So please just listen and don't pass judgement, but help guide me.

Dog: German Shepherd
Age: 13
Rescue dog at age of 2.

Friday around 10am he had seizure.

Called the VET - they setup an appointment for the next day

Friday (same day) around 6pm he had a second seizure.

Called the VET - asked to bring him in immediately. They took blood and prescribed phenobarbital to stop the seizure.

Saturday - no seizures but now has difficulty walking. He is listing to the right and is dragging his right rear foot.

Sunday - no seizures but continued difficulty walking.

Monday - His difficulty walking has increased to the point he keeps sitting down.

Tuesday - They prescribed a anti-inflammatory, caused insomnia

Wednesday - Same as Tuesday

Thursday - Continued on, walking is very difficult for him and the pills are giving him insomnia.

Am I being unfair to him, he cant walk around. Today he laid down and went to the bathroom as he couldn't get up. According to the paperwork from the VET he will possible recover in two to three weeks. Am I being selfish?

He was with me with through a 9 year relationship, loss of my parents.

My prayer is that you will know when the time is right...it's a hard thing to face and realize

The fact that you are asking this question shows that you are being responsible in caring for him. I would give it a few more days before doing anything.

quote:

Originally posted by GroundedCLK:

He was with me with through a 9 year relationship, loss of my parents.

You have my greatest sympathy. This is never an easy decision, nor should it be.

My biggest question is "will he get better?" If there is a good chance of him getting better, then I say it may be worthwhile to stay the course.

If not, then you owe it to him to put his bests interests before your emotions and let him pass on in peace and as free from pain as possible.

I know, it sucks. I cannot tell you what to do. Only your Vet will be able to tell you if the treatment will work or not. In the meantime, be there for him as much as possible and keep him comfortable.

I’m sorry friend, but I believe it’s close to his time.

Obviously I’m not there, only you can make that decision but a dog that can’t move decently well, is in constant pain, and is unable to go to the bathroom outside is near the end unless it’s known to be, with high confidence, a very temporary contrition.

Maybe get through the weekend and you’ll have clarity one way or the other?

Also Maybe call the vet for some more information on what they wrote about getting better or call another vet for a second opinion?

I agree with adobesig. Prayer sent for you guys. He is lucky to have you there to care for him. I wish you both peace, comfort and healing.

Give it some time, try a bit less of the drugs, see if the seizures dont come back, maybe as simple as minor adjustments.

May be off base...our dog had a (I believe) fibrocartilaginous embolus, which caused similar, but not exact, symptoms as you describe.

Just a thought.

I had a Labrador, ex Leader Dog and she had two seizures one night. She did recover but it was a couple of weeks until she regained full use of her hind legs.

I took her to the Vet for a follow up visit. I had to use a belt looped around her abdomen to support and lift her hind legs, she walked on her front legs.

She lived about three years after that, she had a major seizure/stroke at fifteen and a half years and that is when we lost her.

Give it some time.

I hate to be negative, but 13 years is a good run for a German Shepherd.
Please don't give me a hard time. I always love my pup, but I've had a Golden Retriever that passed away at 10, and a Lab that went at 11 years (from Cancer).
Our Penny (Boxer mix) is 7, and she's already got some gray. Unfortunately, this is what happens to everyone. Just stay strong, but don't delay the inevitable. Sending Prayers your way.

I'm so sorry that you and your pup are going through this. My advice is to have a frank discussion with your vet. Depending on the diagnosis, there may be a good chance of recovery, but the vet can tell you that best.

Give it a little time, if not, you will know.

I’d look to the VET for guidance on the expectation for the dog. Perhaps a follow up visit with an explanation of what you’re seeing. If the VET thinks he is likely to recover and get more “good time” it probably makes sense to wait and see. If the odds of recovery are not good, then it may be time. The simple fact is that you are approaching this the right way, thinking about what makes sense for the dog. Get as much information as you can, you will know when it is time.

Like many, I experienced something similar with a GSD. I preferred to not let him suffer.

The anti-inflammatory -- is it Prednisone or a related drug? If so, insomnia definitely can be a side-effect, as you suspect. There are several other side-effects as well, some not very pleasant, so watch for a temperament change.

Do you trust your Vet? If so, I'd listen to him and anticipate the two-week recovery, but make sure you update him on a daily basis since the dog is having so much trouble walking and balancing. It sucks, but you'll have to keep a close watch on him as well. Can you arrange for somebody to be with him when you can't? At least until he gets past this critical stage.

Very sad and tough situation. You have my sympathies. Our Lab, Bob, got to the point where he didn’t have the strength to stand and soiled himself. That was when I realized it was time. Looking back now I think I waited even a bit too long. These are hard, hard things to get a grip on. Best of luck.

I'm sorry you and your dog have to go through this but it's the deal we sign up for.

Dogs need to eat, drink, poop, pee and play. ("play" to an older arthritic dog may be low key and just getting loved on a lot)
If any of those 5 are not in the cards, it's time to have a really frank talk with the vet. If the prognosis is a reasonable outcome, give it the time. If the prognosis is poor, don't let drag on.

quote:

According to the paperwork from the VET he will possible recover in two to three weeks.

If this chance is reasonable and not just a slim or outside chance that he might recover, wait two weeks.

Sorry to hear that your loving and loyal friend is not feeling well.

So sad.

Having an aging pet with medical issues, and who may be near the end of their life is such a difficult thing to face and make responsible decisions about.

Is your dog drinking water and eating ok, under the circumstances? This is an important consideration in your thought process / decision making.

Ugh, I think as other's have said, you will know what the right thing to do is, for the welfare and dignity of your beloved pet, when it is time.

Thoughts and prayers to you, your pet and your family.

Rob

how about adding additional info in the thread title before it gets labeled click bait and then locked