Question on When Its Time

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Hollybears

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I posted a few days ago about Holly having heart issues took her to a Specialist Group and they performed Electrocardiogram, blood pressure test Ultrasound Cardiac Study x ray and pulse assessment. Her issues of collapsing have gotten worse with as much as going out to go potty she will general collapse immediately after. They had suggested to see a Cardiologist but honestly she is 16 has lead a good full life and my fear is them putting her on meds that will ultimately put into kidney failure. Her levels increased just from being on the enapril for only 10 days. Her heart murur is a grade 5 and a month ago it was a 3 . Her red blood cell count showed a very mild anemia and blood pressure was normal. She does have ruptured chordae tendinae which I know there is no treatment for. She last night layed on my stomach for 9 hours straight (she normally doesn't do this wants her own space. By this am I had made the decision to not seek any further treatment to watch her and put her down when I felt it was time, her eyes are still bright. She always surprises me and today bounced back a little, but my feeling is she is so far down that she will probably never come back and I want her to have quality of life. I am ready to let go but I feel she hasn't reached that point yet. If anyone has any advice on this I would really appeciate it, I am scared of making the wrong decision, its heartbreaking to say the least. Thanks in advance for any responses! Holly's mommy ♥
 
I am so sorry to hear of how Holly is going. My heart just breaks for you. Her eyes will tell you when it is time. You may not have to make the decision - she may make herself.

If it were my dog, I would not do anything heroic at this point. If her heart murmur has worsened that much in just a few months, then cherish each and every moment you have with her.

Hugs and prayers :hugs
 
I am so sorry that you are facing this difficult decision with your sweet girl.

From what you've said, it sounds like you are on a good path with her: you've made the decision to stop treatment, and you have good, sound reasons for doing so. You can see that Holly is still looking bright and interested in life. You seem to be really attuned to her, and that's wonderful.

When we were caring for our 15-year-old during her last weeks with congestive heart failure, something that we kept in mind was how she was likely to pass away. Our vet told us that dogs with CHF do not usually "go peacefully in their sleep". It was more likely that the end would come very gradually, and that she would experience distress as the fluid in her chest built up. What if she had difficulty breathing while we were away from home? We didn't want that for her.

As the days passed, she had more trouble getting up, and spent more time sleeping. She stopped eating, and two days later Mom and I came home from running errands to find her on her side, unable to rise. As much as we had hemmed and hawed over the past week, we both knew immediately that it was time.

I hope that you will know when it is time, too. You know your girl better than anyone, and I think you'll be able to see when she is ready to go.
 
Just keep in mind that, your decisions are made with love in your heart, trying to do what's best for Holly. Don't second guess yourself. There isn't any "perfect time" for euthanasia. You just have to go with your heart, and do what you think is best.
 
Thank you so much for all your support I really am very grateful the hardest part was per the Internal Medicine if its just Hypertension its treatable but if its irregular rhythm than that can be very tricky They wanted her to wear a holter for a week which honestly this dog I don't believe will survive another week of these collapses. I have read so much on this and most of the time it seems they never really find out what exactly is causing the problem. She was so stressed after spending a day yesterday at the Ventura Specialty Hospital I just couldn't bring myself to have her poked and prodded for another day. Especially with a murmur that is already at a stage 5 I just don't think its worth putting her through all of this to gain a little more time that may not even be a good quality of life. This is the hardest decision I have ever made and when she perks up and looks at me I think oh no I should of taken her to the Cardiologist!! She is a strong willed little one only 6 pounds she isn't going to give up easy. I will survive this somehow and hopefully make the right decision for you. Thanks again!
 
Thank you once again, Holly went to doggie Heaven at about 1:40 this morning, what an amazing dog she had moved to the bottom of the bed sometime in the night but I woke up to her head on my lap and somehow I knew she was ready to go, she did it on her own time, her way and at her most favorite place to be so I am grateful for that. She was a tiny thing only 6 pounds but had a heart that was much bigger! Thanks again for all the support. ♥
 
I'm very sorry to hear that Holly is gone, but happy that it happened in her own way and her own time. What a gift that is. I wish you peace and wonderful memories of your precious little girl. Sending you hugs.
 
I am so sorry to hear of your little Hollybears passing. What a gift that she laid her head on your lap as if to let you know it was time to say Goodbye. Fly with the Angels sweet girl. Sending prayers to you and your family.
 
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