Disc Problems, down in rear legs

[S.R.Patch]

I have watched people treat animals like family and it is very sad. The animal has no quality of life but our selfish want is to hold on. The animal feels our need and holds on till the end. True love is looking beyond ourself and seeing the truth of what is best for our pets.

I watched both my grandmothers pass but only after I released them. My first grandmother fought to hold on and I watched the drugs go to her veins and the suffering she was baring. Finally my love overpowered my want and I wispered in her ear, "we'll be ok, I love you and Jesus loves you". As I sat back down in my chair and watched the large vein in her neck pulse with every heartbeat, the release became final and she went to rest.
My second grandmother suffered for weeks, she was a strong woman. She cried for her babies and her husband who had gone on before. One evening while I sat there with her, she ask me to sing "Amazing Grace" for her. When the song was ended, she released into her eternal rest.

I would never put animals and human on the same level but believe both deserve the respect and honor due them and this is a part of our responsibility to see that this is done...jmho

[Alabama John]

Great post Patch!!!
You're right on.

[TC]

Great post patch..
Sometimes We just Gotta let Go it is one of the harder lessons in life..
To let those that are suffering Know that we are with them and everyting is Good that they can now Go..

[Windkist]

I agree patch but, each person grieves in their own way.. Some just have to hold on a little longer. We just lost a loved one (human) in our family and oh How I wished for something that could release him from this world. It finally took Hospice and no food,water and lots of morphine to let this wonderful 87 year old man go. I think with dogs something in your gut tells you its time and at least we are able to take them for that final ride without us having to wait it out..;-) I am guilty of treating some of my dogs like family.. and they ARE family in some way. Letting them suffer though is not an option.

Leah

[tiffinis]

When my own mother was dying 3 years ago, when it came down to the last few days and she had been put on a morphine pump (bullheaded didnt accept that til the last 4 days) She looked at me and said "YOU wouldnt let your dogs suffer like this, and if you did, they would arrest you for it!!"
Why are we noble enough to end our dogs suffering when needed, but we are not allowed to do the same for our human loved ones?

Sorry, I know we have threadjacked your post. I just had to add my thoughts.

HOw is the dog doing?

[tickledblue]

Today the ole boy was almost getting up on his own. When I stood him up he could stand while leaning on something. His tail is up even though it points to the left. He sure seems improved. This is the first time he has supported his weight in 3 weeks. Maybe he will continue to improve. Through prayer all things are possible.

[Windkist]

Today the ole boy was almost getting up on his own. When I stood him up he could stand while leaning on something. His tail is up even though it points to the left. He sure seems improved. This is the first time he has supported his weight in 3 weeks. Maybe he will continue to improve. Through prayer all things are possible.

Good news!! ya know it can't hurt to apply a ice pack to his back either and seriously the glucosomine/chondroiton really works. Glad he is doing some better!

Leah

[tickledblue]

Today he is really wagging his tail. It's not normal and still goes to the left. Yesterday he could raise it some but could not move it otherwise. He is barking and seems really happy. He's standing when I help him up. He can't take a step with his hind legs. When he moves forward he goes down. If he keeps going like the last couple of days it won't be long until he can walk. He will never be in a house with a low door again.

I was raised around beagles with my grandfather and my father. I have had dogs most of my 63 years, spent many years around a vet clinic with my vet friend of 44 years. Was married to the first registered animal health technician in Tennessee for years. I built a suspension on rollers for an Irish setter with the same condition almost 40 years ago. It looks like I should have thought about this dog running in and out of that low door and having to squat on the run. I breed them to have alot of energy. He has a double dose I think. Life is a continuing education. Oh well, I can't learn a thing while I'm talking so I'll shut up and listen for awhile.

[tickledblue]

He's back to running in and out of his house and barking while I'm feeding. The one he is in now is taller than he is so he doesn't have to squat. He's still a little wobbly with his back legs but I am sure glad that I didn't put him down. I think he will return to normal with a little more time.

[green river]

What have you been doing with him?

[tickledblue]

Green River,
I don't understand your question.

[Windkist]

I think he's asking what you've done for the dog to get him back into this kind of health and recovery? I'm so happy for you that he is doing better!

Leah

[tickledblue]

Thanks, He is improving each day. Back to his wild and rowdy ways and full of energy. Maybe Green River meant "what have I been doing for him?" which is nothing since I finished the steroids weeks ago. I have gotten him up on his feet etc. back when he couldn't get up on his own. Now he runs the best he can. He still doesn't have normal control of his back legs but they are getting better each day. He had worn the tops of his hind feet untill they were big runny sores from dragging them when his legs were limp. I would put medication on them which he would immediately lick off. I was so afraid that he would start chewing on his feet like a female that I tried to save a couple of years ago. His feet are well now and have the hair back.

[beagle crazy]

Are you letting him out of the kennel to get a little ground exercise?

[tickledblue]

No, He's not ready for ground work. I will leave him in the kennel for a while longer.