Cushing’s and hip dysplasia, is it time?
my dog is about 17-18 years old, she has cushing’s and hip dysplasia. i took on treatment myself (under the supervision of my veterinarian/mentor) and she has done great a complete 180. however the past few days she has been doing increasingly worse and i think it may be finally coming to an end. i’ve been trying to look up the end stages of cushing’s and syptoms of kidney failure and what to look for that would kinda push me in the direction of thinking it’s time and to know what i’m looking for. also do to her hip dysplasia she hasn’t moved in almost 6 hours from the spot she was in when i woke up this morning. If anyone has any suggestions for me to make her more comfortable I would greatly appreciate it, I am a firm believer in homeopathy and would prefer suggestions in that area but at this point I’ll do anything just to make her more comfortable at this time.
Also, if you know of any books you can suggest that I can do some reading, i’d really appreciate it.
the vet recommended ars. alb. which would help her with fear of death.
i’m only 22 so she’s been here for most of my life and about a year ago i lost 2 puppies that were only 5 days old and i was a wreck for months, i can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like without her
Tagged with: Cushing's • dysplasia • time
Filed under: hip dysplasia in dogs treatment
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i would say its time, my dog had the same thing and we had the vet come and put him down here at the house, we could see he was suffering and looking to us for help and it was breaking my heart. So we had him put to sleep here, and thats what i would recommend you deffinately dont want your dog to suffer, and she is going to fight till the end for you, but sometimes its better to just help her out and you tell her its ok to go.
Im so sorry about your dog, i know how bad it hurts, mine died 2 weeks ago and he was a loyal dog of 16 years
I say, it’s time. I’m really sorry. We almost had to put my dog down about a week ago. I was just so sad. Luckily, though, we didn’t have to. I’m so thankful, and I know how painful this is, I’ve been through it with pets before. You feel like they’re part of your family. I’m really really sorry, but I do truly think you’re dog would be in less pain.
My dog developed Cushing’s disease from a cancerous tumor in his adrenal gland. The extra cortisone in his system seemed to help with the pain from his arthritis, but eventually he reached the point where he was clearly in too much pain. He only got up to go out and eat and didn’t even want to be picked up and held anymore. As hard as i
I know this is a very difficult time, but you have to remember that our pets look to us to make the best choices for them and care for them. When they are no longer enjoying life, then we know its time to send them to a better place…and they do count on us for that!
That fact that your dog has Cushings can be difficult because once you start treatment for it and the excess corticol is removed, other inflammatory conditions are unmasked, one of those being arthritis, which can reduce the animal’s quality of life.
If your pup cannot get up, then that means there is alot of pain involved with movement. Did the vet have your dog on any medications for the arthritis pain? Because of the Cushings I am sure there was a limit as to what could be given, but some dogs to well on Tramadol, although my concern is that your pup may be past that point.
Do you think the dog has Kidney failure? Kidney failure can present in many ways, most common being lack of appetite. They will also start having accidents, and become lethargic. Dogs in Kidney Failure create a bi-product called Uremia. You can smell this in the dogs breath if they are secreting it. They can end up with sores in the mouth as well. These are all end stage symptoms.
I used to work for a homeopathic vet, and I do not think there is anything you could give at this point that will actually make a difference. Homeopathy is great, but only for the right candidates. If your pet no longer seems to enjoy the things she used to, and seems unhappy then you know its time.
Its okay to let go….maybe you can call your vet and ask their opinion, and see what options are left for you. I just always feel your pet will continue to live until the very end stage, but do you think its fair to make them travel to that point? Its hard to get over our grief, but we need to do whats best for our pets, not us. It sounds like your dog has lived a full life of giving you lots of love…dont you think its time to return the favor? Asses her quality of life, not yours, and make your decision-no matter how hard it may be.
I hope everthing works out for you, and wish you the best for whatever you decide to do…
I found this website for homeopathy for dogs, and lists certain conditions, I thought maybe you would want to check it out, then check with your vet if you see anything helpful
http://www.holisticvetpetcare.com/dogs_preview.htm
I´m really sorry to say this, but I think that it is time to let her go! And you sound as if you know that too. She is about 17-18years old and “has been doing increasingly worse”. Plus that she doesn´t move any more. Did she eat and drink during the last hours (and days)? Does she seem to be lethargic? Or does she still seem to be happy?
My female I had for 8 years died last year at about 10-12years all of a sudden. Was the same here: she just didn´t get up in the morning. And a few hours later (in that time the vet was here) she just died.
So I know how hard this must be for you. But I would ask my vet to come and give her a check up. And after that I would decide what is best for her.
I found a poem that helped me when I once had to make a very hard decision. I think it tells a lot about the feelings the dog has.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
– Unknown
At present your life will be a living hell. I too am a great believer in homoeopathy, however nothing can save your dog if it is time for her to go.
The fact that she has lived to such a great age is due to your care. Ignatia will help you to cope with making the ultimate decision to ease her suffering. Hopefully this will also help when she is gone.
I have had dogs who have had a reasonably long life, however they were never as old as your dog is now. A dog who has lived for this length of time will create a huge gap in your life when she goes.
I have had sixteen dogs over many years, some of them have died suddenly and I have put other to sleep. Unfortunately it never becomes easier.
Take care you have a lot of heartache to cope with.