Labradors can be quite stoic; it may not be apparent that they are in pain.
My almost 13-year-old Lab mix had liver cancer surgery a year ago, and has been doing very well. However, she is now showing signs of heart failure.
Sometimes she is fine, but other times she doesn’t even want to go out. She is in full control of her bodily functions, is eating reasonably well and is as affectionate as ever.
We have been on a roller coaster ride that has cost me $30,000. How do I know when it is time to help her cross the Rainbow Bridge?
This is a devastating time, and I am so worried about whether I am doing right by her.
– Ellen
Hi Ellen,
The decision to euthanize a pet is always a very difficult one, even in the most obvious situations. However, sometimes it is the most humane thing we can do, especially if a pet is suffering. The question is: since our pets can’t talk to us, how do we know if they are suffering?
Many dogs, especially Labradors, can be quite stoic, and it may not always be readily apparent that they are in pain. Dogs don’t exhibit pain the same way humans do; they don’t always whine or cry out.
Some indicators of pain or suffering in dogs include the following:
- Increased heart rate
- Panting even when at rest
- Decreased appetite
- Slow, stiff gait
- Excessive sleeping
- Loss of housetraining
The phrase I always use when considering whether it is time to euthanize is, “quality of life.” If you feel your dog still has a decent daily quality of life, then perhaps it is not time to euthanize. Because euthanasia is irreversible, it is important to make sure your decision is one with which you will be comfortable when you look back and remember your pet.
Dr. Villalobos’ Quality of Life scale for pets.
Dr. Alice Villalobos, a veterinary oncologist and president of the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, developed a quality of life scoring system for animals. In her years of practice, she has cared for many terminally ill veterinary patients. Her system (pictured) may help you with your decision.
The decision to euthanize is a very personal one that involves not only the quality of life of the pet, but also that of the caregiver. In some cases, caring for a debilitated or terminally ill patient takes a toll on the caregiver’s life. The level of care you are physically, emotionally and financially able to give your dog should be considered.
In your case, it sounds like the surgery for the liver cancer was a good idea, because your dog has done well this past year since her surgery. When extensive procedures such as surgery or chemotherapy are considered for seriously ill animals, it is important to discuss with your vet not only the average survival rate with treatment, but also the expected quality of life during and after the procedures.
If you are not ready to make the decision to euthanize for whatever reason, talk with your dog’s veterinarian about any medications or supplements
Never assume that your dog’s condition is untreatable; discuss the situation with her vet. Some people seek to avoid the euthanasia decision by choosing to have the dog die quietly at home; however, that option may involve needless suffering for the dog. In veterinary medicine, we are lucky to have the option to end suffering for companion animals.
It sounds like your dog has had a good, long life in a loving home. Unfortunately, we can’t cure old age, but we can make it more tolerable.
All the best,
– Matt Smith, DVM
PHOTOS: Meneer Zjeroen, Pawspice.com
The post ASK A VET: How Do I Know When It’s Time to Euthanize My Dog? appeared first on i Love Dogs.
