The Little Weiner...What would you do?

[ZTIME]

So I’ve got this 16 yr. old miniature dachshund that I’ve had since he was born. He was given to me as a gift from an LTR way back in the day. The little guy is a chick magnet! Anytime you take the little fella out in public or bring a chick to your place, he’s always getting a ton of attention. He’s also a little trooper. He’s broken his back twice and survived. Really love the little guy.

Took him to the vet last week as he started to develop a sore on his snout which I thought could be a spider bite as it wasn’t healing. It turns out that he has an infected canine tooth that needs to be removed. The infection is actually going through the top of his snout. So $900 and a bunch of tests later the vet tells me that the dog has an enlarged heart and a heart murmur. He tells me that they need to put the dog to sleep in order to remove the tooth, but fears that the dog won’t pull through the anesthesia and will likely die. After he says all of this he tells me to visit a canine dental specialist who basically says the same thing.

I have one more appointment with a vet who I was referred to. I don’t think he’s in pain as he shows no signs of it, but the little guy is a trooper and might be trying to deal with it. He’s eating fine and seems relatively spunky for a 16 yr. old dog. If I keep giving him antibiotics I think that they will start to become ineffective.

So the question is: If you had to make the decision, what would you do? Thanks in advance.

Sorry about the title of the thread, but I needed a little humor with this situation.

 

[sodbuster]

Well, I'm only a Dentist, not a vet. I wouldn't let a patient run around with an active infection in their body that could threaten their life...... BUT, with the enlarged heart???? I'd ASK the vet how BIG the chances are..... they HAVE to tell you the worst to try to avoid the upset patient's owner.... and a lawsuit. They TOLD you it could KILL the dog, IF he does die.... they told you, so it's a bit harder to sue them.

I'd just ask them HOW worried they are, what is their success rate in similar cases, and pick your poison. BUT you can't keep him on antibiotics for life.... not sure ANYONE would let it happen..... in case he breeds the next super bug we keep hearing about

 

[Cejay]

Ztime,

I'm a dog lover x 10. I grew up on a farm and I have personally euthanized many animals.

I love my dogs more than I've loved anyone, even my ex wife. I cried like a baby when my first dog was put down, while I dug the hole and buried her.

Honestly? I'd put it down. Its going to be awful and you're going to feel it but just being honest here.

CJ.

 

[hithard]

So the question is: If you had to make the decision, what would you do? Thanks in advance.

Thats hitting the top of his age range isn't it?
If he looked in good health- I'd do all his favorite things over a day then take him in for the op.
Sooner than latter

 

[Bible_Belt]

I would start trying home remedies.

http://www.rockwellnutrition.com/pyrogenium-plex-by-unda-seroyal.html#.VXHOcVIQPw8

I'd put a little peroxide in his water. I'd also get a fillable chew toy and put some honey with cinnamon in it.

 

[logicallefty]

I'd try to gage if the dog is suffering or not. Time to put him down if he is. But if not, might as well get as much time with him as feasible. From your post it sounds like maybe he is not suffering? Another factor is his age, he is 16 yo and what is his breed's life expectancy? that would factor into my decision on putting money into his vet care.

 

[ZTIME]

He is hitting his peak of living years. He's been a great dog, the best one I've ever had, so it's going to suck to see him go. (Ha!! oneitis for the mutt!) He's had a great life though...spoiled rotten from myself, plates (past and present), and his dog walker. Little sh*t gets more female attention then I do!!

We went to vet this morning. They won't operate on him either. So one more round of antibiotics and some pain meds and then he's off to the dental specialist and cardiologist.

I'm going to have the surgery done, but most vets don't want to do it because they don't want to be the person who killed my dog. I just don't want him to be in pain.

This one is truly a downer.

 

[hithard]

He is hitting his peak of living years. He's been a great dog, the best one I've ever had, so it's going to suck to see him go. (Ha!! oneitis for the mutt!) He's had a great life though...spoiled rotten from myself, plates (past and present), and his dog walker. Little sh*t gets more female attention then I do!!

We went to vet this morning. They won't operate on him either. So one more round of antibiotics and some pain meds and then he's off to the dental specialist and cardiologist.

