Did I do the right thing?

[LSS]

Hi, I had a 12 year old dalmatian that I put down two days ago. I am over-ridden with guilt that I did the wrong thing. Here's the story:

This was my dog - I bought him when I was in university and now am married with a 16 month-old daughter. Cody, my dog, started pooing all over the house for about 4 days straight - it was very runny and contained mucous. He was getting it on himself and seemed to have no control - would go right in front of us. I came home on Saturday night and he had done it all over the house again - it was up the walls, on the furniture, etc. With having such a young child in the house to think about (her health) and the dog having no control I decided to put him down. I took him to the vet who really offered no opinion, so we did it. All she said was that oftentimes people do the testing and end up having to put their pets down anyways. My husband was away, so I had to do this all by myself. Other that the pooing, his behaviour seemed fine to me. He had a really large lump on the inside of his leg (about 4" long x 2" wide) and several other lumps on his underbelly, and his teeth were also decaying.

People keep telling me that it was his time and that he was obviously sick and I did the right thing, but I feel like I should have waited longer, should have done something else before making such a permanent decision. I miss him SO much...help me.

[Chris21711]

What difference will anyones opinion make now?

[LSS]

Because he was my dog and I had to make the decision alone and maybe someone else's opinion will help me.

[sways_bodyguard]

to me, that is no reason to put a dog down.
if he has uncontrollable stools for a few days, you take him to the vet...
if ur vet throws his hands up on an issue as small as some dhiarrhea then you take him to another vet.
chances are he just needed some fluids and a weeks worth of medication, possibly a diet change.

the only reason i even decided to post this here is in the event that you ever decide to get another dog.

[gtexan]

I guess 12 years old is getting older, but if you really want my opinion, I think I would have at least consulted with a vet willing to give me an opinion before making a decision like that.

I've had a pet that temporarily lost control over its bowels as a result of an internal parasite, and after a quick round of treatment, regained his happy normal behavior.


I would suggest deleting this topic, because its obvious you are trying to get something people can never give you -- closure

There might be some people who see some physical signs in your descriptions that will say "you did the right thing" but it probably won't make you feel any better.

The other half is going to say you should have at least tried even the simplest of treatments before making a decision like that, and hearing those comments will just make you feel even worse

The decision is made, and its not one that can be reversed. I think deep down you must feel like you should have given it more time, because if you truly believe it was the only option, you wouldn't have been looking for closure

[Jim Hall]

First of all I would like to say how sorry i am about your loss. It is never easy to make a decsion like that,
Obviously your family and child comes first in any situation that involves them.
I do think that you may have been able to pressuer the vet or find another vet who would do some simple diagnostics on her.
Please do not beat yourself up over this. you did what you thought was in the best interests of your new family.

[Dr Lee]

Originally Posted by LSS

Cody, my dog, started pooing all over the house for about 4 days straight - it was very runny and contained mucous.

I am a bit confused. Your pet was having good control of his bowel movements, no severe diarrhea - it occurred for four days so you euthanized him? Is this after some simple anti-diarrheal medications were tried? Pepto bismol? Were there other clinical signs? You said that his behavior was otherwise fine?

While sometimes older dogs can have serious underlying diseases causing diarrhea, sometimes simple tummy upsets/bug bites/minor bacterial diseases can cause uncontrollable watery diarrhea as well. Also when we are talking older, 12 is not necessarily that old.

Again is there some other clinical signs or illness that I am missing here??? "Dental decaying" is manageable and often easily treatable. Many older dogs also get benign lumps. Even if the lumps are not benign, if "his behaviour seemed fine to me" - that isn't necessarily a reason for euthanasia.

As far as health safety, human diarrhea can also be as much or more dangerous with regard to contagious disease. If an elderly person was having uncontrollable diarrhea in your house....

I don't mean to becoming down hard on you but I am really confused why you put your dog down? Also, unless I am missing something, I am confused why your veterinarian agreed to it...

