When do you call time?
Discussion
Sadly we said goodbye to bill this evening 
He was doing okay but I came back to Cardiff yesterday afternoon from Yorkshire and he went off his food again and went down hill a bit. He had some breakfast and then off to vet for blood test this morning to see how his red blood cell regeneration was going but it had come down after improving hence going down hill,.They did a liver function test to and that showed it not to be great. With low red blood cells he was panting a lot and getting exhausted if he did to much.
We discussed at lunch time and decided to let him go before he was suffering to much. It pains me as I wouldn't be there but glad I got a last few days with him. I really wanted for him to wag his tail when visited him the first night which he did and then lots the next night when he came home. Even today he managed a little wag with his belly rubs, means a lot to me. He managed some yoghurt which is one of his favs (oops). He got up when his lead came out and walked on the grass to the car happily but had to be carried into the vet. Noticed where they shaved his belly for scans jaundice had set in My girlfriend has been amazing through this.
He was a happy chappy right until the end. Goodnight matey
He was doing okay but I came back to Cardiff yesterday afternoon from Yorkshire and he went off his food again and went down hill a bit. He had some breakfast and then off to vet for blood test this morning to see how his red blood cell regeneration was going but it had come down after improving hence going down hill,.They did a liver function test to and that showed it not to be great. With low red blood cells he was panting a lot and getting exhausted if he did to much.
We discussed at lunch time and decided to let him go before he was suffering to much. It pains me as I wouldn't be there but glad I got a last few days with him. I really wanted for him to wag his tail when visited him the first night which he did and then lots the next night when he came home. Even today he managed a little wag with his belly rubs, means a lot to me. He managed some yoghurt which is one of his favs (oops). He got up when his lead came out and walked on the grass to the car happily but had to be carried into the vet. Noticed where they shaved his belly for scans jaundice had set in
My girlfriend has been amazing through this. He was a happy chappy right until the end. Goodnight matey
Thanks all. Tough night but have some amazing memories and great photos which make me smile.
moorx said:
Oh no, gutted. Tears here for you all 
Immune issues are really difficult to manage. One of our whippets had IMHA and had numerous relapses.
What a beautiful boy Bill was; treasure the memories. Thinking of you.
Yep was IMHA. Cockers are susceptable to it although normally appears at a younger age. Vet was pretty sure something else going on to trigger it. Went pale when I googled it the other day. Had he been younger I think we would have tried another transfusion but tricky decision at 11 with possibly something else going on. Immune issues are really difficult to manage. One of our whippets had IMHA and had numerous relapses.
What a beautiful boy Bill was; treasure the memories. Thinking of you.
bazza white said:
Thanks all. Tough night but have some amazing memories and great photos which make me smile.
I did wonder whether he was a cocker; we have one too (a red/ginger) called Rosie, who is pretty elderly now.moorx said:
Oh no, gutted. Tears here for you all
Immune issues are really difficult to manage. One of our whippets had IMHA and had numerous relapses.
What a beautiful boy Bill was; treasure the memories. Thinking of you.
Yep was IMHA. Cockers are susceptable to it although normally appears at a younger age. Vet was pretty sure something else going on to trigger it. Went pale when I googled it the other day. Had he been younger I think we would have tried another transfusion but tricky decision at 11 with possibly something else going on. Immune issues are really difficult to manage. One of our whippets had IMHA and had numerous relapses.
What a beautiful boy Bill was; treasure the memories. Thinking of you.
Yes, Sam whippet was diagnosed with IMHA at 2/3 years old. We had his brother Jet too (adopted both as puppies) and his blood was tested but was okay.
We were relatively 'lucky' with Sam's IMHA, his episodes were managed in the main by steroids (although they have their own side-effects). He was eventually diagnosed with kidney failure (which they felt was probably linked) in 2021 and hospitalised for quite a while. He did come home again but we had to have him PTS a few months later when he deteriorated further. He was only 8
Jet never showed any signs of IMHA, but suddenly became really unwell about a year after we lost Sam (and a week after my dad died). We thought the vets would be able to help but they diagnosed him with heart failure and said it was too far advanced to treat. He was acutely unwell by then, so we took the decision not to let him suffer any longer. As an aside, they felt that Jet probably had IMHA too.
It was not a good time, so I know how you feel
moorx said:
I did wonder whether he was a cocker; we have one too (a red/ginger) called Rosie, who is pretty elderly now.
Yes, Sam whippet was diagnosed with IMHA at 2/3 years old. We had his brother Jet too (adopted both as puppies) and his blood was tested but was okay.
We were relatively 'lucky' with Sam's IMHA, his episodes were managed in the main by steroids (although they have their own side-effects). He was eventually diagnosed with kidney failure (which they felt was probably linked) in 2021 and hospitalised for quite a while. He did come home again but we had to have him PTS a few months later when he deteriorated further. He was only 8
Jet never showed any signs of IMHA, but suddenly became really unwell about a year after we lost Sam (and a week after my dad died). We thought the vets would be able to help but they diagnosed him with heart failure and said it was too far advanced to treat. He was acutely unwell by then, so we took the decision not to let him suffer any longer. As an aside, they felt that Jet probably had IMHA too.
