More bad news...

[steveinaz]

This is like a bad news day or something. Anywho, my wife & I decided last night that Sam, our almost 16 year old dog needs to be put down. The last month or so, he as been on a steady decline---though still eating and generally acting normal. His legs just keep giving out on him. He gets to the point where he can't get up, and when he does, he has difficulty walking.

So, do me a favor please, say a little prayer to help my wife Bev get through this. I know it's gonna be hard on her as this dog has seen her through alot of bad times in the past. Bev, being raised on a cattle ranch, understands the importance of not letting animals suffer unnecessarily, but it's still a decision she wanted me to make, and I completely understand.

Thanks guys & gals.

[Fireman32]

Sorry to hear that. I know how hard it is to put a dog down. Prayer sent.

[Kenneth Swauger]

Hello,
I'm certainly sorry to read about your dog. Just on an off chance, has he been drinking more water than usual lately?
Regards, Ken

[steveinaz]

Hard to tell Ken, we have 2 dogs and this time of year they go thru alot of water. We've had Sam on Glucosimine (sp?) for about 8 months, to see if that might help the joint pain/stiffness, etc. It seems to have helped, but now he just simply doesn't have the strength anymore to get up, most of the time. Last night, he "crumbled" like 3 times, and just laid there, almost like he was paralyzed. His legs just give out.

Thanks fellas, I feel really bad for Bev.

[engtaz]

Prayers sent. Tough to hear about it.

[audiobliss]

Sorry to hear about that, man. Prayers sent for you and your wife.

[Refefer]

That's really rough. A prayer sent your way.

[polkatese]

Sorry to hear that, Stevie.

[Kenneth Swauger]

Hello,
The reason I ask is that one of the symptoms of renal (kidney) failure is a great deal of pain and weakness in the hind legs for a dog. Kidney failure is the number one cause of death for dogs and cats. Another symptom is increased water consumption, due to the kidney becoming less able to function. A fairly simple blood test can measure creatinine levels as well as phosphorus. The reason I bring all of this up is that my wife and i have been dealing with kidney failure in our dog and have reversed what looked like a very bad situation.
I'm not trying to make your decision any more difficult, if your family has made a decision I completely respect that choice. But, I've seen, first hand what can be accomplished with "non-traditional" approaches. I had to carry our dog up and down the back porch steps only a couple of months ago and now she can jump about 2' onto our bed with no problem. All over her vital functions are working close to normal with a combination of Western and Eastern treatments.
Ken

[steveinaz]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. I "adopted" Jake & Sam when Bev & I got married a couple years ago. Sam was an animal rescue pup when Bev got him 15 years ago. Jake is a 12 year old lab/husky mix that she got as a 10 week old puppy. Jake is also showing his age, but I think he's got a couple years left in him, hopefully.

[steveinaz]

Hello,
The reason I ask is that one of the symptoms of renal (kidney) failure is a great deal of pain and weakness in the hind legs for a dog. Kidney failure is the number one cause of death for dogs and cats. Another symptom is increased water consumption, due to the kidney becoming less able to function. A fairly simple blood test can measure creatinine levels as well as phosphorus. The reason I bring all of this up is that my wife and i have been dealing with kidney failure in our dog and have reversed what looked like a very bad situation.
I'm not trying to make your decision any more difficult, if your family has made a decision I completely respect that choice. But, I've seen, first hand what can be accomplished with "non-traditional" approaches. I had to carry our dog up and down the back porch steps only a couple of months ago and now she can jump about 2' onto our bed with no problem. All over her vital functions are working close to normal with a combination of Western and Eastern treatments.
Ken

Appreciate the advice, I suppose it's possible but given his age and other health problems, it's time for him. He doesn't seem to be having any problems as far as using the bathroom. I can relate as my Pug "Katie" had to be put down at 9 years because of serious kidney failure---it hit her (and me) out of nowhere, in 3 days she was gone. She just "fell apart" one day, and test revealved that her kidney's were shot. They tried to jump-start them by using certain drugs and what not, but by day 3 she was just getting worse, so I had her euthanized.

