when to euthanize ?

[DocHudson]

About 6 years ago my Beloved 10 year old Lab named Bear caught the cancer and i'll never forget the last time i took her to see the Vet. She could no longer walk and i had to carry her to the car. At the Vet she explained "Bear was not in pain yet", but hadn't eaten or drank in 3 days and it would be best to let her go. I layed on the floor with her for first shot and felt her go to sleep and relax. I couldn't stay for the second shot. Almost every day i think about Bear and wonder if i did the right thing, including "who was i to end Her life"

I am now faced with Ole Mercedes The Cat who has seen 19 years of life. As of today she is just a shell of herself, hasn't eaten in 3 days and over those 3days has taken maybe a few teaspoons of water. She tries to walk but is unstable and quickly lays down. She displays no sign of pain or discomfort and lays/sleeps in her box. Again, who am i to end her life ?

Since i cant discuss this issue with the Animals, i'd like too get some imput.
Thanks
PS: What "really happens" when someone leaves a deceased pet at the Vet?

 

[cattitude]

PS: What "really happens" when someone leaves a deceased pet at the Vet?

I've never left one. I hold them and pet them while the vet gives them the injection. They die peacefully knowing they're loved and we bring them home and bury them.

 

[Chasey_Lane]

 

[Katt]

I'm so sorry. I think my cat did that same sort of thing and I think she had a stroke. I took her to the vet and held her when she was put to sleep. I've had to hold all my poor pets as they took the last breath, but I feel they probably appreciated it. It never gets easier, though. I still hold that pain in my heart for them, but I try to think that it just opens your heart for a new soul to love. I can still cry for them very easily. You have to know that you gave them a wonderful life while they were here.

You have to decide if you'd rather get a vets opinion (or maybe there's a treatment) or let her linger. I personally can't stand by and let an animal of mine suffer w/out seaking out help.

Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's the price we pay for loving them.

 

[jp2854]

its not good for a cat to go hungry for 3 days as that helps put them into kidney failure etc. Have you tried giving your kitty some stinky wetfood (i.e fish flavored). Also you can go to your vet and pick up a few cans of the a/d diet (that is for cats/dogs that have been burned or are very sick. I had to use that on one of my cats as he was to the point of not eating etc.

 

[frequentflier]

I'm so sorry. I think my cat did that same sort of thing and I think she had a stroke. I took her to the vet and held her when she was put to sleep. I've had to hold all my poor pets as they took the last breath, but I feel they probably appreciated it. It never gets easier, though. I still hold that pain in my heart for them, but I try to think that it just opens your heart for a new soul to love. I can still cry for them very easily. You have to know that you gave them a wonderful life while they were here.

You have to decide if you'd rather get a vets opinion (or maybe there's a treatment) or let her linger. I personally can't stand by and let an animal of mine suffer w/out seaking out help.

Again, I'm so sorry for your loss. It's the price we pay for loving them.

Well said.

 

[Katt]

Well said.

Thanks. I hate that loss, but I can't imagine my life without my "little friends"!

 

[LadyWolf]

About 6 years ago my Beloved 10 year old Lab named Bear caught the cancer and i'll never forget the last time i took her to see the Vet. She could no longer walk and i had to carry her to the car. At the Vet she explained "Bear was not in pain yet", but hadn't eaten or drank in 3 days and it would be best to let her go. I layed on the floor with her for first shot and felt her go to sleep and relax. I couldn't stay for the second shot. Almost every day i think about Bear and wonder if i did the right thing, including "who was i to end Her life"

I am now faced with Ole Mercedes The Cat who has seen 19 years of life. As of today she is just a shell of herself, hasn't eaten in 3 days and over those 3days has taken maybe a few teaspoons of water. She tries to walk but is unstable and quickly lays down. She displays no sign of pain or discomfort and lays/sleeps in her box. Again, who am i to end her life ?

Since i cant discuss this issue with the Animals, i'd like too get some imput.
Thanks
PS: What "really happens" when someone leaves a deceased pet at the Vet?