It was not a good time, so I know how you feel
Thanks for the reply moorx.Yes, Sam whippet was diagnosed with IMHA at 2/3 years old. We had his brother Jet too (adopted both as puppies) and his blood was tested but was okay.
We were relatively 'lucky' with Sam's IMHA, his episodes were managed in the main by steroids (although they have their own side-effects). He was eventually diagnosed with kidney failure (which they felt was probably linked) in 2021 and hospitalised for quite a while. He did come home again but we had to have him PTS a few months later when he deteriorated further. He was only 8
Jet never showed any signs of IMHA, but suddenly became really unwell about a year after we lost Sam (and a week after my dad died). We thought the vets would be able to help but they diagnosed him with heart failure and said it was too far advanced to treat. He was acutely unwell by then, so we took the decision not to let him suffer any longer. As an aside, they felt that Jet probably had IMHA too.
It was not a good time, so I know how you feel
We have a red cocker too. He's a week younger than Bill but has aged last few years, sleeps a fair bit where as Bill was still puppy like. Quite different personalities but both lovable. We know the signs now so will keep an eye on him and get him in straight away.
Does Rosie have red cocker syndrome or she pretty good with other dogs ?
Sorry to heat about Sam and Jet (and your dad) never nice times. Im okay today think 2 12 hour shifts done me a bit of good, Not so much upset but gutted now. Photos make me smile
Dopey gits together.
bazza white said:
Thanks for the reply moorx.
We have a red cocker too. He's a week younger than Bill but has aged last few years, sleeps a fair bit where as Bill was still puppy like. Quite different personalities but both lovable. We know the signs now so will keep an eye on him and get him in straight away.
Does Rosie have red cocker syndrome or she pretty good with other dogs ?
Sorry to heat about Sam and Jet (and your dad) never nice times. Im okay today think 2 12 hour shifts done me a bit of good, Not so much upset but gutted now. Photos make me smile
Dopey gits together.
Gorgeous pair and lovely photo.We have a red cocker too. He's a week younger than Bill but has aged last few years, sleeps a fair bit where as Bill was still puppy like. Quite different personalities but both lovable. We know the signs now so will keep an eye on him and get him in straight away.
Does Rosie have red cocker syndrome or she pretty good with other dogs ?
Sorry to heat about Sam and Jet (and your dad) never nice times. Im okay today think 2 12 hour shifts done me a bit of good, Not so much upset but gutted now. Photos make me smile
Dopey gits together.
No, Rosie's fantastic with other dogs, always has been, and very good natured. No evidence of cocker rage. The only time I've ever seen her do anything you could remotely view as 'aggressive' was the first time she met our other three dogs at the rescue. Sam whippet could be a bit of a bugger with other dogs and he rushed over to her in a slightly intimidating manner. She just stood her ground and lifted a lip and he backed off straight away! She doesn't put up with any messing, but she's an ex puppy farm dog, so she's a resilient little thing. Probably another reason why she's so good with other dogs. She's the smallest of our current three (the other two are saluki crosses) but definitely the toughest
Lovely trio you have there. the golden whippet is beautiful.
Cocker rage quite common in the reds. Ted has it but its strange he can complete ignore one dog then get a bit excited at the next and it looks aggressive but he never hurts the other dog its like he gets over excited and doesn't know how to play. Id be miffed if I was the other dog owner so we keep him on the lead unless huge open spaces. . would love to let him off more but bit of a nightmare off the lead as he follows his nose. Loves his extendable lead though and quite happy to sniff everything.
Wont me the crapping habits of 2 cockers though. Absolute machines.
Cocker rage quite common in the reds. Ted has it but its strange he can complete ignore one dog then get a bit excited at the next and it looks aggressive but he never hurts the other dog its like he gets over excited and doesn't know how to play. Id be miffed if I was the other dog owner so we keep him on the lead unless huge open spaces. . would love to let him off more but bit of a nightmare off the lead as he follows his nose. Loves his extendable lead though and quite happy to sniff everything.
Wont me the crapping habits of 2 cockers though. Absolute machines.
StuntCock said:
Some good advice on this thread. I buried my faithful old Black Lab yesterday. The “3 W’s” and “better a week early than a day late” were really helpful in explaining what was going on to my kids. Many thanks to those who have shared their knowledge here.
