question... I think my dog is dying...

**TwoBlue** · 21-08-2008 23:10

My poor old pup is acting a bit odd today..

He is a funny character anyway, shy and scatty... but today he has been sleepy and sort of like his breathing is a bit irregular and he keeps doing this funny thing with his mouth.. like he is really thirsty but he has plenty of water... and when I talk to him he looks at me like he wants to die...

So basically my question is this.. has anyone had a pet die of old age and what sort of signals did you get that it was time? if any at all...

Am I kinder to take him to the vets for "the injection" or just letting nature take its course?

I just feel at a loss with what to do.. I always worry that a vet is going to talk me into 100's of dollars worth of tests etc... I know that sounds really awful but we just couldnt do that and then I'd feel guilty forever

any gentle advice?

Oh and he is 12 so not uber old, but old .. he has really aged in the past 6 months

**Lastcenturymum** · 21-08-2008 23:12

Kinder to go to the vet and see what he says. Sounds like kidneys type thing.

You don't want him suffering so base your decision on the advice given. It's a hard decision to make.

**WorkingClassMum** · 21-08-2008 23:14

It sounds like Cushings Disease - I'll post you a link - it's quite common

ETA http://www.canismajor.com/dog/cushings.html

ETA http://www.kateconnick.com/library/cushingsdisease.html

**Bron** · 21-08-2008 23:14

Tracey, I hope he's just ill and gets better soon.

The day our old dog died he just seemed out of sorts. He spent the whole day in a corner of the backgarden that he never really went to before, he wouldn't come inside and his legs seemed to stop working. We took him to the vet and he just died on the table while the vet was examining him. Makes me cry just remembering it.

Get him to a vet in the morning, you'll at least get some answers that way. They are very understanding about the expense of tests and things and will seek your consent before doing anything.

**TwoBlue** · 21-08-2008 23:14

Originally Posted by Lastcenturymum

You don't want him suffering.

Very true, I dont want him suffering,,, but I really hate making that call iykwim?
He seems more old and tired and done with it, more than in pain... but he could very well be in pain

**TwoBlue** · 21-08-2008 23:16

Originally Posted by Bron

The day our old dog died he just seemed out of sorts. He spent the whole day in a corner of the backgarden that he never really went to before, he wouldn't come inside and his legs seemed to stop working. We took him to the vet and he just died on the table while the vet was examining him. Makes me cry just remembering it.

Yeah, very out of sorts behaviour today.. and the cat is acting weird towards him too....

Originally Posted by KayteO

It sounds like cushings disease - I'll post you a link

BRB

Thanks

**BrookeandLou** · 21-08-2008 23:17

Go to vets ASAP! sounds like kidneys.
Both my dogs died from it. They deteriorated quickly. I don't know what can be done if you catch it early, both my dogs were too late.

Hopefully it is just an off day.

**Lastcenturymum** · 21-08-2008 23:18

Originally Posted by TwoBlue

Very true, I dont want him suffering,,, but I really hate making that call iykwim?
He seems more old and tired and done with it, more than in pain... but he could very well be in pain

Oh I so know. If you have a good vet he will probably help you make the decision..hopefully.

Cars usually made the decision for our cats for us

Nature might make it for you anyway. thinking of you and the boys

**dillydAlly** · 21-08-2008 23:20

for you and your puppy.

I would say take the poor thing to the vet. If they tell you rhat he/she is on their way out then you could take her home and she could be comfortable or you could have her put to sleep.

I had my dog die of old age. She had had a lot of illness's over the last 3 years of her life so it was some what comforting to see her at peace.

You know your dog best. I would def go see the vet and def maybe keep the dog inside tonite or something just to let him know he is loved. We used to make up a bed with a nice quilt and a hit water bottle when our doggy was sick..

Hope everything is ok.

**TwoBlue** · 21-08-2008 23:20

Cushing's disease usually strikes older dogs with a bucket-full of symptoms that can mimic other diseases. Increased appetite, increased drinking and urination, panting, high blood pressure, bulging abdomen, skin lumps and discoloring, hair loss, muscle weakness, and nervous system disorders can occur with the disease.

wow yes alot of those make sense...
panting, bulging abdo (a bit) hair loss, discolouring, skin lumps ( I just found one weird one today) muscle weakness,,, wow... poor pup