williebark

I'm so sorry for you.  I lost my mini schnauzer in May 2011 and his last few days were horrible.  He was misdiagnosed as having what we thought was an illness he would recover from.  He was in terrible pain and I was beside myself and felt tremendous relief when we had him put to sleep.  My little schnoodle has tcc and I'm gong to do everything in my power to see that he doesn't suffer like that.  You have to consider quality of life - if they can't eat, walk and enjoy life it's time.  Don't let it drag too long especially if they have a terminal illnes - your only letting your pet live in pain. 

Terrible that your dog has this at such a young age - my dog was nearly 15 when he died and the one still living is over 14.  My sympathies to you.

My 14 year old schnoodle started exhibiting symptoms a couple of month ago.  He just started having accidents.  We had him checked out and the vet suggested it was senility.  I was doubtful however accepted it for the time being.

When he started peeing blood we rushed him in and a different vet (same clinic) diagnosed inflammation of the urinary tract and prescribed meloxicam.  I pushed her a bit about this inflammation but she said that "it was fairly common".  I was left wondering what the heck was causing the inflammation.  All along I have suspected cancer mainly due to the symptoms and age of my dog.  I brought some more of his urine to be checked out this past weekend and the senior vet (who I would prefer anyway) said he wanted to run some x-rays.  Which brought us to the diagnosis of cancer which we will continue treating with meloxicam.

I'm very sad but at least know what we're dealing with.  My one resolve is that as soon as his quality of life diminishes greatly I will have him put to sleep.  I lost another dog last year and let it go a few days too long and it still haunts me. 

Anyway my sympathies to all of you with sick doggies.  It's very hard.  I keep telling myself that I have been blessed to have had two great dogs for so many years and that they cannot live forever.  The important thing is to give them as great a life as we can while they are with us.