Posted by sue3 on August 20, 2000 at 12:05:38:
In Reply to: I'm sorry to hear that...more posted by Katherine on August 20, 2000 at 11:24:29:
i do agree with katherine, lisa. i have also had to make the decision to end the suffering. but i didnt feel as much guilt as i did relief, that my animal was done suffering and i could do something about that process...i feel that this is what i would want someone to do for me. i sat and watched my grandfather die. it was horrible for everyone, especially my 92 year old grandmother, as they had spent 76 years together. she still wishes she could have done something more for him.
the decision is yours to make, and we will support whatever you decide...only you know what is best for you and yours... keeping you in my prayers! sue3
: I'm not saying give up on him, but if he reaches the point he is no longer enjoying life, the kindest thing to do would be consider euthanasia. I know it's a very hard choice, but it's also very hard to watch a pet suffer until death. I had a rabbit that became very ill, and he became so weak I had to help him out of his litter box. I knew the time was near when I coudln't force feed him anymore. I made called the vet in the morning, but he died in my car in the clinic parking lot. I hope to never have to watch another of my animals die that way... and yes, I have had a pet euthanized, too. I hope when I go, it's as peacefully as that...
: I'm sorry to hear the news about your ig.
: Katherine
:
: : Hello everyone. Well, it is confirmed that my Ig Stevie does have kidney/liver failure. So basically at this point, he is shutting down and it is a very long grueling process for me to witness. I can't even force-feed him water anymore (he won't swallow), not anything. He is looking very dehydrated, his eyes are sinking in. Everytime I think "this is it" and finally feel some relief that he is at peace, he pops back up and comes back to life and moves around again. I called the vet who is on-call today and she said that basically with these guys when they are shutting down their breathing slows (he takes a breath like every 2 minutes by opening mouth up wide) and they sort of go into hibernation. This could go on for days, she said. I don't feel comfortable euthenizing him, it hurts me too bad, but I don't want to see hime like this. I suppose it will get worse over the next few days. Has anyone been through this and can offer advice or think I should euthenize because it is going to get worse each day? I had an ig once that had gone into seizures for days before she died and I don't know if this is what comes next with this. I can't bear to watch that again....
: : Lisa