[duksbak]

Sorry to hear about your dog Steve.

Prayers sent for family.


God Bless.

[strider]

I don't envy your position regarding having to make that call. Rest assured that you made the best decision for your dogs sake. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

Ben

[cfrizz]

Sorry to hear this Steve. But the best thing would be to let him go. He lived a long good life & was well cared for. Now it's time to complete the commitment with a gentle goodbye.

You & Bev are in my thoughts.

[bobman1235]

Sorry Steve, there are few things in the world worse than having to put down a beloved pet.

[krabby5]

sorry man...dogs make you smile...

[Kenneth Swauger]

Hello,
The unfortunate thing is that vets are not able to do very much to help a dog or cat with kidney failure. But, if you can somehow slow the process down the kidney can function with as little as 25% of the kidney's nephrons working (nephrons are cone shaped microscopic tubes that do the filtering). This process is called hypertrophy, the living nephrons taking over for the non-working ones. One product that can reduce the amount of toxins needed to be removed from the blood is called Azodyl which places special bacteria in the dog's digestive system.
The other approach is to use acupuncture to maintain the dog's appetite and the use of Chinese herbs designed to get the kidneys working again. Our dog went from a creatinine level of 3.0 to almost normal at 1.8. All of her other blood functions showed a similar result. We feed her renal support supplements as well as Taurine (amino sulfonic acid) and a mixture of Chinese herbs. Taurine, by the way, was first found in blood serum of red bulls, hence the name "Taurus" the bull. It is also found in Red Bull, that's how it got it's name.
I hope this is helpful information.
Take care, Ken

[steveinaz]

Thanks all for the support; Ken, I appreciate your input and taking the time to pass this information on.

[Kenneth Swauger]

Take care.
Ken

[Skynut]

Real sorry to hear about your dog Steve.

I have a 10.5 yo Rott and he is showing his age alot lately and I know his time is limited.

It always hurts us to loose a good dog but it is the price we have to pay to have a good dog.

Owning a good dog is something I appreciate, loosing a good dog is very hard.

Good luck to you and your wife with this, sometimes it is difficult to remember that the dogs quality of life is what is most important.

[Kenneth Swauger]

Hello,
I agree completely. One of the things I learned was that it is a good idea to have your pet's blood tested when it is fairly young. This gives you a base line to compare with any changes that might happen later on in life. The other thing is to keep an eye on your pet's water consumption. Any sudden changes in how much water they drink is important to note. Also, keep antifreeze away from pets in driveways and streets. It has a sweet taste and clogs up the nephrons, crystals form in the microscopic funnels and shut them off. Bad news!
Ken

[daboyz]

Done.

[George Grand]

Hats off to Sam, I'm sure he led a good life.

You can tell your wife Bev, which I assume is short for Beverly, that our daughter Stephanie was almost a Beverly. I like the name a lot and think it's one of the girliest names out there. Theresa wasn't buying, but we could agree on Stephie.

[wingnut4772]

That is an extremely sad and difficult thing to have to do. My thoughts are with you.

[steveinaz]

Thank you all. You rock.

[Zero]

Steve - I am sorry to read this news. I'm sure your pooch led a wonderful life. Heres all the best to you and Bev.

[reeltrouble1]

Sorry to hear Steve, nothing quite like the loyalty and love your dog can show you.

ted

[pearsall001]

My heart goes out for you & Bev. It's a tough decision to make, I have two dogs & I dread the day when the decision has to be made at our home. Loving memories will help ease the pain.

[I-SIG]

Damn, it's gonna be weird visiting and not having Sammy around. I hope Beverly is doing okay. Sam is good dog and will be missed.

Wes

[steveinaz]

Well, at about 5:15pm he was put down. Bev is touched by your response, wants to reply, but can't right now as you might understand.

I really appreciate your support, it means alot to Bev as well, but I let her tell it her way....thanks guys & gals. You are some stellar people that I'm proud to call friends.