When is it time to say Goodbye to our Furry Friends?

This has been a very sad week for my husband and I. Our Cairn Terrier of 13 years, Katie Belle went to dog heaven. Even as a veterinarian we have to make these decisions just like our clients. We are pet owners and love our pets. Our animals get sick and have chronic diseases just like your pets. Yes we have the medical knowledge to care for our pet, but our emotions for our furry friends run deep. Sometimes it is worse because we are supposed to heal and cure the sick. We try to the best of our ability but sometimes we do all we can do and can't save them. Then we are faced with the decision 'when is it time to euthanize my pet? I always tell my clients you will know in your heart. I have them answer three questions: 1 Do you think your pet is enjoying a decent quality of life? 2. Do you think they are happy? 3. Does it break your heart to see them? If you answer yes to these questions, then it is time to say goodbye. Our pets give us unconditional love for many years. The kindest thing we can do when they get old and sick is to let them cross the rainbow bridge. It is selfish of us just to keep them alive because we hate to say goodbye.

Katie had been battling kidney disease for 6 months. She had a great quality of life up till the last week. She did not want to eat well. She stayed hidden under the bed and sofa. She always did the "catfood dance" first thing in the morning when I let my cats out of their room. Sunday she did not do that dance, she would not come out of the bed for her favorite treat. She had labored breathing and the look of Mamma please let me go. I had done everything in my medical power to help her. I had consulted specialists and even considered a kidney transplant. This was not feasible and the prognosis was poor for her to get any better and have a decent quality of life. So we made the decision it was time to say goodbye.

Things to consider if your pet has a chronic disease are: will the treatment be worse than the disease itself, cost and will I be ready for good days and bad days. A decent quality of life is being able to eat, drink, and sleep comfortably without shortness of breath. They should be interested in what is going on around them. Be able to go outside for eliminations and have control of bowel and bladder movements. They should not be in pain. Taking all these things into consideration will help you make the best decision for your beloved friend.

I hope you are not faced with these decisions, but if you are a pet owner and your pets live long enough these situations will arise. If you have questions about your pet and when it is time to say good bye or about euthanasia please contact Dr. Norette L Underwood of Trumann Animal Clinic and Best Friends Vet Mobile Service at catdoc56@pcsii.com