Two years ago I had to put my 5 year old Rott Bruno to sleep because of HD.
He also started showing signs of HD while young, and grew too quickly and too big.
Since his HD was severe and in both hips, we did consult and get a few opinions on what to do. My own vet was the most honest, she thought since he was so big (147lbs and slim) we would not be able to care for him after any surgery. Also the cost was very high..I was quoted $3000. per hip.
We decided to treat him with supplements and diet and mild exercise and keep him happy and comfortable as long as we could. The first vet that diagnosed him at 9 months of age...said that we should euthanize him there and then.
After seeing another vet..we decided to get him on high doses of glucosamine and chondroitin, feed a raw diet (BARF), salmon oil,MSN and ester-C...these all help with the inflammation caused by the arthritis...bone rubbing on bone.
He did fairly well till he was about 4 years of age...and then we started him on pain medication and he did the series of Adequen injections. He would be good for 2-3 months, then have a hard time standing up or even going down a few steps to go outside to pee.
We continued upping the pain meds...and doing the Adequen...but by the age of 5, nothing much was helping his comfort level anymore.
I could see the pain, his ears back..his eyes dull.
He never missed a meal or anything...but with his difficulty of just being able to get up and go outside...we could not leave him this way.
It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do...put a 5 year old, loving, gentle, shiney coated ,healthy looking dog to sleep.....because he could not walk.
The injections were good..probably gave him another comfortable year..it was well worth it.
I know how you are feeling...and when the time comes where the dog is too uncomfortable...then you must do what is right for the dog.
Gina