Such a hard decision (Newest Update On Daisy Not good news with blood results)

I'm so sorry you're going through this.  I wish I had something useful to say, but others have posted very good advice and insight. 

I've had a couple friends who were blessed with their dogs passing during their sleep.  They were both senior dogs in poor health, so they were facing the same decision.  When our beloved Tonka was in his final weeks, I prayed every day that he would drift off to sleep in a safe and familiar environment with us at home, and that would be it.  Unfortunately, we had to make the decision for him, and because of the kind of symptoms and problems he was having, it was not a clear-cut decision.  He loved to eat, and I kept hoping he'd refuse food as a "signal" he was done fighting, but that never happened.  Instead, we had to try to determine if his breathing and swallowing problems were more than he wanted to bear. 

In retrospect, all these years later, I have doubts it was the right time, but that particular evening it seemed like it was.  One of my biggest regrets is that we weren't able to say goodbye to him at home.  The vet had previously offered to come to the house when we decided it was time, but that night we weren't able to reach him and we were afraid to wait until morning in case Tonka's suffering turned into a crisis.  The e-vet staff were kind and compassionate, but being at home would've been better for all of us.  So, I guess that's one piece of advice I'd offer.  Even if it's not the right time for you and Daisy right now, maybe you can line up a plan with your vet so that the arrangements are not a last-minute thing, and you'll know what options you have -- whether it's being at home, or being at the vet's office during a quiet time, not walking in through the lobby when 10 people are there, etc.

My heart goes out to you.  The weeks before we lost Tonka were hands-down the hardest weeks of my life.  It was all I could do to get through a work day.  The exhaustion, worry, sadness, indecision and everything else wore me out physically and emotionally.  I can only say that I understand what you're feeling and send you all the strong vibes possible. 

 I've always believed when you take on the love and care of a dog you also take on the responsibility of giving them a compassionate and dignified end of life. Finding your own peace will be much more difficult than giving Daisy hers.  When the time comes I know you will be able to step up for her because I know how much you love her. ((((hugs)))))

denise m

Finding your own peace will be much more difficult than giving Daisy hers.

calliecritturs

denise m

Finding your own peace will be much more difficult than giving Daisy hers.

.Incredibly well said, Denise

  Yes; very well said. I can't offer better advice than what you've already been given. I know you will make the right decision for her because you love her so much; (((((((hugs)))))))

denise m

 I've always believed when you take on the love and care of a dog you also take on the responsibility of giving them a compassionate and dignified end of life. Finding your own peace will be much more difficult than giving Daisy hers.  When the time comes I know you will be able to step up for her because I know how much you love her. ((((hugs)))))

denise m

 I've always believed when you take on the love and care of a dog you also take on the responsibility of giving them a compassionate and dignified end of life. Finding your own peace will be much more difficult than giving Daisy hers.  When the time comes I know you will be able to step up for her because I know how much you love her. ((((hugs)))))

Well said.

 Took Daisy to the vet today. I asked the vet what was his honest opinion with what he thought and if Daisy should be put down. He said he would like to take a xray of her spine and the lower part of her. He wanted to see if it might be neurological or if it was just arthritis. He came back and said good news it is not neurological that Daisy has Spondylosis which I then said hey I got that and he had asked me if it's painful I said yes it is.

He suggested for 6 weeks to give Daisy a shot Adequan/Chondroprotect also gave me Tramadol ( I've taken that only makes me sleep but then again mostly everything does) and Rimadyl and said to give her Glucosamine. He said to see if this would help her. He had asked me how her life is and if she was eating like normal, she is.  He said with her age she is testing the time but with what he seen from her blood work which he said was excellent and from what he seen from the xray he does not suggest putting her down.

So my Daisy has Spondylosis which is degenerative joint disease he also said it was in her spine and knees. I guess me and Daisy can share medications lol ( just trying to make light of this) I will see how this goes and go from there. Wish us luck and keep Daisy in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Everyone. 

 I have used Adequan VERY successfully.  My RB Marlin was on that for the last 4 years of his life.  Once we got past the start up (2 shots per week) and onto the maintenance dose of once a month, he could still jump up on the sofa.  Then 2 to 4 days prior to the next shot being due, he couldn't do it and would whine and bark at the sofa until one of us helped him up again.  Within 4 hours of the next shot, he'd be jumping up on his own again.  He had hip dysplasia, not spondylosis.

 Willy is now on Adequan, for arthritis in his knees and hips (left side is worse).  We are still doing the 4 weeks of twice per week, but I 'think' I am seeing him be more comfortable even now.

Note to save you some money:  You can give the Adequan shots yourself, at home.  Get a script from the vet and buy the Adequan from Drs Foster & Smith.  You make the purchase online then mail in the script.  Based on what my vet wanted for a vial, I am saving a TON of money this way!  I am used to giving Dad his B12 and insulin shots, so this works fine for me.  Also, the vet or a vet tech can show you how to give the injection, so you don't hit a nerve.  

I pray this will help your Daisy, as I've seen it help my pups!

Rimadyl is an NSAID, so it helps with both pain and inflammation.

Tramadol is a pain med.  Daisy should get some comfort even as you are building up the Adequan in her system.

Sounds like a plan, to me!  

I am so happy to hear that Daisy's problem is treatable.  I know she is getting older but to me this is good news.  Good luck with the treatments, at least you are familiar with the disease and the pain.  You can tell Daisy that her and Mom are taking care of each other now, :)

 Thank you I think the shot actually helped she's not so wobbly today. I got a problem now with her pills she's such a smartypants today she spit out her food I am putting the pills in her wet food I'm gonna have to do something because I can't open her mouth and drop them in if I wanna keep my fingers lol

 I have excellent luck pilling with Pill Pockets.  You can find them at PetSmart.  Just take whatever amount you need to cover the pill...you don't really have to use the whole pocket. 

 Oh lordy, pills, UGH!  He heee.  I've used: cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, hot dog bits, pill pockets, wrapped in deli turkey, covered in tomato sauce, the list goes on.  Seems once the dog bites, gets the yucky taste, and figures out there is a pill in there, s/he won't eat that cover up for ages afterwards, ha haaa.

 That was me before Pill Pockets.  Well, if those don't work, I know Callie usually recommends liverwurst!