Back in 2006, I had a Pomeranian who I had to put to sleep because she had an inoperable "mass" surrounding and partially attached to the aorta of her heart. She could hardly breath and coughed ALOT. As time went on she couldn't eat much. She would pass out, I suppose not enough oxygen getting to the brain. She could hardly walk without coughing or gasping for air. I had bought some of the diet food from the vets office and would hand feed her. It then went to baby food. Anyway, on May 5th of 06, I took her to the vet. She was very alert and it was SO HARD, but it was also HARD watching her gasp for air and hardly eat and drink. I left her but had her cremated. I went and picked out a pretty URN and took it to the vet. When I pass, she will be put with me. I have a Beagle now, and realize that unless I die first, I will go through this again. I am so sorry and those decisions are NEVER EASY!!

 

[SoMDGirl42]

About 6 years ago my Beloved 10 year old Lab named Bear caught the cancer and i'll never forget the last time i took her to see the Vet. She could no longer walk and i had to carry her to the car. At the Vet she explained "Bear was not in pain yet", but hadn't eaten or drank in 3 days and it would be best to let her go. I layed on the floor with her for first shot and felt her go to sleep and relax. I couldn't stay for the second shot. Almost every day i think about Bear and wonder if i did the right thing, including "who was i to end Her life"

I am now faced with Ole Mercedes The Cat who has seen 19 years of life. As of today she is just a shell of herself, hasn't eaten in 3 days and over those 3days has taken maybe a few teaspoons of water. She tries to walk but is unstable and quickly lays down. She displays no sign of pain or discomfort and lays/sleeps in her box. Again, who am i to end her life ?

Since i cant discuss this issue with the Animals, i'd like too get some imput.
Thanks
PS: What "really happens" when someone leaves a deceased pet at the Vet?

I just put one of my dogs to sleep two weeks ago. It's hard. But I think of it this way, if that were me suffering I'd rather go peacefully with someone holding me.

Animals give unselfishly of themselves. They give unconditional love. Give back to them and give them their dignity.

And I think if you leave the pet at the vet, I THINK they are all cremated together. I'd ask your vet.

BTW, my vet sent me a beautiful sympathy card with a hand written poem and letter from the vet. She was awesome!!! She included a paw print as well.

 

[Katt]

If you've never heard of the Rainbow Bridge, it might be helpful.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

 

[ICit]

its not good for a cat to go hungry for 3 days as that helps put them into kidney failure etc. Have you tried giving your kitty some stinky wetfood (i.e fish flavored). Also you can go to your vet and pick up a few cans of the a/d diet (that is for cats/dogs that have been burned or are very sick. I had to use that on one of my cats as he was to the point of not eating etc.

Actually if a cat doesn't eat for several days it doesn't put them into kidney failure..... It effects their liver to where they go into Hepatic Lipidosis.
It is very important for cats to eat and if after a day of not eating it it considered serious. And should be looked at or syringed fed.

 

[nobody really]

I've never left one. I hold them and pet them while the vet gives them the injection. They die peacefully knowing they're loved and we bring them home and bury them.

i've had to have the vet put down my cat about a year ago. I couldn't bear to do it, but i couldn't just leave her either. Dr. Brown is an awesome vet, so i just sat there with her until she was in kitty heaven. I couldn't leave any of my pets to go alone. It also helps in the healing, kinda saying a final goodbye.

 

[DocHudson]

Thanks

THANK YOU.

If you've never heard of the Rainbow Bridge, it might be helpful.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

 

[baileydog]

Im so sorry that time may be here again for you. Ive been there and I often feel as you do, "who am I to say its time to die". But remember they can not speak for themselves so its up to us to care for them. Suffering doesnt always need to be in the form of pain, yet it is still suffering. Dont let your pet linger too long, starving to death is worse. Ive always kept them with me as long as possibe. but sometimes you have to say good bye and let them go. I know its not easy as I am crying just writing this and thinking about my babies that have left me. Stay strong and do the right thing.

