Canine Quality of Life

llsst31

In the name of an old, very sick dog, is there ever too much veterinary care?  If so, how do you know?

callitcompulsive

There are entirely too many variables in this situation to make a judgement. It depends on the person, their checkbook, the dog, etc. For some people it could be $500. For others it could be $15,000.

All I know is ending a pets life is the most heartbreaking decision an owner has to make; and I, personally, chose it because there were no other roads to take. 

I'm sorry you have to go through this. 

 

mainerocks

Yes, there is such a thing as too much, but where you should draw that line is not a certainty. 

Good luck. I wish no one ever had to be faced with this decision. It's awful ( 

kellbell1919

For me it was when the discomfort and pain caused by the veterinary care wasn't improving my kitty's quality of life to a point where I felt she was happy or comfortable.  I think the standard advice is to list 5-10 of their favorite things, consider how many they can still do/still enjoy and if there are very few left it may be more inhumane to continue treatment than not.

For us, $ is very rarely a major consideration.  It comes down to whether or not their quality of life will be improved or extended enough to justify, pain and suffering wise, the procedure itself.

sandollar1010

I'm so sorry you are faced with this.  I think only the owner can really make this decision, and whatever it is, know that it was the right one for your dog.  For me when my dog no longer had joy in her life and was struggling to do the basics (eat, drink, get-up, etc.) We knew it was time.  It was extremely hard because she did have the ocassional good day that would make you question what you were thinking, but most were not good.  Just try to make the last days as happy and comfortable as you can. 

callitcompulsive

sandollar1010:

I'm so sorry you are faced with this.  I think only the owner can really make this decision, and whatever it is, know that it was the right one for your dog.  For me when my dog no longer had joy in her life and was struggling to do the basics (eat, drink, get-up, etc.) We knew it was time.  It was extremely hard because she did have the ocassional good day that would make you question what you were thinking, but most were not good.  Just try to make the last days as happy and comfortable as you can. 

This, exactly. Most people don't realize how much this happens. ((hugs)) to everyone who has to make this decision! It's just awful, even though we all know it's the right thing to do...