Old Gordon Setter
Discussion
He is 13, and starting to struggle, i know it wont be long , and very much doubt he will do me the favour of just drifting off in his sleep, i really dont want to have to make that call...
called in at vets yesterday ....but today he has been walking about ,enjoyed some tangtastic and some cider, still has a good appetite. so i think he still has some quality of life...
its just these last few weeks he has gone really thin (tho still eating)
..
he is the one on the left. the pup will be distraught when he goes , follows him about like a shadow.
called in at vets yesterday ....but today he has been walking about ,enjoyed some tangtastic and some cider, still has a good appetite. so i think he still has some quality of life...
its just these last few weeks he has gone really thin (tho still eating)
..
he is the one on the left. the pup will be distraught when he goes , follows him about like a shadow.
We are in a similar position. We thought we had lost Meg, now over 16, a few weeks ago when she had a fit and couldn't move. But a night at the vets and a 'bit' of steroid improved her enough to come back home.
Likewise, our youngest, the Irish Setter, loves the collie - and vice-versa. The middle dog, English Setter - himself getting to 12, gets on with sleeping and eating like a pro.
What I would say is that if the dog is able to eat, drink (cider !), get up and do business and doesn't appear in any pain or discomfort - just make things as easy as possible. Things change rapidly - ours now would like to lay in and would happily sleep till late morning. She is better in the later afternoon and early evening but each day varies. And I wouldn't let her out in strong winds in case she gets blown over, she is that shaky although loves going for a sniff in the garden.
We have raised food bowls - different bedding around. The oldies have their arthritis tablets and magnetic collars which make a difference.
About 18 months ago we thought Meg was nearing the end when she starting struggling. Thats when the arthritis pills made a difference, having already had the collar. Now she also has a couple of pills to improve her blood flow following the fit - turns out her heart is at just under half speed - but enough for her to get on fine. You haven't mentioned medication, but sensible levels can make the difference.
Its not going to be easy in the end for either of us as time is probably short - we find Meg still does many amazing little things on her better days which will leave us with many extra cherished memories. Just like OAP's they have good days and bad.
PS - 9pm - carrot time. English Setter on my knee (upside down) couldn't be bothered to move. Just had to hold his carrot and feed it one bite at a time. Now back to sleep !
Likewise, our youngest, the Irish Setter, loves the collie - and vice-versa. The middle dog, English Setter - himself getting to 12, gets on with sleeping and eating like a pro.
What I would say is that if the dog is able to eat, drink (cider !), get up and do business and doesn't appear in any pain or discomfort - just make things as easy as possible. Things change rapidly - ours now would like to lay in and would happily sleep till late morning. She is better in the later afternoon and early evening but each day varies. And I wouldn't let her out in strong winds in case she gets blown over, she is that shaky although loves going for a sniff in the garden.
We have raised food bowls - different bedding around. The oldies have their arthritis tablets and magnetic collars which make a difference.
About 18 months ago we thought Meg was nearing the end when she starting struggling. Thats when the arthritis pills made a difference, having already had the collar. Now she also has a couple of pills to improve her blood flow following the fit - turns out her heart is at just under half speed - but enough for her to get on fine. You haven't mentioned medication, but sensible levels can make the difference.
Its not going to be easy in the end for either of us as time is probably short - we find Meg still does many amazing little things on her better days which will leave us with many extra cherished memories. Just like OAP's they have good days and bad.
PS - 9pm - carrot time. English Setter on my knee (upside down) couldn't be bothered to move. Just had to hold his carrot and feed it one bite at a time. Now back to sleep !
Stressful time. I have my 16 year old feline friend having his ups and downs at the mo, he had pancreatitis again recently (it's been several years since his last attack) but it hit him quite hard (it could be a tumour this time) meds and diet seem to be working and he has stabilised now and put some weight back on but now his back legs are taking another turn for the worse (they've been a problem for a while but had been doing ok) he can be so unsteady on them, yet here he is on my lap right now licking my arm as usual waiting for his dinner so like you I'm sure, I just monitor, observe and consider the all important quality of life and now I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it (stupid me!)
You are a very caring owner and I'm pretty sure you know your four legged friends inside out, take one day at a time and if you struggle to know if he is ok think to how he'd been the week before and how many good days he's having to bad, I'm sure you'll know.
You are a very caring owner and I'm pretty sure you know your four legged friends inside out, take one day at a time and if you struggle to know if he is ok think to how he'd been the week before and how many good days he's having to bad, I'm sure you'll know.
When the time comes (you will probably know when that is) make sure you dont let it happen in your absence if at all possible. I'm sure you know this though.
My last rescue, Van Cleef was deaf and blind and didnt even stay with me for a week but was so ill that I had no other option. I could barely function myself for the next few days afterwards. It seems like you have his best interests well in hand. Good on you. One thing that I may offer as food for thought but nothing more than that is to look after yourself when the time comes.
That he wants his food is a very good sign. I almost dont want to ask, but what is the regal old chaps name? Any more pictures? I have never met one that isnt obsessed with loving their owner more than themselves.
My last rescue, Van Cleef was deaf and blind and didnt even stay with me for a week but was so ill that I had no other option. I could barely function myself for the next few days afterwards. It seems like you have his best interests well in hand. Good on you. One thing that I may offer as food for thought but nothing more than that is to look after yourself when the time comes.
That he wants his food is a very good sign. I almost dont want to ask, but what is the regal old chaps name? Any more pictures? I have never met one that isnt obsessed with loving their owner more than themselves.
I love Setters.
At the yard where we keep our horses they always have Setters, we look after them alot so have a great bond with them.
The Gordon Setter there, Ellie, had to be PTS last year, she was 15 I think.
Great dogs.
I hope you have a while longer with yours.
96 of 365 by Adam Kennedy Photography, on Flickr
At the yard where we keep our horses they always have Setters, we look after them alot so have a great bond with them.
The Gordon Setter there, Ellie, had to be PTS last year, she was 15 I think.
Great dogs.
I hope you have a while longer with yours.
96 of 365 by Adam Kennedy Photography, on Flickr
Deepest sympathies to you.
My golden retriever is well over 13 now and has more good days than bad but I am still dreading the day I have to make the decision to make that last trip to the vets. I have done the same for two previous retreivers and my parent's chocolate lab but, as like you, Fred is very much "my" dog and the world will be a colder place without him.
My golden retriever is well over 13 now and has more good days than bad but I am still dreading the day I have to make the decision to make that last trip to the vets. I have done the same for two previous retreivers and my parent's chocolate lab but, as like you, Fred is very much "my" dog and the world will be a colder place without him.
, he was obviously a dearly loved four legged friend, and you will miss him so much but at least you know you did right by him at the end, take care.Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff