16 year old yorkie

[kingcardi]

I have a male 16 year old Yorkie who's health is fading fast. He has lost a lot of weight and his fur is starting to fall out on his face and on his feet. I took him to the vet on Friday and they told he has kidney failure and heart murmur and possibly testicular cancer. He is eating and drinking but seems like he's really run down. Any advise?

[Maximo]

I am so sorry that your little guy is facing all of this. With my pets, my first concern is whether or not they are suffering pain. When my previous pets were very ill, I discussed with the vet the best course of action. Did the doctor make any recommendations?

[crazydoglade]

I would discuss his condition with your vet and decide if his quality of life is. You need to decide what quality of life is acceptable to you. Is he in pain? Does he seem like he still enjoys the same things as before. Trust your have obviously provided a good home if he is 16. I'll be thinking og both of you

[crazydoglade]

I would discuss his condition with your vet and decide if his quality of life is. You need to decide what quality of life is acceptable to you. Is he in pain? Does he seem like he still enjoys the same things as before. Trust your judgement have obviously provided a good home if he is 16. I'll be thinking of both of you.

[marlenemaria]

I will keep him in my prayers

[dottiesyrky]

How wonderful that your boy has reached 16! I am sorry though that his age is catching up with him and he now has these health issues. Quite a lot to endure.
All of the problems could be serious, but having had a girl with kidney failure I know that is a cruel disease. Only you and the vet can make this very difficult decision, but for me there was little option when my baby was so very sick with kidney failure. Although I loved her so much, I could not see her in such distress and pain. It all depends how advanced the health issues are and how he is reacting to them. The sad thing is that dogs endure pain and suffering without complaint and they have to be really sick to show their distress. I feel for you and your baby and pray he will be able to live comfortably with his issues for a long time. Please keep in touch and let us know how he is doing.

[dawn27]

So sorry, it is never easy seeing our beloved pets go through any sort of illness or getting old. We want them to be with us forever!

The advise given by the ladies above is wonderful and I would have to say the same. If your little man is in any kind of pain or suffering in any way I couldn't imagine prolonging that. Only you and your vet can see that and make the right choice for him.

[kingcardi]

I had to be in a meeting the morning of Cardi's appointment and sent my husband to the vet, who of course didn't ask very many questions and I tried calling the vet this morning but she was in surgery. Just curious if anyone else out there had any advise or experience with these health conditions. I've obviously played google vet and learned about each of these conditions but I feel like yorkies are different they hide pain very well.

My heart is broken. I have had this dog since I was 13 years old. He is my first love and I would do anything for him. Maybe I'm looking for some comforting advise. I don't feel like he has much more time left. he shakes and sleeps a lot but still gets excited for treats or when i take him for a walks.

[dawn27]

Gosh I wish I had some comforting advise and I in no way wish to sound harsh. I can only tell you what my own experience dealing with a simular thing.

I was in a simular situation with my kitty who was 15. She had gotten so thin, was not eating refused to use the litter box. After finding out that had kidney failure and cancer and discussing her longevity with the vet. We brought her home on last time to say our goodbyes and than I did what needed to be done in order to put an end to her suffering. I didn't want to see her get to the point of having to suffer any longer because I didn't want to let her go. It still pains me to this day, I miss her terribly but I knew I did the right thing.

We all must make hard choices when it comes to doing what is best for our babies and just knowing that they are a Peace is much better feeling than knowing that by holding on you may have caused more pain. In my opinion with the verity of illnesses he has going on he must be in pain. The kidney failure alone is enough to make me feel as if his time with you is limited. But do you keep him with you longer because the void in your life will be unbearable or do you let him go.

[Yorkiedaze]

He may have reached the end of his path and I'm sure he will let you know when he wants to leave, mainly by not eating much at all, and sleeping most of the time. I wouldn't let his last days be filled with shots, medications or anything else. Just let him go in peace, love and a warm blankie.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by kingcardi

I had to be in a meeting the morning of Cardi's appointment and sent my husband to the vet, who of course didn't ask very many questions and I tried calling the vet this morning but she was in surgery. Just curious if anyone else out there had any advise or experience with these health conditions. I've obviously played google vet and learned about each of these conditions but I feel like yorkies are different they hide pain very well.

My heart is broken. I have had this dog since I was 13 years old. He is my first love and I would do anything for him. Maybe I'm looking for some comforting advise. I don't feel like he has much more time left. he shakes and sleeps a lot but still gets excited for treats or when i take him for a walks.

Praying for your little guy and for you. This is the hardest part of loving a pet, deciding what is best for him. After you talk to your vet about options, I'm sure your heart will help you make the right decisions.

[dottiesyrky]

Oh how we who have lost our furbabies know the pain of a loss! It is so hard especially as you have loved your boy for so long. The only comfort one can have if the inevitable sadly comes is that you were selfless and did the best for your baby. With my girl, she seemed fine until I took her in for what I thought was a mild tummy upset. The terrible diagnosis was kidney failure and after that she went down so fast, it was so sudden and unfair. I had no idea she was so sick. She must have been in pain and discomfort as her kidneys were almost totally shut down, but I never knew. The guilt of this haunts me and I wish I had recognized her pain sooner and given her peace.
On a more positive note, it is possible that he is only in the early stages of his diseases and is not feeling bad at this time. If he still enjoys walks and treats, that is a good sign. The vet will tell you what the prognoses are and what quality of life you boy is having. So love him and enjoy him as you have done over the years. When the time comes he will be free of pain and at peace. Only we mourn and feel the pain. Praying for you and your baby and hoping you will enjoy him for some time.

[lorriemar]

hi, just reading your post now. I am going thru something very similiar too. So sorry your baby doesn't feel good.

[dottiesyrky]

Thinking about you and your boy and wondering how he is doing now? Praying he is ok. Hugs

[Kentuckyyorkie]

So sorry to read this. It is so hard to know when it is time. My vet told me I would know and he was right. I think you will know when it is time. No one can tell you. Good luck.