How to decide when to euthanize a dog with chronic pain?

Question

Tasha, 100 lbs.,has a bone-inherited problem,in left,upper leg/hip area. (Not Hip Dysplasia. But acts similar).She limps, & if she runs, can hardly stand on that leg, and holds it off the floor, or stands on her toes.As it progresses,I was wondering if you could help me decide When I should put her out of her misery, and Euthanize her? She wants to run with Jake(dog),and play, but must be kept on a short leash, to only walk, slowly.I have a fenced-off acre, and I feel sorry she can't use it now. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 years and 10 months old

Megan, DVM, CVA · Accepted Answer

Poor girl! So you have a few options. If she is just holding it up but not crying out, you may just consider medical management and not euthanize her as long as she is playing eating and drinking normally. I would make sure she is on a high quality joint supplement like flexadin or dasuquin. I would also have a vet prescribe her an anti-inflammatory like rimadyl or galliprant. You could give that on days she is really painful. If she is only having pain in one leg and the other leg is normal, you could consider having that leg amputated. Dogs do amazing with 3 legs as long as the other is normal. There is also a surgery called an FHO with gets rods of the hip joint of that is the problem area. You could also look into that as an option. Another option would be to look for an alternative or integrative vet who practices acupuncture and herbal therapy. These can be wonderful for pain relief and mobility. I would only decide to euthanize her when you feel she has more bad days than good days. When these other options are no longer helping or if she stops eating or doesn’t want to play, then I would start to consider her quality of life is poor. I hope this helps!

How to decide when to euthanize a dog with chronic pain?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?

My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?

My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?

Share