[chico2]

I cannot comment much,it's too late for your dog anyway,I am just really sorry you decided to end his life,there could have been an easy solution to his problem,if I would put my animals down every time they make a mess from runny poop...:sad:
There are people here,who spend thousands of $$$$ desperatly trying to get their animals well,so,I am sorry,I don't think you'll get much sympathy from this forum.
poor Dalmatian

[breeze]

[LavenderRott]

Perhaps your friends won't comment because they don't want to hurt your feelings.

If your vet honestly offered the opinion that you posted - you need to find a new vet before you even consider another pet. Or - if you have another pet, you need to find a new vet yesterday.

[Dr Lee]

Originally Posted by LavenderRott

Perhaps your friends won't comment because they don't want to hurt your feelings.

If your vet honestly offered the opinion that you posted - you need to find a new vet before you even consider another pet. Or - if you have another pet, you need to find a new vet yesterday.

Well stated!!!! A veterinarian's job is not to get rid of pets when they get 'inconvenient'.

[sways_bodyguard]

i cannot even fathom how you could put down a family pet for pooping in the house.
on top of that...
you didnt try any treatment, and didnt even bother to look for another home for him.
that, to me, does not register at all.

i know i responded earlier, but this has literally been on my mind on and off thruout the entire day and ive NEVER EVEN MET YOUR DOG!!!

i just had to come back and say shame because that is rediculous.

and whoever your vet was that didnt intervene or bring up other options to outweigh your foolishness should be fired.

sorry to be harsh, but honestly im not sorry at all.
this makes me very angry and im only saying what almost everyone on this board is thinking...

[mummummum]

Originally Posted by Dr Lee

Well stated!!!! A veterinarian's job is not to get rid of pets when they get 'inconvenient'.

When I take on a "pet", I need to know that I am bringing a thinking and feeling being (not unlike myself) into my life. By taking that "pet" into my life, I am also taking on giving it the care (whether that is food or medicine or training) it needs for the rest of it's life.

Just like my mother did for me.

"Pets" are the two-year-old children who never grow up, they only get old. Many will say, it's "just a pet" ~ but think of those moments when you felt happiest and joyful. Were they "just a 'pet' " then ?

[otter]

It would be very difficult for anyone here to judge whether you did the right thing or not, in reality, only you will know that for sure. Most everyone has doubts when they have to put a pet down, I know it was one of the hardest decisions i've ever made in my life and I still wonder if I couldn't have done more, but most people also have a good sense that their pets "told" them that it was their time.
Right or wrong , this is going to be a tough time for you and for that I hope you can find some support to help you through.

[Winston]

I dont really know what to say other than I think that we all have made our opinions pretty obvious! Right or wrong you are in pain and I am sorry for that! The only thing we can hope for is to move on and hopefully a lesson learned! I would like to say that I am really disappointed in a Veterinarian that would not question your reasoning?? Perhaps assist you making such a difficult position? That is what is so sad here!!!

Please dont get too upset with the comments you receive here! We are all brutally honest and the forum stands for rescue's, no byb's, pro spay & neuter etc etc etc..maybe the wrong forum to post the question on! regardless "Welcome" sorry it is a difficult time for you....

Cindy

[Dr Lee]

I know several vets that will euthanize if the price if right. I didn't get into a low to medium paying professional job that works 60+ hours a week with heavy student loans just to help 'pets'. I do this because I help furry family members. Some of my best friends are what others would consider 'just pets'. I have had many clients storm out of my office red faced and swearing because I refused to take care of their 'inconvenience'. My sixth pet walked into my hospital as a 'euthanasia' - they signed him over. I also have three cats (one with diarrhea, now treated) and a dog who need homes - all inconvient (anyone need a really cute cat or pit bull? They can all be seen on our website). A little cat named sophia was dropped off at 12 year of age with a heart murmur. Sophia had heart failure secondary to hypertension secondary to hyperthyroidism. We did all the testing (discounted), have her on medication and she is out of heart failure and doing great! Her new owner is in love with her despite her medical needs! I am sure her previous owners had enjoyed the love she brought but when Sophie needed love and care, it just became all to difficult...

