Old and sick dog - fight or give up?

When we bought our dog, a Miniature Pinscher we paid $600 for him. One week after we brought him home, he started losing weight and his stomach bloated so bad he looked like a balloon. We took him to the vet, who said, after many weeks of testing and watching my dog wither away to nothing, she could not find a problem and referred us to the vet college for further testing. I carried him around all day in my pocket, to keep him warm, for weeks as he was so small and cold all the time. At the college, after $500 worth of tests, they found he had a rare problem with his intestines processing proteins. We had 2 choices. Put him down or leave him at college for treatment and then put him on a special diet. The treaments would cost over $1000 for 2 days. We did not have that kind of money, but I had just spent weeks bonding closely and carrying this pup around. I could not put him down. So, we borrowed the money and went ahead with his treatment. It was weeks before he was able to walk on his own and become a more normal dog. Well, he still is very small, as the Dr. said he would not grow to normal size, BUT, he is doing great. He will always need his special food, which is expensive but, we know we made the right choice. :)

I'm really sad to hear that... But I think that if you can afford it you should treat him.. If not try to find family that can.. If you won't be able to do that too.. then I think the best thing will be is to end his suffering.

I would have to say that it depends on what kind of treatment you are taking about, and what quality of life would your dog have after the procedure? if it is something like a broken leg or something that is costly but needs to be done, then yes. Or anything else that he can recover from. But if not, then I would say, think of him and not yourself, and put him down. That is the greatest gift sometimes for your dog is to just make the pain stop. It is hard for you, but it is putting them first.

My mom doesntn believe in putting a dog down, all our dogs all went naturally, they know when it their time.

You didn't mention what the health problems are and how old the dog is. I think you also need to take those things into consideration. If it's an older dog, it he still going to have a good quality of life or is he just going to be going on because you prolonged his end with the treatment? Are you wanting to do the treatment to help him, or just to put off the pain you will feel when you lose him? Don't mean to sound cruel or uncaring - I have held various animals in my arms as they took their last breath - and have also had to have animals put down - been right there with them til they drew their last breath then too. :( Both hurts badly - so look inside yourself and then do what is right for your PET - not what will make YOU feel better. Godspeed on whatever you decide to do either way.

fight

May I ask how old your dog is?

My dogs are just like my kids. I think if something happened to them I would do whatever I had to, despite the cost.

I would do whatever I was able to give my pet medical treatment they needed. Provided it would improve his quality of life, I would do it. If it's just prolonging the inevitable, then, probably not.

i would definitely spend money for my dog...my dog is like my little sister...i love her so much!!!

I feel your misery. My first dog was diagnosed with heartworm disease 8 months ago and it frightened me so much. I was told he needed surgery, the kind that has a very high mortality rate and 30% chance of recovery. Since I didn't have enough money to finance the surgery needed, I opted to just make his remaining days the best he has ever had. I bought a female labrador to be his companion. But miracles do happen! He is still alive, healthy and kicking.

sad to hear from you i really love dogs and as long as your dog doesnt give up dont give up either as long as can you can afford go for it.

iF YOU HAVE ALL THE MONEY WHY NOT? ME TOO WONT GIVE UP MY PET'S LIFE EASILY, MOST ESPECIALLY THAT I KNOW HE CAN LIVE. IM BUYING MEDICINES AND TAKING GOOD CARE OF HIM. I GREW UP WITH DOGS SINCE THEN. SINCE I WAS SMALL, I BEGUN TAKING CARE OF DOGS. I REMEMBER THAT MY DOG GOT STUB BY OUR DEVIL NEIGHBOR, AND I REALLY MAKE MY BEST TO MAKE HER LIVE.

Our dog was over 22 years, she was getting the shakes, she had cataracts and her brain was probably mush. We had to put her down. We didn't want her to suffer, but when she was younger and had cancer, we took her to the vet for treatment and we were able to enjoy her for a few more years. I would think that it depends on the age of your dog. If he's not old, get him the medical treatment.

I'l fight for his life if I have all te means.

take it to the doctor..

Money should not be what makes the coice to treat your dog or not, it should be quality of life. There are almost always ways to get money. If the dog is suffering though or will suffer, don't cause them any more pain. It may be a hard decision for you, but you have to do what is best for them. They will go to great lengths to fight if you show them you want them to. Even if it causes them pain to do so. If you can treat the dog and improve their quality of life, do it. If it will only prolong their suffering, think of what they will go through just to give you a little more time with them. Don't be selfish, if you love them let them be free.

how sad. i think you should try to save his life. i wont give up my dog. i love him so much.

i guess it would depend on how old he is, what his ailments are, but if you can help him fight it why not try but if it gets to be too much and he is too sick i would give in the poor thing is probably miserable.

For me my dog is like a part of a family,you should treat your dog like a child,will you give up if your child is sick???