Euthanasia Discussion and Spouses
- Thread starter NKlein
- Start date
prayers from us for both of them :heart:
Pipelineozzy
New member
I have a friend that had a Newf that was partially paralyzed and had incontinence from it. she kept the the dog on a soft fatique matt with the holes in it and big towels under it - the pee ran through and the dog stayed much cleaner and dryer. Might be worth considering.
the osteosarcoma - is a very rough ride. I'm so sorry. That's what my mother died from and it is hellishly painful. A human can articulate that pain but the dogs tend to just suffer in silence. It's not a long term thing for humane reasons. I hope your husband is able to truly see that if that is what you are dealing with.
the osteosarcoma - is a very rough ride. I'm so sorry. That's what my mother died from and it is hellishly painful. A human can articulate that pain but the dogs tend to just suffer in silence. It's not a long term thing for humane reasons. I hope your husband is able to truly see that if that is what you are dealing with.
victoria1140
Active member
Hugs after having Max diagnosed with cancer l know its a hard road.hope its treatable.
NKlein
Member
Thanks, all. I thought DH and I were in agreement about Bo's treatment, but as we get more opinions, we are starting to disagree more and I just cannot believe how difficult it is for us to navigate through these decisions.
Cindy, thank you for the idea about holes in the mat, that's a good idea. Unfortunately, Byron also suffers from fecal incontinence, so cleaning the mats is a bit more of an issue (I've tried a few options). We've found that soft fabric that I can launder is the easiest option for us.
Cindy, thank you for the idea about holes in the mat, that's a good idea. Unfortunately, Byron also suffers from fecal incontinence, so cleaning the mats is a bit more of an issue (I've tried a few options). We've found that soft fabric that I can launder is the easiest option for us.
NKlein
Member
Just wanted to give a quick update on this now that Byron has passed.
In retrospect (and the pain of putting him down is still fresh), I'm glad for every single day we were able to spend with him, even those days toward the end.
The past couple of months we had with him were actually not that bad. Once his skin condition cleared up, he was in better health and spirits. As the snow melted, he spent more time walking around our yard and his appetite was great.
Unfortunately, last weekend he took a turn for the worse very suddenly. He started whimpering when we would try to get him up, which he's NEVER done. It was obvious that he was sick, so we took him to the emergency vet to have his blood and urine checked (in the past, he had a bladder infection that had gone systemic, so that was our fear). It all came back normal, so at that point we feared it was neurological. He stopped whimpering, but was completely paralyzed, so at that point we assumed the worst.
On Wednesday, Byron's neurologist confirmed that his GME (auto immune disease that attacks his spinal cord) had flared up and this time we could really do nothing. He can no longer tolerate immunosuppresants, so there was literally no way to stop the infection. The whimpering was due to his spinal cord flaring up, but that section of the spinal cord quickly deteriorates, so the pain is short-lived. But with no way to stop it, the infection would have kept working its way up the spinal cord until Byron's heart stopped. We obviously did not want Byron to be in pain, so at that point we made the decision to put him down.
My husband was a mess that first day, which I expected. He's still depressed, but getting better each day. I know my husband did everything he could and even if I didn't always agree, I respect that he was doing his absolute best for Byron.
Our other newf (with osteosarcoma) is tolerating his radiation and chemotherapy very well and is seemingly pain-free and happy. I am enjoying every day with him and am praying we get as much time as possible. Putting Byron down was one of the most painful experiences of my life, I know that I could not handle putting down Bo anytime soon.
Anyway, thanks again for all of you for your insight/advice/support!
In retrospect (and the pain of putting him down is still fresh), I'm glad for every single day we were able to spend with him, even those days toward the end.
The past couple of months we had with him were actually not that bad. Once his skin condition cleared up, he was in better health and spirits. As the snow melted, he spent more time walking around our yard and his appetite was great.
Unfortunately, last weekend he took a turn for the worse very suddenly. He started whimpering when we would try to get him up, which he's NEVER done. It was obvious that he was sick, so we took him to the emergency vet to have his blood and urine checked (in the past, he had a bladder infection that had gone systemic, so that was our fear). It all came back normal, so at that point we feared it was neurological. He stopped whimpering, but was completely paralyzed, so at that point we assumed the worst.
On Wednesday, Byron's neurologist confirmed that his GME (auto immune disease that attacks his spinal cord) had flared up and this time we could really do nothing. He can no longer tolerate immunosuppresants, so there was literally no way to stop the infection. The whimpering was due to his spinal cord flaring up, but that section of the spinal cord quickly deteriorates, so the pain is short-lived. But with no way to stop it, the infection would have kept working its way up the spinal cord until Byron's heart stopped. We obviously did not want Byron to be in pain, so at that point we made the decision to put him down.
My husband was a mess that first day, which I expected. He's still depressed, but getting better each day. I know my husband did everything he could and even if I didn't always agree, I respect that he was doing his absolute best for Byron.
Our other newf (with osteosarcoma) is tolerating his radiation and chemotherapy very well and is seemingly pain-free and happy. I am enjoying every day with him and am praying we get as much time as possible. Putting Byron down was one of the most painful experiences of my life, I know that I could not handle putting down Bo anytime soon.
Anyway, thanks again for all of you for your insight/advice/support!
It's so hard to come to terms with the death of a loved one no matter how many times you must go through it. You both did everything you could, each in your own way. It's as it should be, with each respecting the other's grief.
I do know this...Byron knew how much you each tried and how much you each loved him and he took that knowledge with him. That's what matters.
I do know this...Byron knew how much you each tried and how much you each loved him and he took that knowledge with him. That's what matters.
I can think of no one who did more for their love than you and your husband...it hurts more than anything to help them from this world but you have the peace that you did just that...Bryon is no longer in pain and no longer trapped in his body that didn't work. He can now run free and play as all of our loves should be able to do...I also pray that you have many more happy healthy years with Bo...big hugs...I know it is so hard!
Newfs Forever
New member
Bless you folks,
I wish you only the very best. It is just so tough going through these maladies.
Please keep us posted.
I wish you only the very best. It is just so tough going through these maladies.
Please keep us posted.
R Taft
Active member
Byron was loved and adored and really cared for...i think tht is what makes a great life for a dog. I am so sorry, you will both miss him terribly. And you wil miss him forever. I find it difficult to cope when my dogs pass.......I just hope the day that the happy memories come and make you smile will come soon. Run free with all our Rainbow Angels Byron...........Big hugs for you both and a special cuddle for Boatswain, stay well sweetie :hugs: :hugs: :hugs: Ronnie
victoria1140
Active member
All l can say is hugs,try to remember the good times and at least our medically challenged furkuds know love in their lives.
So well said!!
Tula
New member
I haven't been on NN in a long while, logged in and was immediately touched by this thread. We've all experienced this heart wrenching situation and sadly these noble creatures we love so much, are not as long lived as other breeds.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I always say the hardest part of loving these special creatures, is losing them.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I always say the hardest part of loving these special creatures, is losing them.
