Dealing with Cushing's Disease

[slinger]

I've read all the stickies, and have been following the recent threads regarding when a dog should be PTS.

I am a true believer that it is our duty, as animal owners, to speak for them and do what is best for THEM.

I had no trouble doing this last November for my Sofie. I knew it was the right thing to do, and that she would be at peace.

Now I'm facing this decision again. Jordan is my 11 year old Rott/Mastiff. He was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease in Feburary.

We decided not to treat this for many reasons. It is my understanding that Cushing's masks pain, and that seems to be true for Jordan. He has elbow dysplasia, arthritic hips, and degenerative spine, but seems to be in no pain. He seems happy, and eats and drinks well. The main problem is that he is getting very weak in his hind end. Maybe that's not even the right word. He has no trouble getting up, but when he walks he stumbles and trips frequently. You could push him over very easily. Sometimes when he takes a step, his toes on his back legs stay curled and he will place them down this way. (Does this make sense?)

We keep thinking that his time is real close. There are times that he is so weak that he can hardly stand, but then he'll lay down, and a little while later, he's fine again. I'd say that 80% of the time he's good.

What I'm trying to determine, is if he really is in any pain.

I'd love to hear other's opinions.

Thank you,
Leanne

[slinger]

Doesn't anyone have any opinions?

Pleeaase.

[SaranBear]

None of us live with your dog. None of us can read him the way that you can. What do YOU think? It's about the dog's quality of life. Can he still do the things he loves to do? No one can tell you what to do. You know him best. I can't say if he's in pain or not. I hope he's not, but ultimately it's something you need to determine. I'm very very sorry for your situation. It must be heartbreaking. I wish you the best.

[Dugganmom]

If your dogs quality of life is going down it may be time to let go....i dont know alt about cushings but i think the word you are looking for is LAMENESS in the rear end I may be wrong though....keep us posted on your decsion

[KatMc]

Slinger,
That's a tough call for us to even make with our own dogs. You know Jordan the best.

But it's up to us to make the final call. Knowing you want to let Jordan go with dignity you need to keep that in mind.

I had a 22 yr old cat and I kept thinking she's doing okay....and I knew I was going to have to make that decision. One day when she was trying to get to the litter box, she fell over and her bladder let loose, so she was laying in her own urine. Fortunately I was in the room with her, the look in her eyes when she looked at me was like she was trying to say, "I'm sorry mom, I tried to make it...." HOW, could I possibly have been mad at her and that's how I felt she was thinking, like she owed ME an apology.... That's when I made my decision. She had been my friend for more than half my life. I owed her her dignity.

If 80% of the time he's good, how bad is the other 20%? Look deep in your heart and be honest about how much is really good. Someone on here said something about a list, and when their dog could no longer do 1/2 of those (something like that), they knew that the quality of life for their companion was not what they deserved.

Good luck in your decision, I know the times I've struggled to make that choice, once I made up my mind I was at peace.

You and Jordan will be in my thoughts and prayers,
Kathy

[slinger]

Thanks you guys.

I know that you cannot possibly know how he's doing.

Dugganmom - No, he is not lame whatsoever. I think the best way to describe it is, a loss of coordination in his hind end.

My husband and I were gone all day today taking my daughter to camp. My son called to say that the air conditioner wasn't working. It got up to 90 degrees in the house. They tried to keep him as cool as they could. They put ice in his water, and put a fan right on him.

We got home at 7:00. He was very weak in his hind end. He looks like a GSD down on his hocks. (No offense to GSD owners! ) And his legs were pretty shakey.

I know his time is real close, and now I'm beginning to think that maybe I was putting it off more for us. It seems that the heat is going to be real hard for him. I know it's not fair to put him through it.

I know it needs to be done, and I don't want to seem like I'm putting it off. After coming home this evening, and seeing him this weak, I think it's time.

I'll let you all know what tomorrow brings, and thank you for your thoughts.

