old dogs, when is it time?

[Selkie]

Nala eats better than I do! Sounds like she's perking up (fingers crossed).

[arielmoon]

(((Beth and Nala)))

Sometimes you know and others you have to follow your heart. Many times is day to day. For me it was when the bad days outnumbered the good ones. Be thankful that you can put an end to any suffering and indignity. I may have erred with Shadow and put him down early but I was out of my mind with concern that if I waited too long he would not be able to breathe. (He had a tumor on his snout that was closing off his airway). But in the end I did that for him to be sure that he would not have pain or distress.

[makbike]

A couple of thoughts - one if Nala is suffering from kidney disease her stomach may be upset. Ask your vet about giving her some cimitidine (tagament). Second, did your vet discussing using a diet specifically formulated for kidney disease - some are highly palatable and all are designed to be kidney friendly. Third, how are Nala's teeth? Sometimes animals will drop food due to dental disease. Finally, has there been any discussion about giving Nala sub-q fluids?

Hope this helps. Hang in there Beth and give Nala a big hug from myself and my furry family.

[Aggie_Ama]

Beth - I remember you did Sub-Q on your cat, would it help Nala? Maggie was very good for four months after starting the sub-q. Maggie slipped very quickly into a neurological problem after months of sub-q. Our vet was so kind to nicely help us make the decision because even with it being obvious it was still hard. Maggie didn't have much of an appetite for months, she wanted Heidi's food not her bland diet. The vet had her on tagament, because he felt her stomach might be upset. ((Hugs to you and Nala))

[bmccasland]

Nala seems to be drinking plenty of water, and doesn't seem to be dehydrated on the skin-pinch test. She's on to me on the chicken-flavored pill pockets that her Azodryl goes in, and I just bought another package of the chicken, so this afternoon I'll stop by the store and exchange it for beef flavor. Once I get her started, she does eat her meals of chicken/rice/sweet potatoes/ricotta cheese about 1 cup total volumn. Vet checked her teeth, and didn't notice anything of concern.

Her sudden rapid declince is the hardest thing to watch.

[bmccasland]

If she lives through the next 24 hours, we'll be making the final trip to the vet tomorrow. She's pretty weak today, does't want to eat or drink, can barely walk. Normally an affectionate dog - has "french kissed" every vet who has ever taken care of her - she doesn't respond back when being petted, just blinks. So she's on her bed my bedroom, with me while I sew.

Go in peace my dear, join your sister.

[lph]

Oh Beth, I'm so sorry You must be so sad right now. Wishing you courage and calm to make this final decision for her with peace.

[colby]

Hugs to you, Beth and Nala. I will give my doggie friend extra love tonight to pass on the dog wavelength.

Beth, you've been an excellent dog-mama to her - the fact that you're wrestling with this decision shows it. Dogs live in the moment, I'm sure she feels your love for her and will to the very end.

[crazycanuck]

((((beth & nala)))

Poor doggie

[Catrin]

{{{Beth and Nala}}}