Help with old dog

[kiphorn]

I have a 12 year old chocolate lab. He is the first dog that I bought after moving out on my own. He's been a great dog and a wonderful companion.

He is a cancer survivor (about 2 1/2 years). He was a 9 year old puppy before the cancer surgery and radiation but both seemed to have taken a toll on him. He had osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in his mouth. They removed a piece of bone and the teeth between his canines. Other than the visible slowing, he's been in great shape since the procedures.

Now I'm faced with a new problem. In the last several months he has been pooping in the house on a regular basis. There were other signs of aging as well and after a visit to the Vet we decided to try Anipryl. That seems to have helped with some of the issues (wandering off to the far ends of our property, go out through the garage but bark at the front door to come in, etc.) but the pooping indoors remains.

This morning he was laying on his bed, his tail went up and out came the poop. He didn't even attempt to get up. It occurs at night and sometimes after spending 15 minutes outside. At first we thought maybe he was getting senile. Now, I'm beginnng to think that he just can't control his bowels any longer.

Cleaning up poop morning, afternoon and evening is geeting old. All too often I'm awakened at 2 AM by the smell of poop next to my bed. My wife had the misfortune to step in some as she was getting out of bed one morning. I love him dearly but I'm at wits end. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kip

[SandraRae]

I would talk to your vet and get his/her professional opinion.
I will assume that some people will comment negatively on how you "love him dearly" but u "are at your wits end".....but i understand.
Does your vet say hes in any pain? Can he still participate in activities he loves? Twelve is ancient for a big dog like that. He sounds like a fighter but I would be kinda surprised if he is still enjoying his life. It doesnt sound like he really even knows whats going on around him. But you're his owner, you should know best. Sometimes you just need someone elses "permission" to let a loved one go. I think between you, your wife and your vet, u may have to make a pretty hard decision...... :undecided
On the other hand, if he can still run around a bit, play with you, and DOES seem to be alert and aware of his surroundings....I would say, tough it out! Hes been through so much, and you have helped him live a great life this far.....why not just be as tolerent as you possibly can until he quietly passes......which sounds like soon. :crybucket How does your family feel?

[kiphorn]

I thought about the comment "at wits end" as I was writing it. Maybe frustrated would have been a better way to put it.

We kicked cancer but the reality is that nothing I can do for him can prevent him from getting old. Maybe that's what's bothering me. Maybe its also the fact that he really has no other ailments. He's as happy as the day is long and as far I and the vet can tell, he's in no pain at all. He still goes exploring in the woods and walking around the yard. He still likes to play, he just winds down faster than before.

I dread the thought of putting him down. How can I consider this when he is happy and healthy in every other respect. I'll talk with the vet again and see what he has to offer.

[Whoops]

I would suggest a trip to the vet also. My neighbor has a collie and he cannot control his bowels and it is not a good sign.

And although you hate the thought of PTS you also have to decide when your dog has suffered enough. I can see the love you have for this dog and it will not end even when it comes time for him to go to the bridge and wait for you.

So head up to the vets and talk things through.