Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 So I took my 10 year old yellow lab in for his yearly check-up yesterday; he's been panting more, and more loudly, over the last month or so, and I wanted him checked out. The verdict? He has progressive degeneration of the nerves that control his larynx; that causes it to remain closed, interfering with his breathing. When stressed or hot or exerted, and he needs more air, he can't get it without heavy panting; and it will only get worse. Laryngeal paralysis, says the vet. No real options. There is a surgery, but with some serious and likely side effects (like a full-time open larynx, allowing easy aspiration of food and water into the lungs, leading to likely bronchitis and/or pneumonia). Vet's advice - pass on the surgery, try to keep him cool, quiet and un-stressed. I know that my time with this wonderful animal is limited; I know that my wife's heart will be broken; and I dread witnessing his decline into more and more discomfort. Anyone else dealt with this problem? Any suggestions for making him more comfortable? Aw, heck. LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tascosa, SASS# 24838 Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 I know your pain Loop... But never had that problem so I have no advice to give you. Sorry Amigo, but enjoy them while you can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-BAR #18287 Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Bad news from a pet doctor should be treated like bad news from a physician...get a second opinion. Speaking from 24 years of private veterinary practice, the best veterinarians, like the best physicians, welcome second opinions...they want what is best for the patient, not what is best for their egos. Shop for surgery prices also. There is usually a wide range in surgical fees from one veterinarian to another. Referrals from other pet owners and other veterinarians can be a valuable guide. I have not had personal experience diagnosing or treating your dog's condition. Even if I were not a veterinarian, if I could have the surgery done at a reasonable fee, I would risk it. Your dog is already uncomfortable, and it's going to get worse with time. If the surgery doesn't help, you will at least have the peace of mind knowing you gave it a chance. Finally, in my experience, pet owners wait too long to end their pet's discomfort. That's understandable, but unfair to a good companion. When the pet is no longer enjoying himself, and when the pet's presence is a source of concern rather than joy for the owner, it's time. You have my sympathy, been through it with quite a few of my own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 What J-bar said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackcat James SASS# 29509 Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Loophole, Some thoughts one pray on it God does great things, it helped our Winston several times when they said give up he will just fade away. Next as long as the dog has a good attitude and will to live and is not in any pain just enjoy the time left if God's answer is no on prayers. Last a second opion is always good. To bad they only have a short time to give and get love. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reuben McCoy Rankin # 34239 Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Our Britney went through it about a year ago. Keep him as quite and calm as possible. About 6 or 8 months into it we had to say good bye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birdgun Quail, SASS #63663 Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Loop, I can't say much more than has already been said. You'll do what's best for your beloved dog. But when that hard time comes, the last act of love we can give a beloved dog for all his service and loving faithfulness is a painless and graceful exit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted September 23, 2015 Share Posted September 23, 2015 Loop-That's my hand you feel on your shoulder. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calamity Kris Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Prayers up for your dog and your family. We understand how difficult it is to have an ailing companion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 J Bar is right about a second opinion. I had a Lab that had the same problem. Had the surgery done to her and she lived 5 more active, productive years. Had he put down 2 years ago at age 13 1/2. She was a wonderful companion, great hunter and the best dog I have ever had. I now have another female black Lab (Jenny) who is 1 1/2 years old and is a ball of fire! She is definitely helping to fill the void in my life from losing Molly, my last Lab. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 LL, my deepest sympathy for you best friend's affliction. I have no advice on the illness, but I know how much they can mean to a person. Good advice here from some great people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yul Lose Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Monday morning I had to take Mrs. Lose' 12 year old yellow cat into the vet. I knew it wasn't going to go back home but my wife had hopes. Well he had advanced liver cancer and had to be put down. I'm not real fond of cats but this was really hard to do. We waited way to long and it wasn't fair to the cat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted September 25, 2015 Author Share Posted September 25, 2015 My thanks to each of you for your thoughts and kindness. After talking with a second vet, we've decided to do whatever we can to make our pup comfortable, and to pass on the surgery. Man, I love that dog. LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linn Keller, SASS 27332, BOLD 103 Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 My hand on your shoulder, my friend. Many of us here, myself included, have had to make that final decision, whether to say goodbye now, or whether to wait, knowing it will be goodbye and nothing we can do to change it. I don't know which one was worse. Dogs are part of our family. We've never laughed as hard as we have since we got our pair, and I'm not sure if we taught them, or they taught us. Ours discouraged a fleeing felon from trying to break into our house one dark night. Ours licked salty tears from our cheeks when we dealt with other griefs. I know that someday ours too will be gone, and I have to agree with Will Rogers when he observed that when he died, he wanted to go wherever dogs go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdeacon Joe Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 No words can really ease your burden. Sounds like you made a good choice, though. A tough one, but you hit it on the head "we've decided to do whatever we can to make our pup comfortable," Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bama Red Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Loophole - we were in the same position with our thirteen year old yellow Lab two years ago. Although it was not the same disease, we made the same decision as you, to keep him as comfortable and pain-free as possible. When we had to have him put down a little over a year ago, it was the hardest thing I've ever done. God Bless y'all and your pup and give him many more days with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lorelei Longshot, SASS #44256 Life Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Prayers up for you and your dog. Pets are more than just animals. They are family. That said, when their quality of life declines or they are in pain, as hard as it is, you have to make a hard decision. You will know when to make that decision, but it won't hurt you any less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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