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shawnzeppi · 07-10-2022, 05:42 PM

I'm sure this has been a common topic, and I have experience here myself, but wanted to get some other general opinions from Yorkie owners. We have had 3 Yorkies, usually 2 at once, but we lost our first two; the first way back in 2008 and the second fur baby 2 years ago. Now the sole survivor is 14 (same age as the others were when they passed away) and he has some serious medical issues.

First off, crazy bad neurological issues where he can't walk. This has been an issue for several years now, but it's gotten so bad (complicated with age and arthritis) that while he used to be able to get around by walking on his wrists, he is hardly mobile at all these days. Next, he has the low albumen levels and that's been a chronic condition for maybe 4 years, where he is on the hydrolyzed diet takes prednisone. Then there are the bad cataracts, which I think are made worse by the meds. so he can hardly see. Lately he has had diarrhea on and off (back to the protein deficiency). Then he keeps us up at night making unhappy grunting noises, even with meds to keep him sleeping through the night, supposedly... All the meds and low quality of life seem to indicate that he should be euthanized, but then there are times when you think he still enjoys life; he still likes to be pet and eat for sure. And you start to wonder if YOU are being cruel in keeping him alive or you would be selfish to see him go too soon. Anyone experience similar end of life issues with your Yorkie?

07-10-2022, 05:42 PM	#1
shawnzeppi YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Springfield, va Posts: 457	When to say Goodbye I'm sure this has been a common topic, and I have experience here myself, but wanted to get some other general opinions from Yorkie owners. We have had 3 Yorkies, usually 2 at once, but we lost our first two; the first way back in 2008 and the second fur baby 2 years ago. Now the sole survivor is 14 (same age as the others were when they passed away) and he has some serious medical issues. First off, crazy bad neurological issues where he can't walk. This has been an issue for several years now, but it's gotten so bad (complicated with age and arthritis) that while he used to be able to get around by walking on his wrists, he is hardly mobile at all these days. Next, he has the low albumen levels and that's been a chronic condition for maybe 4 years, where he is on the hydrolyzed diet takes prednisone. Then there are the bad cataracts, which I think are made worse by the meds. so he can hardly see. Lately he has had diarrhea on and off (back to the protein deficiency). Then he keeps us up at night making unhappy grunting noises, even with meds to keep him sleeping through the night, supposedly... All the meds and low quality of life seem to indicate that he should be euthanized, but then there are times when you think he still enjoys life; he still likes to be pet and eat for sure. And you start to wonder if YOU are being cruel in keeping him alive or you would be selfish to see him go too soon. Anyone experience similar end of life issues with your Yorkie?