I'm going to have the surgery done, but most vets don't want to do it because they don't want to be the person who killed my dog. I just don't want him to be in pain.

This one is truly a downer.

Good luck with it Ztime always a hard decision to make. Better to hit it while he is more capable of handling it though.

A dental specialist and a cardiologist, say goodbye to your nett worth

 

[KarmaSutra]

We had a Dachshund who too passed from an enlarged heart. Though I remember him as having the biggest heart. Full of love and smiles. Bear would see me when I came home from work, take a couple steps back then run as fast as he could! I'd kneel for him to run to my arms, but he'd stop-short a couple feet from me, roll over on his back, kick his feet, then pee all over the place. I love that dog.

Do what your heart tells you with your little buddy. Remember what's the best quality of life for him is what's paramount.

 

[ZTIME]

Good luck with it Ztime always a hard decision to make. Better to hit it while he is more capable of handling it though.

A dental specialist and a cardiologist, say goodbye to your nett worth

Thanks.

He's about 2 weeks away from surgery. Mass dose of antibiotics and then it's on. And yes, no doubt about the net worth taking a hit. After 2 broken backs and a few other things, this dog is hitting the $15k mark!!

 

[logicallefty]

Thanks.

He's about 2 weeks away from surgery. Mass dose of antibiotics and then it's on. And yes, no doubt about the net worth taking a hit. After 2 broken backs and a few other things, this dog is hitting the $15k mark!!

15k shoot. That is pennies compared to what wife and divorce would cost you. At least you get love , respect , and loyalty back from a dog.

 

[ZTIME]

So the little guy can't have the surgery. At his age he's missing or lacking a very important protein in his blood which aids in the healing process. Vet said to let him live the rest of his days as comfortably as possible (heavy antibiotics and pain meds).

This sh*t will make you feel worse then any girl I've had the pleasure of dealing with.

 

[Cejay]

Agreed. Sorry man.

CJ.

So the little guy can't have the surgery. At his age he's missing or lacking a very important protein in his blood which aids in the healing process. Vet said to let him live the rest of his days as comfortably as possible (heavy antibiotics and pain meds).

This sh*t will make you feel worse then any girl I've had the pleasure of dealing with.

 

[Fruitbat]

If he's suffering shouldn't mean death. ONLY if he can't enjoy anything...walks, food whatever. If I, or my family were suffering a little, death would be wrong. Only if life held no brief moments of joy is the right time to go.

We let our cat go on well past the point many others would have got the needle out.

 

[Fruitbat]

my family has a black lab and I love her to death. Nothing comes close to the pure love of man and dog. They are selfless animals, they embody all the best characters of anything in the universe....adventurous, loyal and affectionate. And fun. Feel for you bro, it's hard as hell.

 

[Scaramouche]

Dear ZTime,
Lost a Dog last year at 16 and a half,your Old Fellah is getting near the end of the Road...Dogs don't feel pain the way we do,given his age and the condition of his thumper I would just let sleeping Dogs lie,many of lifes problems have no solution and often just letting things take their natural course seems the best option...Should the time come,when he starts whimpering and wont eat,then steel yourself,like CJay I put my old chap down,my Daughters came to say their tearful farewells,then like him I cried as I dug his hole,that soil was so freakin hard,then throwing that first shovel full of dirt,that was the toughest bit...The next decision is,do you get another one?....Good Luck Mate!

 

[ZTIME]

Thanks gentlemen.

I'm going to let him live out the rest of his days until he seems uncomfortable, after which I'll have him put down. I know that this is the best path for him and I need to remember that and not be selfish.

I think after a little while that I will get a new dog. I can't really see myself living without one.

 

[ZTIME]

Well, I made him as comfortable as can be for as long as possible. My 4th of July celebrations from here on out will have new meaning.

I think the little guy knew it was time to go. He fought all the way till the end. I'll remember him with the fondest of memories. He was a great friend.

 

[thatfeel]

I love dachshunds. Theyre the absolute best pups ever. I know what you're going through as my dad just had to put his down for advanced acute renal failure. Poor pups :/ May yours rest in peace.

 

[hithard]

Sorry to hear it Z.