Sorry if this doesn't belong here. I'm not sure so I'm posting this in multiple places, as this is a matter of hours.
Our dog is going to be put down tomorrow. He is a shetland sheepdog and would be turning 10 next week.
About half a year ago he had an epileptic seizure, about 1-2 minutes or so. We had never seen him have one before. The vet told us to watch and see if it happens again. For a long time we didn't notice any seizures, until a few weeks ago. Within 2-3 weeks we noticed about 4 short epileptic seizures. One of those occurred shortly after we got epilepsy medication for him, after which there has been nothing. This Monday he got diagnosed with brain tumor. They recommended to euthanize him asap.
Lately he has seemed noticeably more tired than usual; on walks he walks slowly and keeps stopping, he spends more time lying down and plays less. If he is lying down, he often doesn't come to greet whoever comes home anymore.
But he still has moments of energy every day. When there's a promise of treats he comes rushing, when leaving for a walk he trots around and barks. He scrapes the door and growls to be let outside, he goes to roll around in the snow and eat it.
To me, he still seems like a happy dog. Noticeably more tired, but... too healthy to put him down.
So I guess I just want reassuring that this is best for him. We weren't told what his life expectancy would be. I wasn't there at the MRI so I don't know much. We got the pictures from of the MRI but of course I can't tell what they show, and neither could my parents even though the doctor apparently explained it to them. The report isn't in english so here's what (I think) I can translate from the report:
"Large brain tumor in the left frontal lobe, up to the border of the nasal cavity. Maximum dimensions 2,5 x 2 x 3cm. Accentuated throughout with a contrast agent, except for a few small necrotic spots within the tumor. Moves the center line to the right. Otherwise normal structures. Diagnosis: malignant brain tumor, e.g. glioblastoma."
In addition to this, he has heart problems, diagnosed a year or so ago. Endocardiosis/MMVD I think.
Please tell me we are doing the right thing. Is he suffering? What are the brain tumor and endocardiosis making him feel? Does he sense he's dying? I look at him roll around in the snow and bark at passersby in the yard and I just can't believe we need to do this. I feel this horrible doubt rising that this might be unnecessary.
Our dog is going to be put down tomorrow. He is a shetland sheepdog and would be turning 10 next week.
About half a year ago he had an epileptic seizure, about 1-2 minutes or so. We had never seen him have one before. The vet told us to watch and see if it happens again. For a long time we didn't notice any seizures, until a few weeks ago. Within 2-3 weeks we noticed about 4 short epileptic seizures. One of those occurred shortly after we got epilepsy medication for him, after which there has been nothing. This Monday he got diagnosed with brain tumor. They recommended to euthanize him asap.
Lately he has seemed noticeably more tired than usual; on walks he walks slowly and keeps stopping, he spends more time lying down and plays less. If he is lying down, he often doesn't come to greet whoever comes home anymore.
But he still has moments of energy every day. When there's a promise of treats he comes rushing, when leaving for a walk he trots around and barks. He scrapes the door and growls to be let outside, he goes to roll around in the snow and eat it.
To me, he still seems like a happy dog. Noticeably more tired, but... too healthy to put him down.
So I guess I just want reassuring that this is best for him. We weren't told what his life expectancy would be. I wasn't there at the MRI so I don't know much. We got the pictures from of the MRI but of course I can't tell what they show, and neither could my parents even though the doctor apparently explained it to them. The report isn't in english so here's what (I think) I can translate from the report:
"Large brain tumor in the left frontal lobe, up to the border of the nasal cavity. Maximum dimensions 2,5 x 2 x 3cm. Accentuated throughout with a contrast agent, except for a few small necrotic spots within the tumor. Moves the center line to the right. Otherwise normal structures. Diagnosis: malignant brain tumor, e.g. glioblastoma."
In addition to this, he has heart problems, diagnosed a year or so ago. Endocardiosis/MMVD I think.
Please tell me we are doing the right thing. Is he suffering? What are the brain tumor and endocardiosis making him feel? Does he sense he's dying? I look at him roll around in the snow and bark at passersby in the yard and I just can't believe we need to do this. I feel this horrible doubt rising that this might be unnecessary.