14 y/o dog with recurring bloody noses, coughing up blood

[Norasmomma]

I recently posted that my 14 y/o dog was incontinent, well her situation is getting worse. She now has been having recurrent bloody noses, and has had a hacking cough with some blood. It's becoming obvious that things are deteriorating pretty badly. I'm just looking for ways to make her more comfortable and yes the thought of putting her down is very much there. Dh and I have had her most of her life and we are both at terms with putting her down. Not really looking for advice, just maybe some support in this sad journey. The bloody nose issue just started, the hacking cough has been for awhile-the blood is all a new thing. I don't really feel the need to take her to the vet when it's obvious to me that she's just at the end of a very good life with us(I don't want to sound cold hearted it's just the truth). Thanks for any advice.

[greenmagick]

My mom and her dh were just grappling with the decision of whether or not to put down there 15 yo lab mix...she was having a really hard time walking, horrible anxiety, etc. Last night, out of nowhere she started siezing. She seized for over 40 min while they rushed her to the vet where she then died before they could put her down. I know my stepdad right now is feeling guilty that he didnt put her down peacefully sooner as it was very traumatic for them all.

Also, I have known of several dogs that ended up with bloody noses, and it was cancer in those cases. Not saying thats what it is but it could be.

[Norasmomma]

Yeah that's what I really don't want to have happen. It's hard. She may very well have cancer or something else as serious going on. Last time she went to the vet he did say that she was getting to the point where there's really no turning back(pretty much like what can you do). She's also pretty deaf and this am we thought she was lost while we were camping. She's starting to just have a terrible time and I am feeling like we should probably really start thinking about putting her down. We can't take her anywhere anymore, she just is not doing so hot. Dh and I have talked about this, it's just hard. ugh...she is just not doing so hot.

[phatchristy]

Cats hide pain and suffering very well. She may be suffering tremendously. Is the cost the main issue why you don't want to take her to the vet? If you decide that you're not willing to treat her you can literally walk in there and explain the issues, and that you wish to euthanize her. You could just call up multiple vets and find out their cost, it's likely to be inexpensive, as cats are small. The last time I had to euthanize a cat it was under $90 including the burial. Or you could contact the local humane society, I've sent an aquaintance there once when they couldn't afford to euthanize their dog, and they did it for free (though she said she donated $20 because she could afford that). Sometimes a natural death can be quiet and peaceful, but more often it is quite traumatic for the pet and family.

No matter what your decision is, sending hugs and good thoughts for your cat for a peaceful passing.

[phatchristy]

Hey, posted exactly when you did. I hope if finances are a help that some of the suggestions I made in the previous post can help.

[Norasmomma]

She's a dog and I don't want to treat her issues, i.e. doggie chemo or anything like that. Putting her to sleep isn't a financial issue for us, treatment of a serious illness like cancer is a big financial issue for us, plus she is 14. I don't want her suffering and am coming to grips with the fact that her end is near-this isn't an easy thing for any of us.

I also live in the country and she has only gone to one vet and that would be who I would take her to.

[greenmagick]

may sound hooky, but I would sit down and "talk" with her. Let her know what you are thinking, feeling, etc and see if the answer becomes clearer. I do believe if you are willing to listen, they will let you know when its time.

[Nicole915]

I'm so sorry for what you're dealing with, it sounds like she's had a good long life. Since she had always gone to the same vet, it sounds like you have a really good vet/client/patinet relationship... which means in some cases he may be willing to give you some good guidance over the phone or get your pup some pain management (or something to stop the coughing, if that is causing the bloody nose to happen more frequently), so that the last bit of her life is less painful. You might also ask about home euthanasia, its a service that some vets still offer, and being able to let her lay on her bed while you say goodbye can be so much less stressful than going into the animal hospital.

Thinking good thoughts for you and your creature.

[PlayaMama]

my aussie started coughing blood a few days before i decided it was time to put her to sleep. she did have cancer as well as heart problems and i just knew it was time because her tail stopped wagging. it was a few days and she just wasn't happy anymore.

in fact, my mom (vet tech for 30 years) came to my house to put her down and she finally wagged her tail. it was pretty heartbreaking.

anyhoo, my mom has found that if you inject the euthanol into their abdominal cavity rather than a vein it allows them a more relaxed "going to sleep" experience. the iv injection can be rather quick. ellie literally went to sleep and was breathing easily (finally!) for about 15 minutes before she passed, it gave me time too.

mama!

[phatchristy]

Woops, I'm sorry about the mix up! I don't know how I got to thinking that she was a cat! I think somehow I thought you were the owner of the cat w/incontinence issues that had been posted about.

Like the others said, at that age when they're geriatric you start to see the major issues--and I don't think that anyone with a geriatric animal is seriously going to talk about much treatment with a cancer.

Either way, a lot of what I said still holds true for dogs as cats (I am familiar with dogs, grew up with them though don't currently own dogs as my life is so busy with a houseful of kids!).

A lot of us have been there with our animals, after one rather heartbreaking experience here where it took too long to get to the vet, I'd honestly rather err on the side of euthanizing BEFORE they experience any major discomforts or pain. Dogs don't know the future, they only know what they feel in the here and now. It's best to keep them from suffering at all. And, I don't see that ANY reasonable vet would turn that dog away from euthanasia.

Either way, . I'm sorry that you're going through this and I know it's a hard time.

[Norasmomma]

Originally Posted by greenmagick

may sound hooky, but I would sit down and "talk" with her. Let her know what you are thinking, feeling, etc and see if the answer becomes clearer. I do believe if you are willing to listen, they will let you know when its time.

Oh she's a very emotional dog and has always been extremely sensitive and understanding. If I were to talk with her it would be very easy for me to see what she is feeling. I already know what it is, I think DH and I need to really talk about it. It's just starting to appear that she is not that happy anyway, I mean it's weird she's geriatric she has good days and bad days, just like everyone. I feel like maybe we need to take her to do a few things she used to enjoy and them maybe it is time to put her down. Ugh.

[greenmagick]

Im so sorry mama....I know its hard

[rainsmom]

Sorry for your agonizing situation. I had to put one dog down who had kidney disease.......it was really hard, and I did talk to her and i could tell she was in pain and wanted to go. Now ive got a 14yo that is still going strong, but i know I will again be faced with that situation again. Its part of pet ownership and really the kindest thing we can do for them.

she could also be in pain as well......I would definetly either call or visit your vet to discuss. My vet euthanizes for free. They only charge to come to your home, which we did for our other dog.

sorry again, and I hope you come to a resolution...