Posted: 11/13/2025 4:04:47 PM EDT
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I am struggling as I write this. My 15 1/2 year old boston girl has her hind legs that give out. She has issues squatting and falls in her poops sometimes. She has some moments of dementia. I took her to the vet and her bloodwork is great except for her liver which is because of Cushings that she has had for years, but her numbers are stable. She eats and drinks water with no issue but she is down to 14 pounds. She is normally 18- 19 pounds. I am struggling with the idea of letting her go because she has good days and bad days and she has her spunk for her age. Vet said she is not suffering, but I do not know how much longer to keep her. |
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Originally Posted By PPMama80: I am struggling as I write this. My 15 1/2 year old boston girl has her hind legs that give out. She has issues squatting and falls in her poops sometimes. She has some moments of dementia. I took her to the vet and her bloodwork is great except for her liver which is because of Cushings that she has had for years, but her numbers are stable. She eats and drinks water with no issue but she is down to 14 pounds. She is normally 18- 19 pounds. I am struggling with the idea of letting her go because she has good days and bad days and she has her spunk for her age. Vet said she is not suffering, but I do not know how much longer to keep her. How often does this happen? A vet once told me think of 3-5 things you know she loves doing. (Fetch, chasing a squirrel, going for a walk) if she still seems to enjoy these things then you might have more time. |
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It's hard to even think about, I know. You have to ask yourself what your pup would want, were she able to speak for herself and understand what was going on. But she can't, and likely doesn't (to the extent you do), so she's relying on you to make that call for both of you. It's not just how long she can go on, but how happy she'll be. To me, it sounds like maybe not yet, but soon. And I am sorry. |
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Originally Posted By Dolor: How often does this happen? A vet once told me think of 3-5 things you know she loves doing. (Fetch, chasing a squirrel, going for a walk) if she still seems to enjoy these things then you might have more time. She falls every day. She can walk outside but I have to prop her up when she poops so she does not fall in it. She mostly sleeps. I cant take her for walks because she drags one of her paws and it will bleed. |
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Originally Posted By jwliv180: It's hard to even think about, I know. You have to ask yourself what your pup would want, were she able to speak for herself and understand what was going on. But she can't, and likely doesn't (to the extent you do), so she's relying on you to make that call for both of you. It's not just how long she can go on, but how happy she'll be. To me, it sounds like maybe not yet, but soon. And I am sorry. That's the hard part. It may not be time now, but I dont want to wake up to her already gone. My last boston at 14, I knew it was time. She wouldn't have made the night. I was lucky that I was able to hold her when she passed. This one is harder because she is in better shape than the other one, except for her legs giving out |
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The most depressing thing I have read recently is that "Dogs are our best frieneds for part of our lives, we are our dogs best friends their whole lives." You need to call the vet about where you are and have a deep discussion and do what is best for your friend, not you. |
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Originally Posted By PPMama80: I am struggling as I write this. My 15 1/2 year old boston girl has her hind legs that give out. She has issues squatting and falls in her poops sometimes. She has some moments of dementia. I took her to the vet and her bloodwork is great except for her liver which is because of Cushings that she has had for years, but her numbers are stable. She eats and drinks water with no issue but she is down to 14 pounds. She is normally 18- 19 pounds. I am struggling with the idea of letting her go because she has good days and bad days and she has her spunk for her age. Vet said she is not suffering, but I do not know how much longer to keep her. You've hit on one of the main questions to ask yourself in this situation, "Is she suffering?" The other is "Is she still able to do things she likes and get enjoyment out of life?" |
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Originally Posted By Auxcoastie: The most depressing thing I have read recently is that "Dogs are our best frieneds for part of our lives, we are our dogs best friends their whole lives." You need to call the vet about where you are and have a deep discussion and do what is best for your friend, not you. I spoke with the vet and she just said all bloodwork is good and she is not suffering That I need to decide what I want to do as she is not sure how long this can go on for. |
