Katie's DM is getting worse. At least I think she is and I don't know if it's time. She's totally immobile in her hind quarters and drags herself around. She's been that way for awhile but only recently has she started to have accidents in the house. 2 in the last 24 hours. I know eventually I need to let her go but it kills me when she's so bright and happy and wants to do everything she could do before. It's tearing my heart out to watch her struggle with this.

How did you know when it's time? (She's my first dog that's mine... as in she wasn't a family dog where I wasn't the ultimate decision maker.) I thought somewhere I read about a quality of life chart but I can't find it now. I have an appointment with her vet today to look her over.



Dena

Dena, I looked up the info that Jean had posted and made the Sticky's so now they are above your post.

I haven't had to deal with a dog with DM. I have no advice you you with quality of life, because with DM the body can't but the brain is still active and healthy.

Oh Dena, I'm sorry... It's so difficult when the mind and spirit are alive and well and the body is giving out. Have you thought about a wheelchair (I'm sure you have, because I think we talked about that...). Murphy's acupuncture vet just told me that you can rent them from:

http://www.dog-swim.com/

That's where I did the hydrotherapy with Max. Might be worth talking to them to see if they have any ideas to help her.

Call me if I can help...

Dena, I'm so sorry to hear that! Let me know if you need any help...I'm 10 mins away!

Wow, I am so sorry..... I have not dealt with DM before. I know some folk will use a cart for mobility and panties for incontinence.

By the time my dogs had gotten to this point the brain was no longer very active either, one dog did not really know who we were anymore. They were ready to go to the bridge, but DM is different. I think it more heartbreaking as the mind is still there.

I am not sure I would do the cart but I have not been in your shoes either with DM.

Dena, I think Katie's DM is at the same stage as Starine's and I know that you have a cart too. About a month ago I was concerned that Star's was progressing because she had a poop accident in the house. But it turned out to be more of an isolated incident than anything. Since then she's had an occasional accident, but I have not seen any other changes. She poops pretty much on schedule so that helps. She gets around indoors like Katie, she scoots. I think it's easier for her to get around this way than when she had some use of her back legs. (For people who haven't seen a dog at this stage it may sound horrible, but it isn't) Star has been swimming weekly since December and, while she only uses her back legs a little while swimming, I'm hoping that keeping her front legs strong will slow down the progression to the front. Unless something else changes with her health, when it progresses to the front legs is probably when I'll be making a decision.

I don't know if that is helpful or not, since this is such a personal choice. Sending lots of hugs to you and Katie.

I don't have any advice, but I did want to say that I am sorry that you are going through a difficult time.

I know you will make the right decision for Katie and yourself whatever that may be.

Thinking of you during this time...

Prayers to you and Katie!

Thanks everyone... I'm feeling a little better. We just came back for a long walk. Katie has a cart that she uses outside and she scoots around the house like Star does. I was feeling really awful since she's had a few poop accidents. 2 were really isolated incidents awhile ago. What really got me was she had one last night and one this morning. The problem was the one this morning was right after she came in from outside.

We have a check-up early this afternoon and we'll see what the vet says about her progress. Naturally, a squirrel came across our path during our walk and she took off after it, wheels and all! I laughed then cried. She's all there in her head.

I hope this is just a step and not the end.

Not having been through this myself, no insights to share, just lots of support in whatever decisions that you make

I am with Lisa with no experience with this. But your story about the squirrel was wonderful. Whatever the outcome and however long you have her, you will have such great memories.

You will know when it is time. It kind of hits you like a rock, then you begin to accept it.

So we went for a checkup this afternoon and the vet thinks she looks as great as can be expected for a dog with her advanced DM. To me that's like saying "You look as good as can be expected after having a major stroke!" but I'll take it.

Katie still has deep pain reflexes and she's got good response to a lot of the tests she did. That's good. She's still got good anal tone so the vet thinks that the accidents will be more like isolated incidents and was pleased that she doesn't have urinary incontinence.

We discussed euthanasia and what to expect from that and I cried a lot. We've decided to keep an eye on her and she'll let us know when it's time. I don't think she's ready just yet and I know I'm not. I'm trusting her to tell me that she's tired and ready.

Sigh. Today sucked.

I think you needed that. I wish for you more good days with Katie.

Sending good thoughts to you and Katie.

Dena, I am so relieved that both you and Katie are not ready yet, because Star and I certainly are not! I understand how awful today was for you and, yes, DM totally sucks. And it should not be happening to our beautiful wonderful girls. Sending tons more hugs to you both. And let's kick this despicable disease in the you know what!!! (We need a kick in the butt smilie)

I am sending you both my best thoughts

lots. Hoping for many more good days for Katie.

Oh Dena, I had no idea Katie was doing so poorly! I do think she'll let you know when it's time, and it sounds like she's not there yet.

I'm so so sorry that something like this is happening, hopefully she will have many more years with you.