 

[TurboK9]

..... or syringed fed.

I did this for my mom's kitten years back... it had a respiratory infection and could not smell it's food, so it wouldn't eat. I had to force feed it watered down canned food. After each kitty meal I'd be covered in diluted cat food and kitty mucus. How fun! Wee!

Eventually she started eating on her own.... her first meal was dog food... I had brought old Caber over to my moms that day, and fed him... dang kitten ambled over, took a sniff, and started eating his food... he even backed off and gave her space . After a couple pieces of kibble I shifted her to her catfood bowl.

Crazy kitten.

 

[StadEMS3]

I hate these threads.. I get all weepy and queezy, I don't want that day to come for my dogs.

Sorry for your pending loss...

 

[jp2854]

I did this for my mom's kitten years back... it had a respiratory infection and could not smell it's food, so it wouldn't eat. I had to force feed it watered down canned food. After each kitty meal I'd be covered in diluted cat food and kitty mucus. How fun! Wee!

Eventually she started eating on her own.... her first meal was dog food... I had brought old Caber over to my moms that day, and fed him... dang kitten ambled over, took a sniff, and started eating his food... he even backed off and gave her space . After a couple pieces of kibble I shifted her to her catfood bowl.

Crazy kitten.

i have a cat who loves dogfood. I can put down 3 bowls of catfood and she hears me pull out the dogs food and runs for it. she has learned to let bruno eat first though because if she doesn't she gets chased out of the room by bruno.

 

[TurboK9]

About 6 years ago my Beloved 10 year old Lab named Bear caught the cancer and i'll never forget the last time i took her to see the Vet. She could no longer walk and i had to carry her to the car. At the Vet she explained "Bear was not in pain yet", but hadn't eaten or drank in 3 days and it would be best to let her go. I layed on the floor with her for first shot and felt her go to sleep and relax. I couldn't stay for the second shot. Almost every day i think about Bear and wonder if i did the right thing, including "who was i to end Her life"

I am now faced with Ole Mercedes The Cat who has seen 19 years of life. As of today she is just a shell of herself, hasn't eaten in 3 days and over those 3days has taken maybe a few teaspoons of water. She tries to walk but is unstable and quickly lays down. She displays no sign of pain or discomfort and lays/sleeps in her box. Again, who am i to end her life ?

Since i cant discuss this issue with the Animals, i'd like too get some imput.
Thanks
PS: What "really happens" when someone leaves a deceased pet at the Vet?

My outlook on when to euthanize, is that it's very personal... there is no 'right or wrong', everyone will try to guide you, console you, etc. but it isn't their decision and nobody truly knows how you feel, we all have different ways of dealing....

The important thing is to listen to your own heart. You'll know if it is time... and if it is time, you just do what you need to do. It's your cat, your responsibility, and your decision. You make it according to your own feelings and beliefs.

 

[Katt]

i have a cat who loves dogfood. I can put down 3 bowls of catfood and she hears me pull out the dogs food and runs for it. she has learned to let bruno eat first though because if she doesn't she gets chased out of the room by bruno.

Be careful feeding dog food to cats. If you cat doesn't get the cat food intended for her, she is missing out on a special ingredient meant only for cats that helps their eyesight. I've heard of ppl that fed only dog food to cats, only to have them all come down with blindness because of the lack of whatever that ingredient is. I saw this documented on Animal planet. I had never known it until then. My cat also loves the dog food, and i used to humor him and let him eat it, but he always ate his food too. Now he's got food allergies and is on a very expensive Rx diet for cat allergies, from the vet. Not sure if the dog food had anything to do with it, but now he can only get that Rx food. Nothing else. It's hard to deny him his snack of the dog's food, but if I let him, he breaks out in skin irritations, so no more for him!

 

[dems4me]

I hate these threads.. I get all weepy and queezy, I don't want that day to come for my dogs.

Sorry for your pending loss...

yeah that. I'm sooo very sorry you are going through this.