My golden retriever was just diagnosed with a huge abdominal tumor. Should I put him to sleep?

Question

He has a lot of pain, spinal arthritis, can not p**p. He is 11 years old and has been my golden boy. I read an article tonight that said even if he survives the surgery that he might only live 6 months at most. During those 6 months he will be in much pain and not have hygiene control. I have never had to put a dog to sleep/death before and this is tearing me up. Please share some wisdom concerning this situation.

Answer 1

Your pain is felt within your words you expressed here. I know personally how hard it is to let go.

Sometimes we have to love our Pets enough to let them go. ...  Animals bring us unconditional love and acceptance and will gladly forgives us when we have failed them. I would advice you to talk to the Vet and ask him/her what they would do if he were their dog. I am sure the Vet will give you good advice as to what is best for your golden boy... And take comfort that he had great joy in sharing his companionship with you.. Sending big hugs...Hang in there...

Answer 2

I went through the same thing with my boxer dog. i made his last days the best he ever had and he lived longer then they thought he would. you should do the same let him know you really care by spending as much time as you can with him. Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm crying right now. It's the kindest thing to do for your friend. I've had to do it to several of my elderly or sick dogs & cats. He won't know a thing about it, he'll just go to sleep. I was only in the room with my last pet, having not had the nerve to witness the deed the previous times. I'm so glad I went with her. It was so peaceful. Tough decision to make, but I know your heart will give you the right answer.

Answer 4

Hello,

I had to put my little love Reggie to sleep 3 weeks ago.  He was diagnosed with lymphoma last March 2 days before his 2nd birthday.  We  were told that there was no cure for lymphoma and the best we could hope for with chemotherapy and radiation therapy would be a remission that would average 6months to year.  I was desperate to have that time with him so we proceeded with the cancer treatments, we got our remission in May and we had exactly 3 weeks of his feeling good before he got sick again , we managed his pain for a while but in the end even morphine didn't help.  it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do but I had to make  the choice to put him to sleep I couldn't stand for him to be in pain any longer.  I guess what I would advise you would be to weigh your options, if there isn't much hope and he would be in pain then do the right thing and let him go peacefully.  Ask me if i would do all those expensive sometimes painful procedures again for him?  No I wouldn't I did them for me not for him because he ended up suffering and I am having tremendous guilt about that now.  It was a blessing that you had him for those 11 years!!  I would give anything to have had that much time with my Reg.  Also know that I am sure that all our beloved animals are going on to a much better place with no pain and perfect health and will be waiting to greet us again when we pass!  I really understand how painful this is and I will pray for you and your furry child.  God bless

Answer 5

you should put it to sleep so it doesnt go through all the pain...

Answer 6

I am so sorry that your dog is ill.  If it were my dog, I would put him to sleep.  As painful and sad as it is, he will spend his last days in constant pain and be very unhappy if you don't.  Do the right thing, put him down and remember what a great dog, friend and companion he was.  

Answer 7

As it turn out, I have abdominal tumors...

You're right. They freakin' hurt. So far, I can control the pain, and am enjoying a good quality of life. When that is no longer the case, I will examine all of my options as a resident of the state of Oregon. Don't confuse quality of life with quantity of life.

I would think he deserves as much love, kindness and respect.  Frankly, he has probably been a better citizen of the world than I have....

Good luck, and big hugs to you both.

Answer 8

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. Death is a traumatic event that is not easily dealt with.

Only you can truly decide if this is the best thing for your boy. You have to honestly consider his quality of life.

We recently had to put down our 18 yr. old dog and it was such a difficult decision to make but one that we ultimately felt was the right one to make for her. She relied on us to take care of her and we knew there was nothing we could do for her medically so it was time.

All I can do is offer some advice, which is to love him for the short time you are given and take lots of pictures. It will help you during the grieving process.

My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight. God Bless.

Answer 9

Yes,have him put down. I had a dog with the same thing and he got to the point where he would not eat at all.He also could not defecate and was in a lot of pain.He was 10 and weighed 110 lbs.He lost 15 lbs in a week and I could see the pain in his eyes,so I took him to be put down.Of course I stayed with him,and as he was losing consciousness,he looked at me and let out a little howl - he was always a talker. I know he was saying goodbye.My sweet Nox,I wish I would have let him go sooner,but we humans are selfish at times.So my advice to you would be to take him and let him go to sleep in your arms and don't let him be in pain any longer. I am so sorry,I know exactly how you feel.

Answer 10

i just had a dog with a similar situation.  He had a tumor the size of a softball pushing on his stomach.  It was causing him to have severe bowel issues, and digestion problems.  His appetite was pretty much gone, and he was seriously making a mess of my house since he had massive diarrhea (gross, Yes)

The choice was either surgery or probably death.  I opted with surgery.  It was very expensive. VERY. I don't think I'd do it again for a dog, especially one 10+ years old.  But, on the other hand, his surgery was 4 months ago already, and he is doing so well.  He's old, yes, but he's acting like a normal dog again, and it's great.  I don't know how much pain he was in prior to the surgery, since he's a really quiet dog, and doesn't cry unless the pain is massive. so... I don't really know the pain level prior to surgery.  But is is obvious he feels better now.  

I don't know how things will turn out if you go for surgery for your dog.  My situation turned out well, and I am so grateful, but I could have just as easily lost my dog mid surgery too.

Regardless, the situation is a tough one.  It is hard to pull the plug on your own dog.  And there really is no right answer here.  I wish you the best of luck in whatever decision you make.  Remember, you dog will be happier when he is out of pain.. whether it is from surgery or endless sleep, and he, I'm sure, has had a wonderful life with you, so, no regrets.