ChicUnique
Well-Known Member
Hi everyone,
I have a 6/7 year old staffy who 2 weeks ago suddenly developed a limp, and was in pain. I took her straight to the vets, who said she was getting to the age where arthritis is common. She took a biopsy of a lump on her back leg (its her front end that's painful) and prescribed her Metacam for the pain. She's on a diet and not to exercise her.
Anyway. The results came back clear her lump is just a cyst.
She is still limping although appears to be in no pain. She's still eating and drinking.
The vet wanted to xray her but I quite simply can't afford to pay £200 for the xrays. She developed an ear infection this week, which is now under control and being treated.
She's very grey and old looking for her age but a much loved family pet. I won't let her suffer and I refuse to drag her life out for my own benefit while she is doped up on pain meds. Currently she is on Metacam once a day.
Where do I draw the line? My biggest concern is my 2 young children (2 and 5 months) I'm always very cautious with them around any animals and am terrified that if she is having a sore day they hurt her which would cause her to snap at them. I keep telling myself she is an animal, but its so difficult when I've had her since she was 6weeks old she's a part of pur family. My husband and I can't decide what to do for the best. I don't want to rush into having her put to sleep, and I don't want to keep her suffering.
Thought I would post on here for some advice from people that don't know me or my family or dog as feelings can get in the way. At what point do I draw the line and have her put to sleep?
I have a 6/7 year old staffy who 2 weeks ago suddenly developed a limp, and was in pain. I took her straight to the vets, who said she was getting to the age where arthritis is common. She took a biopsy of a lump on her back leg (its her front end that's painful) and prescribed her Metacam for the pain. She's on a diet and not to exercise her.
Anyway. The results came back clear her lump is just a cyst.
She is still limping although appears to be in no pain. She's still eating and drinking.
The vet wanted to xray her but I quite simply can't afford to pay £200 for the xrays. She developed an ear infection this week, which is now under control and being treated.
She's very grey and old looking for her age but a much loved family pet. I won't let her suffer and I refuse to drag her life out for my own benefit while she is doped up on pain meds. Currently she is on Metacam once a day.
Where do I draw the line? My biggest concern is my 2 young children (2 and 5 months) I'm always very cautious with them around any animals and am terrified that if she is having a sore day they hurt her which would cause her to snap at them. I keep telling myself she is an animal, but its so difficult when I've had her since she was 6weeks old she's a part of pur family. My husband and I can't decide what to do for the best. I don't want to rush into having her put to sleep, and I don't want to keep her suffering.
Thought I would post on here for some advice from people that don't know me or my family or dog as feelings can get in the way. At what point do I draw the line and have her put to sleep?