Quote:
Originally Posted by ebuzz718  I have a 10 1/2 year old yorkie who was just diagnosed as being completely blind. It was about a 4 -6 week process. At first she was just walking past me, then she started walking into things so I wasn't sure if she couldn't see at all or maybe she could just see shadows. Yesterday I took her to a specialist and he told me she couldn't see at all. He thinks it's a brain tumor but can't confirm without doing a $2,000 MRI. He said she definitely won't get better only worse. Is it selfish/cruel of me to keep her around being this way? She has other issues as well--bad hips/neck, but she doesn't seem to be in any pain at all. I have no idea what to do. She can find her water bowl and food bowl, but is this too much for her? Any suggestions, thoughts??? Thank you!!! |
I have had to do the same soul-searching about my 16 year old dachshund. She is nearly blind at least, very arthritic, has to be helped up and down the step to go outside, stays in bed all day and night -- getting up 3 times to go out to potty and to eat a little. Often she does not make it out to potty and I have a mess right next to her bed to clean. She has a very large tumor on her belly, that the vet said is a lipoma but she is not in good enough shape to have surgery. She often emits a horrible smell which I have tried to explain but have not gotten any help from the vet for -- it is much worse than passing gas. We give her Motrin for the arthritis but she is on no other meds. I have been asked why I don't put her to sleep to end her misery. I tell people it is because when I talk sweetly to her and tell her I love her, she wags that bent up old tail of hers just a little. As long as I get a wag, she will stay with me. When my grown sons who live away come to visit she has always made an additional trip out of her bed to wag at them and get a pet. That tells me she still enjoys knowing they are here. But Saturday my one son came over and half way through the visit we realized Kate had not come out to greet him. He went and checked on her and she gave a little wag but could not muster the strength to get out of bed. So, it may not be long, but I am going to let nature run its course unless I see she is in undue pain. She has rebounded before and who knows?
But it is just a situation each person, their vet and dog have to come to terms with. There are always different factors for each pet. I wish you well during the time you have left with her and may God guide you in the difficult decisions.