Euthanasia

Question
We avoided euthanising our pet for about 2 years. He was on Lasix to help his heart pump excess fluid, Benazepril for high blood pressure, Prednisone and Rimadyl on alternate days to address joint pain and Metronidazole to help stave off gum disease. On Oct. 25, 2008 he turned 17 years old. Caring for him had become a challenge ... he couldn't wait long after waking up to relieve his bladder. We even went to putting a male wrap with pads inserted in it to help us all out. (It was difficult to wake up several times every night to get him out to our patio in time to avoid an "accident". He knew, but just couldn't control it any longer.)

Less than a week ago he had a seizure, which he came out of naturally after 2 or 3 minutes. We took him to the emergency vet clinic right away. They kept him overnight for observation because his mobility still wasn't normal, even for him. He improved for a while, then had another seizure, which the vet tried to relax him out of using medication. She was not ever able to get the seizure stopped  ... he continued to show tremors, even though he was sedated. The second seizure began shortly before midnight, with treatment immediately after and the results were the same from about 1:30 AM to 7 AM when we went to pick him up. We made that terrible, long avoided decision to let him go.

My husband and I are both having a hard time with this. Do you think we did the right thing? Or should we have taken him to our vet? She has always supported the Emergency Clinic and says the vet there is very good. If it weren't for that, I'm sure we wouldn't have made that decision.

Please tell me what your thoughts on this are. And I thank you.

Answer
Hi Sandy,

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your dog. I know your pain.

At 17 years old, your dog had a very long life, for most of which he was healthy and happy. Your devotion and love is clearly evident in the care you provided him in his later years.

Few dogs die quietly in their sleep as we'd like to see. It's never an easy decision to make when our beloved pet finally need to be released from pain or suffering. Putting a pet to sleep is a selfless final act of love and kindness you can show the animal. I know you did the right thing, his time had come.

It's natural to second guess yourself and wonder if you did the right thing, especially because it's so recent.

If you'd like to talk to somebody about this, the Companion Animal Related  Emotions Pet Loss Helpline is a confidential telephone service offered through the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.  The Helpline is staffed by veterinary students who understand the importance of the bond you shared with your dog. The students have received training by professional grief counselors and undergo continued supervision by a licensed clinical social worker.   
If you need a compassionate, understanding person to talk to, they are there to listen and support you.  Hours are Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7-9 pm Central Time.  Their toll-free telephone number is:  (877) 394-CARE (2273).

UCDavis also has a pet loss support help line, their toll-free phone number is:
(800) 565-1526  Hours: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. PST  Monday through Friday.


Again, please accept my condolences,

Patti