quality of life issue

[lizbeth]

My adorable 12 year old pug has started to have many problems in the last six months. Her tail stopped curling. She could not walk as far. Then in the last two months she has declined much more quickly. Lost control of her ability to hold her poop. Now she can't hardly use her hind legs at all. Most days cannot walk at all. And she can't hold her urine. She still wants to be around me and engage. But, I work all day and I have to keep diapers on her. Not too good for her to be immobile and in diapers for a long day.
If she did not engage with us then I would say it is time to say goodbye. What a hard thing. Vet says she will not get better. Arthritis medicine and anti inflammatory do not help. Pain meds don't help although if we are gentle with her she does not seem to be in pain. But sometime she can't get comfortable. Now have her on a medication to see if she can regain bladder control. Any advice or words of encouragement? She is such a sweetheart. Her name is Princess Pansy and she has always been a princess and a pansy too!!!

[bumble]

There will be others here who have had the same problem; I'm sure they'll be along shortly to help. Whatever you decide, I'll hold both you and Princess Pansy in the light.

[PugSavers]

About 6 years ago I agreed to foster a pug for PugSavers. He had never been able to walk because his front legs were fused since birth. He couldn't tell me when he needed to go potty, so I was the one who had to adapt. Tiny Tim never knew he was "handicapped". He loved being held and he thought he was a fierce as the biggest Pit Bull. I learned a lot about the term "quality of life" with him. Sadly, he passed away this past March at the age of 12. (he also had a myriad of other health issues).

My heart pug, Bailey, became unable to walk at all in January 2009 and stayed with me until Valentines day this year. I set him outside to potty often and kept many towels under him during the day. Poop and pee happens...I just cleaned it up.

I had accupuncture treatments for both pugs and I am convinced it gave Bailey another 6 months of mobility.

There are also carts that can be used to assist in mobility. You would be amazed at how they can adapt to those carts.

Personally, if they are not in pain and can eat and enjoy being loved, that is quality of life for a pug.

Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

[shaynapug]

I think each of us has to make our own decision...

Quality of life is very important....and that varies with what we as individuals can handle!

My Solo walks and poops....Also poops in our bed! He's peed a few times, but doesn't mind the belly band. If he did....then I wouldn't let him be uncomfortable..nor would I make him sleep elsewhere! It would no longer be his quality of life!

My Dreamer had a spinal stenosis...peed and pooped. As long as it didn't bother him, I was fine with it. I came home from work one day and he was sitting in his filth..and was soaking wet. He was shaking!!!! I put him down the next day!

Some people cannot stand the pooping......and or peeing..... so each is different.

Whatever you decide will not be the wrong decision for your baby and for you!

[tall grass pugs]

May I make a gentle suggestion, take the time to carefully bathe your baby and watch the color of the water. Is it darkening substantially, a hint that she is lying in her own urine or is leaking consistantly, and you are sudsing/rinsing the residue. If she has to be on her own, can you gently restrain her with an x pen and lots of chux pads for accidents and traction. Are you thrilled with your vet, or would you feel better with a second opinion. My own Princess at 17 1/2 is slowly losing control of her hind legs, but her coat is slick and glossy and her appetite hasn't diminished. Princess has stuck to me close no matter how dark the days, and I will stick by her at this stage of life. And I bet you stay with your Princess as well. A thought, vet supplied Senior food is no favor to the dog. Princess, well my Princess, has gained ground on Ziwipeak which promises great nutrition and small poops.

[suepug]

I am a firm believer that they let you know when it is time I went through the same thing with one of my precious babies she was 14 and a half she let me know when it was time

[Frankie2009]

Boy, does that sound familiar! it is never easy to watch them start to go down hill. it almost may be that time that you may have to make the tough choice. My old dog Dusty who was 16, started to have the same problems, We were back and fourth a thosand times! But one night she had a stroke or a severe seisure, and we then knew it was time....It only been just over a month, still tough, but i knew it was the right choice to let her go to the rainbow bridge. As her body was failing her spirt, she was fisty till the end and even, on her last day she still tried so hard, to be her old self....but couldn't. That was the hardest part! I still miss her like crazy...and I tear up on ocasion thinking about her. Luckily, we had our little puggers "frankie" who is just over a year to help....he knew i was upset and gave me lots of Pug hugs and Kisses. I hope that this works out for her.....Even with "dusty" i never minded the accidents...as she was such a good dog....everything cleans. i hope you still have a few more years with your precious puggie!!!! I am hoping for the Best!!!

[Pugpillow]

Oh yes, I'm dealing with this with two of mine right now. And one two months ago and one a year ago. It's not an easy issue, is it? For me, the overriding consideration is - are they happy? I can work around all the infirmities if they are happy. When they stop being happy, I help them on their way. I'm sending all my best to you and the Princess.

[6 Beautiful Pugs]

Assuming you can meet the demands...when "the light" goes out of her eyes, when she is no longer happy, interested and alert, and/or when she is no longer interested in eating are good indicators she is ready to go.

I am so sorry you and your old girl are facing these issues. Spend the time you have left wisely and generously.

Take care,
Lisa

[Donandpug]

HM has a vet visit today. She has started the tail drooping, won't/can't jump up on her favorite chair any longer, is wobbly getting up and has slowed in walking. But she eats like a horse, perks up at the sound of our neighbor coming in (she loves Mr. Will and knows he keeps treats), and still gets around ok. She has no bowel or bladder issues, so hopefully some medication will help. She was 11 in April and has been the epitome of health... so far.