[Winston]

Dr.Lee

Thank you for being up front here! I know of a few vets that have that attitude and it is really sad! I am thankful though that there are MANY who think of saving the animals life! I was told yesterday by my neighbour that her parents had finally made a decision to put their 15 year old poodle down as he was really ill..blind, not well...anyway can you beleive the vet told her father that it was $50.00 more to be in the room for the euthanasia??

What was even more sad to me is that he didnt pay it! Some may disagree with me here due to finances but OMG that is sad! On a brighter note "Mousy" as he was called is now running free without pain ! I dont know who am I to judge I guess?? Sorry

Cindy

[LSS]

Well, I think you have all made your point. I was looking for a forum that would help me work through my pain and instead I found a bunch of people ready to crucify me for making one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. It must be really nice for you all to sit on your high horses and judge not fully knowing the situation. Did any of you bother to ask? No.

I loved that dog dearly for 12 years - 12 years! It's not like I had him for a short period of time and then decided that he was "inconvenient". Also, the absolute NERVE one person had to suggest that had this been an elderly person I was speaking of would I have done the same? You don't know me, you don't know my dog - how dare you! This dog was just as much a member of my family as any human is.

I miss Cody, my heart aches for him, and I am mourning him just as much as I ever have for anyone. Did any of you think about that? Perhaps the next time someone comes to this forum looking for some comfort you all could extend your self proclaimed "loving hearts" for animals to include humans too!

[breeze]

we are not crucify you but if you read your post then what would you have siad to this person. go back and read you first post with opened eyes and then you might understand what the others are saying.

[LavenderRott]

Wow.

We are all very sorry that you lost your dog. I dare say that there is not one among us who has not been where you are now.

Having said that - go back and read the very first posted that you posted on a forum full of strangers and pretend that I had written it instead of you. What would you say to me?

[otter]

LSS, everyone has different opinions, some you'll agree with, some you won't, try not to take it personally. Take comfort in the messages that are helpful and just let the ones that "rub you the wrong way" go. Nobody wants to hurt you - we all just care about animals and want to see the best for them. Your post didn't give much info and, as I said, it would be very difficult for anyone to say if you "did the right thing" or not.

I know this must be a hard time for you. When I lost my Chloe it was very helpful to read some of the other stories about how other people were coping. Don't hesitate to read about grieving - there are lots of good web sites available that might help you through this (try googling "pet loss").

[coppperbelle]

At this point there is no use to second guess your decision. You made a decision based on the facts you had in front of you.
Your vet is the professional and offered you no solutions to the problem. Perhaps he saw something else when he examined your dog that he didn't share with you. This dog wasn't only having diarrhea, he had lost control of his bowels.
I feel for you and hope you can get over this and accept the decision you made.

[Stacer]

I'm in complete agreement everyone on this issue. I'm sorry you felt that the only way to deal with your dog's problem was to put him down. Also you can't get angry with people for telling you what I'm sure you know deep down is true. Shame on your vet for not making constructive suggestions, and not offering real medical advice.

[sways_bodyguard]

Originally Posted by LSS

Well, I think you have all made your point. I was looking for a forum that would help me work through my pain and instead I found a bunch of people ready to crucify me for making one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make. It must be really nice for you all to sit on your high horses and judge not fully knowing the situation. Did any of you bother to ask? No.

I loved that dog dearly for 12 years - 12 years! It's not like I had him for a short period of time and then decided that he was "inconvenient". Also, the absolute NERVE one person had to suggest that had this been an elderly person I was speaking of would I have done the same? You don't know me, you don't know my dog - how dare you! This dog was just as much a member of my family as any human is.