[spoiledbabies3]

Leanne...You have had 11 wonderful years with Jordan. Unfortunately, I am unfamiliar with cushings disease, but all too familiar with cancer. Making the decision to help your beloved rottie cross the bridge is one of the most difficult things you will do. I am so sorry that you must make this decision so close to having to let Sophie go to the bridge. I understand the dilemma you are facing as I myself am facing the same one, I helped Sasha (7 1/2) through lymphoma and she left us on Feb 3. On Apr 15 Samson had his 10th birthday, 4 days before he was also diagnosed with cancer also. We wait for him to let us know when he's ready to join Sasha. Jordan expects you to be the strong one, he is relying on you to do what is right. He has given you unconditional love his entire life, it is up to you now to provide him with that very same unconditional love. He deserves the dignity that only you can give him. Look in his eyes, they will tell you when it's time. One of the experienced members on this forum has said, "Make a list of the 4 things he loves to do the most, when he can't do 2 of them then it's time to let him go." (I think that's how it goes.) My heart breaks for you because holding him while he leaves this earth and crosses the bridge is one of the hardest things we as responsible owners do, yet it is also one of the most important. Our beloved rotties feel safe in our arms as they let go of this earth and wait for us at the bridge. It is important for you to hold him tight and then let him go. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as you struggle with this most important decision. When it's Jordan's time, he will meet lots of new friends at the bridge and I know my Sasha will welcome him. God Bless You and Jordan.

[slinger]

Well, Jordan is the same today. We got the air conditioner going, so we're going to keep him comfortable today, and have him PTS tomorrow morning. I don't want to go alone, and my husband has the day off tomorrow.

"Make a list of the 4 things he loves to do the most, when he can't do 2 of them then it's time to let him go."

This really made me realize that it was time. Jordan cannot do at least two of his favorite things. He used to get the zoomies on the grass around the pool. We'd say "GO!" and he was off. He also loved to go swimming.

I didn't realize how long it had been since he could do those things. He was able to swim last year, but we really had to limit it. It's been several years since he got the zoomies.

Please pray for Jordan. I know that Sofie will be there waiting for him. Just thinking of the two of them playing together makes me cry tears of joy.

Thank you all.
Leanne

[spoiledbabies3]

Leanne...I understand your mixed emotions. Jordan needs you to be his strength. I am so sorry that you are having to endure the pain that goes with loving him. I am having the same mixed emotions, I can slowly see Samson deteriorating and I know that one day soon it will be my turn to help him cross the bridge. He's not ready yet, but when he tells me with his eyes he's ready to join Sasha then our family will all be together one last time as he leaves the pain of cancer behind and joins those who have gone before him. Tears stream down my face as I type this because I know all too well what it is like to have the loss of 2 rotties so close together. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. You and Jordan are blessed to have shared such a long and fruitful life together. Keep his memories strong and they will help your heart to heal. And I know Sofie will meet him at the bridge...God Bless you on this most difficult journey. Arlene

[slinger]

Jordan crossed the bridge this morning.

I know that Sofie was there to greet him. He went very peacefully. Our house has never been without dogs, and my 10 year old daughter has never known life without dogs. It's a very strange feeling... the house seems so empty. We will get another Rott when the time is right, but we are in no hurry. We will find an ethical breeder and do it right this time.

Thank you to all for your support.

Leanne

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by slinger

Jordan crossed the bridge this morning.

I know that Sofie was there to greet him. He went very peacefully. Our house has never been without dogs, and my 10 year old daughter has never known life without dogs. It's a very strange feeling... the house seems so empty. We will get another Rott when the time is right, but we are in no hurry. We will find an ethical breeder and do it right this time.

Thank you to all for your support.

Leanne

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed Jordan. You and Sofie are reunited now. Fly on your wings of gold and watch over your family, they need you to be their "special rottie angel". Leanne...This forum is a great support group...they helped me tremendously when I lost Sasha in Feb. Take care of yourself and your family. Arlene

[Bucky's Mom]

Originally Posted by slinger

Jordan crossed the bridge this morning.

It is the hardest and kindest thing we do. I am sorry for your loss.

Lisa (Bucky's Mom)

[Vista]

Please offer your support in the Rainbow Bridge forum:

Jordan Crossed the Bridge