Elderly Shih Tzu With Badly Worn Hips: Can Pain Relief Help Before Deciding on Euthanasia?
by Michelle
(Panama Republic de panama)
my beloved boy is a shitzu, 16 yrs old. Recently he became lame in his rear end, although i had noticed he was slower in his gait for a few weeks but i put it down to arthritis. He takes arthroflex to help his arthrits. He now cannot walk and he can stand but not for long. The vet here took xrays of the hips and advised total degeneration of both hips joints. Due to his age she advised not to operate. She gave him a shot of anti inflammatory tonight which would also help the pain. When i brought him home, he slept for awhile then decided he was going for a walk. Albiet not a fast one or long one but he walked on his own. Even though i saw an xray... my gut tells me that perhaps with antiinflammatory injections / treatment and something to aid his pain , perhaps this would help ? i know i do not want to lose him, and i know that the way he is , is not a good quality of life and dont want to put him through major surgery only for him to die on the table. I dont want to be selfish and prolong his life for my sake if he is in constant pain etc. Any advice would be appreciated as we have an appointment for euthanaisia on Saturday with the vet.
We're so sorry you're facing this. It's not selfish to ask whether he can be made comfortable. The fact that he got up and walked after the anti-inflammatory injection suggests pain may be a big part of the problem, and pain is often treatable.
Ask your vet whether you could postpone the appointment to try a week or two of daily pain relief, with blood tests to check his kidneys and liver. Other medicines can sometimes be added, along with non-slip rugs, a soft bed and short, gentle walks. If he can't stand, eat or toilet comfortably even with treatment, choosing a peaceful goodbye is a loving decision. Your vet can help you judge his quality of life day by day.
See arthritis in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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