I miss Cody, my heart aches for him, and I am mourning him just as much as I ever have for anyone. Did any of you think about that? Perhaps the next time someone comes to this forum looking for some comfort you all could extend your self proclaimed "loving hearts" for animals to include humans too!

i just read everything you said.
and ive also read every single post in this thread...
nobody in here has been rude to you in the slightest, outside of maybe my 2nd post which was very blunt.
you came here looking for opinions on if you did the right thing, and people simply gave you what you asked for...
OPINIONS.
you are the one that stated, 'other than the pooping in the house my dog seemed fine'
so dont sit there and berate us for simply responding to your post or 'not having enough information'...we got our information from you!!! and your information said that other than the stools, she seemed fine!
if you had that dog 12 years and truly loved him like one of your family members, like you are saying you did, then that makes it all the more sad that you had him put down before you even tried to treat him with fluids or a simple medication.
you put him down for pooping in the house.
my goodness.
also, i find it funny that you would start attacking us when...in ur VERY FIRST sentence you wrote, "I am over-ridden with guilt that i did the wrong thing"
well, ur gut never lies, and that should tell you something.
why now, are you acting like we are heartless ones?
we are showing more compassion for your dog than you did.

[Jim Hall]

[
you put him down for pooping in the house.


no she put him down for losing control off his bowels

with a young baby in the house a human baby
she went to a vet who is suppoesed to be a trained compassionate professional and got no advice

I will tell you all this if it was a choice betwwen my child's health and a dog, the child would win every time

[sways_bodyguard]

Originally Posted by Jim Hall

[
you put him down for pooping in the house.


no she put him down for losing control off his bowels

with a young baby in the house a human baby
she went to a vet who is suppoesed to be a trained compassionate professional and got no advice

I will tell you all this if it was a choice betwwen my child's health and a dog, the child would win every time

JIM-
my dog has lost control of her bowels twice in the last year...
once to where her intestinal lining was coming out with it...
you know as well as i do, that sitting them on fluids for a few days would take care of the vast majority of those kind of cases.
she said the dog had no prior diagnosis of troublesome bowel issues, and they didnt even attempt to treat it in any way.
so cmon now...
and concerning the child issue,
that is fine.
but she could have attempted to have the dog treated, or at very worst found it a new home or simply gave him away, atleast then he would have had a chance to live.
maybe im just some kind of weird human being, but regardless of having a child or not, i would still go to the end of the earth for those that i love...my dog included.

[mummummum]

I forgot for a moment but, let's all remember that "It is August".

[breeze]

unfortunatly the decision was made and she recived no help from her vet. the grief is real and she came asking our opinion and did not like what she read or seen. I hope in time she will grieve no longer, and the hurt will lessen.
and if there is a next time take longer time to make the decision or get a second opinion. everytime we learn a lesson someone human or fur has to suffer and must live with the resluts. I hope she can get through this without being scared to much.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by LSS

He had a really large lump on the inside of his leg (about 4" long x 2" wide) and several other lumps on his underbelly, and his teeth were also decaying.

My guess is you never had him to the vet to check out the lumps ? I had a foster (a foster , you , you owned that dog for 12 years !!!) who pooped in the house for 3 months straight !!! Did I get the dog euthanize ? No freaking way ! But there was a medical reason for it. And you sound like you're blaming the vet , you asked him to put down your dog and he did what was ask of him , if YOU didn't ask for any advice or test , that is not the vet's fault !

No sympathy here. Not at all. I have older dogs , and believe me , I do take them to the vet often , and it's certainly not to have them put down at the first sign of diarya.

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by breeze

unfortunatly the decision was made and she recived no help from her vet.

If you ask a vet to put down your dog , they will put down the dog. If you tell a vet your dog is sick and you want to find out what's wrong with him, the vet will offer tests. IMO , it's as simple as that.