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Expert: - 9/7/2011


Question
Hello Jana,

Thank you for your time here.  I know you are not a DVM.  Your experience as a Vet Tech and pet lover will suffice for my answer.

I have a 14 year old female golden retriever.  She came into contact with 'kennel cough' rec'd doxycycline antibiotics Oral for about 5 days, but progressed into pneumonia.  She is on intravenous Ab and nasal oxygen.  She seems to have declined.

Currently she is struggling in ICU. 24 hrs of Ab and O2 have done little, actually her ABG arterial blood gases have worsened....

is it time for euthanasia? do I have hope?  Finances are of course a concern.  Tell me she will get better and I will mortgage the house, tell me it is a waste of time....... and I will let her go........

thanks
Sal

Answer
Wow that's a tough call Sal. Historically speaking, 14 yrs old is at the end of the life span for a Golden. You are probably just prolonging the inevitable if she is declining in spite of her therapy.

Has your vet given you the prognosis? It sounds grave. If her blood gases are worsening then she is having issues with getting any O2 into her lung tissues at all.

If it were my dog and she appeared to be suffering at all, I would certainly end her pain. That is what we are for- to make the very hard choice to say goodbye but to also know that we are providing a gift to our beloved pets to end their suffering.

Look into her eyes and that will tell you. You will know the answer.

My prayers are with you both.  

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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