My senior dog won't eat. When is it time to consider euthanasia?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | spayed | 11 years and 8 months old | 8 lbs
My 11 yr old diabetic Maltese has an enlarged heart and severely swollen liver which is all pushing upwards preventing her ability to eat yet I can tell she's hungry. She weighs 8 lbs and her tummy feels full but her spine and ribs feel as though she's starving. I don't want her to suffer yet I don't want to put her down if there's a chance of her having a quality life?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 10th, 2017
If Bailey has not had a recent exam with a veterinarian, I recommend that be done soon. Both heart disease and liver disease can cause fluid to build up in the abdomen and make pets feel puny and puts pressure on internal organs. Several different diseases can cause enlargement of the liver, including hepatitis, cancer, and Cushing's Disease. Depending on the cause, some of these can be successfully treated. It can be very difficult to decide when it is time for a pet to leave this world. The "right" time will be different and completely OK with each individual pet and family. I recommend that you discuss Bailey's quality of life with your vet. You may also look for a vet that specializes in end-of-life care or pet hospice (sometimes called pawspice). Here is some information on quality of life: https://www.lapoflove.com/Quality-of-Life/Determining-Pet-Quality-of-Life http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 27th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bailey. I may be worth seeking a second opinion. Do you know of she was tested for pancreatitis on her bloodwork? This is a cause of abdominal pain and anorexia in dogs. If not, you may consider asking if it is warranted for her. Another consideration is if she is experiencing orthopedic pain. This will make a dog shake, pain and can even affect her appetite. I would have her assesed for this as well. It is good that her tests so far have been fairly unremarkable. That rules out a lot of potentially serious issues. In the meantime, do you best to encourage her to eat. Offer only small amounts and try hand feeding her. You can syringe water if necessary. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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