Paralyzed dog: Can he still be happy or is it time to say goodbye?

Question

I just found out my dog has a dislocated disc and is paralyzed from the waist down and is in a lot of I have to empty to empty myself by pressing on the bladder he will drink when when I come by he he ate a little bit this morning for the first in about 3 days.. That vet under his skin to help with dehydration because he was a little dehydrated.. does he have a chance to still be happy or am I making him suffer by wanting him to around and not putting him to sleep. Please tell me what u would do

Rebecca, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thank you for using PetCoach. I am so sorry for you and your pup and the decisions you are having to make. One of the best people to help you with this decision is his veterinarian as they have seen and evaluated him. Some dogs with back/disc problems are extremely painful. In this case, euthanasia is absolutely the best decision if surgery isn't an option. In some cases, dogs can live several years while paralyzed, but it does require extreme dedication on the part of their owners. These dogs need to have their bladders expressed regularly and may also have some bladder or fecal incontinence, meaning stool or urine may be released anywhere, and the dog is incapable of controlling it. Some dogs may need enemas periodically. Often these dogs will develop sores on their legs, and need socks or leggings to help protect their legs. They do make "wheelchairs" but these cannot be left on them more than an hour or two at a time. They can develop urinary track infections that will need medications fairly often due to urine not being completely emptied from the bladder. I'm not trying to scare you, but I want you to understand the care he may need. If you are unable to provide that level of care, euthanasia is a very kind choice in that situation. But if he isn't painful and you are up to the challenge, then speak with his veterinarian about his best care and what you need to do to help him. He may still be able to live a happy life for months to years. Here is more info on care http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1522 And a website that make wheel chairs http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1522 that has more links to support groups etc. I think as long as you can ensure he can have a good quality of life, then it is fair to keep going. If work, family, finances or other concerns will not allow him to receive the care he may require, then euthanasia is a very fair and kind option. I hope this may help and I am very sorry for this decision you are making.

Paralyzed dog: Can he still be happy or is it time to say goodbye?

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