10:26 pm

(((Charmed))),

I am so glad that you found us, but so sorry for why you are here (((hugs))). Have you talked to the vet about other options aside from steroids, or can you go to something else in the off months that she can't be on steroids? Is she in pain? What does the vet think? Could she move around better if she had a cart to carry her back legs for her (like a wheel chair for dogs)? I am sure that you have thought of these things, but I remember when my dog ^Cody^ became ill I couldn't even remember my name at times. I am sorry that your chow is not well. We worry so much about our furkids and if we are making the right choices for them.

I wish that I could tell you what to do, but you know your dog better than anyone. I think that you will know when the time is right and your pup will help you with that too, along with your vet. You sound like a terrific furmom and no matter what decision you make, I am sure the decision will be made out of love and what is in her best interest. Please let us know what you decide to do. We are here for you to listen and to support you.

(((Hugs))),




discussion title:
 

Heart Breaking Decision

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  1810.5 in response to 1810.4
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  2/8/2005 5:31 pm

Thanks everyone.
I have been crying so much. She never really shows pain. I can pinch her rear paw pads hard & she does not feel it. As soon as I touch the front ones, she moves her paws. Last night she did alert me that she had to go out. Today she seems better, but she is "wobbly" always. I have a rescued male chow & he knows she is sick. He will always go out with her. I know he will miss her as he was never with out a dog. SHe is still eating, so I guess that is a good sign.
I am so greatful for all of the kind words.
This has put me in such a depression, I cannot describe it.
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