Sorry to read this.I used to think Labs were rather boring, but having had our yellow boy for two years now, they are absolutely great dogs
RIP black lab
lost our eldest dog yesterday morning aged 13 1/2 ish. she's been in and out of the vets for the last couple of months for various stuff, but she literally lost the use of her tail and back legs at the end of a quick walk before we were due to take our 3 dogs to scotland to potter/ maraud around on galloway coast beaches.
vet suspected she'd had a serious failure in her lower spine and offered steroid/ painkiller jabs to see if she could get some of her lower body function back. she'd been off her food, slightly bladder incontinent and struggling to get up a tiny step in the kitchen so we just knew it was time for her to go. we have this liberty with our pets.
picture is Asbo (Azzie) in 2010/11 barely having started kicking the s
t out of life for the next 13 years or so. knew this day wasn't far off, but it's really knocked the stuffing out of us.tamore said:
lost our eldest dog yesterday morning aged 13 1/2 ish. she's been in and out of the vets for the last couple of months for various stuff, but she literally lost the use of her tail and back legs at the end of a quick walk before we were due to take our 3 dogs to scotland to potter/ maraud around on galloway coast beaches.
vet suspected she'd had a serious failure in her lower spine and offered steroid/ painkiller jabs to see if she could get some of her lower body function back. she'd been off her food, slightly bladder incontinent and struggling to get up a tiny step in the kitchen so we just knew it was time for her to go. we have this liberty with our pets.
picture is Asbo (Azzie) in 2010/11 barely having started kicking the s
t out of life for the next 13 years or so. knew this day wasn't far off, but it's really knocked the stuffing out of us.So tough to lose them
RIP lovely girl
We’ve had to take the decision to get the vet to visit Saturday morning to put my gorgeous ginger cat Jarvis to sleep.
It’s all happened so quickly, I can'’t really get my head around it all.
On Monday we took him to the vet as his breathing had become heavier. Other thank that he was the same cat, tail up, purring, eating etc. Not really any change.
The vest told us to get him to the hospital as it was life threatening. Crikey.
Overnight he had X-rays and bloods, which showed a large shadow on his chest, and a couple of other things in the bloods.
But when we picked him up 24 hours later, he was completely different. Mouth breathing, zero interest in food and wouldn’t move much.
On Thursday we had a check up at the vets, with a steroid injection and some food via a syringe we could give him. Hopefull that this would perk him up, we took him home.
But now? Every time he moves he lets out this heartbreaking, pained meow, it’s horrible to hear this from our friend.
The vet is booked at 9am, but we’re not sure he’s even going to make the night. My wife is going to sleep next to him in the lounge. He’s done so much for us.
I feel like I’ve let him down, but this has happened so quickly.
Thanks for listening.
It’s all happened so quickly, I can'’t really get my head around it all.
On Monday we took him to the vet as his breathing had become heavier. Other thank that he was the same cat, tail up, purring, eating etc. Not really any change.
The vest told us to get him to the hospital as it was life threatening. Crikey.
Overnight he had X-rays and bloods, which showed a large shadow on his chest, and a couple of other things in the bloods.
But when we picked him up 24 hours later, he was completely different. Mouth breathing, zero interest in food and wouldn’t move much.
On Thursday we had a check up at the vets, with a steroid injection and some food via a syringe we could give him. Hopefull that this would perk him up, we took him home.
But now? Every time he moves he lets out this heartbreaking, pained meow, it’s horrible to hear this from our friend.
The vet is booked at 9am, but we’re not sure he’s even going to make the night. My wife is going to sleep next to him in the lounge. He’s done so much for us.
I feel like I’ve let him down, but this has happened so quickly.
Thanks for listening.
Big Nanas said:
We’ve had to take the decision to get the vet to visit Saturday morning to put my gorgeous ginger cat Jarvis to sleep.
It’s all happened so quickly, I can'’t really get my head around it all.
On Monday we took him to the vet as his breathing had become heavier. Other thank that he was the same cat, tail up, purring, eating etc. Not really any change.
The vest told us to get him to the hospital as it was life threatening. Crikey.
Overnight he had X-rays and bloods, which showed a large shadow on his chest, and a couple of other things in the bloods.
But when we picked him up 24 hours later, he was completely different. Mouth breathing, zero interest in food and wouldn’t move much.
On Thursday we had a check up at the vets, with a steroid injection and some food via a syringe we could give him. Hopefull that this would perk him up, we took him home.
But now? Every time he moves he lets out this heartbreaking, pained meow, it’s horrible to hear this from our friend.
The vet is booked at 9am, but we’re not sure he’s even going to make the night. My wife is going to sleep next to him in the lounge. He’s done so much for us.
I feel like I’ve let him down, but this has happened so quickly.
Thanks for listening.
that sounds like a horrible, traumatic situation BN. thoughts with you having been through having to make the ultimate decision for our pooch last week. It’s all happened so quickly, I can'’t really get my head around it all.
On Monday we took him to the vet as his breathing had become heavier. Other thank that he was the same cat, tail up, purring, eating etc. Not really any change.
The vest told us to get him to the hospital as it was life threatening. Crikey.
Overnight he had X-rays and bloods, which showed a large shadow on his chest, and a couple of other things in the bloods.
But when we picked him up 24 hours later, he was completely different. Mouth breathing, zero interest in food and wouldn’t move much.
On Thursday we had a check up at the vets, with a steroid injection and some food via a syringe we could give him. Hopefull that this would perk him up, we took him home.
But now? Every time he moves he lets out this heartbreaking, pained meow, it’s horrible to hear this from our friend.
The vet is booked at 9am, but we’re not sure he’s even going to make the night. My wife is going to sleep next to him in the lounge. He’s done so much for us.
I feel like I’ve let him down, but this has happened so quickly.
Thanks for listening.
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