groaning dog

[Dules]

Hi can anyone help? I have a 13 year old staffie who is full of lumps and bumps. The vet recommended that due to his age we let nature take its course.  Recently his appetite, which is usually poor, has increased. I think his hearing and sight are on their way out as he is not as alert as he used to be. He can still walk around , and run, without bumping but relies on his nose to find treats when thrown for him. He looks sad most of the time. Recently we have noticed that he is groaning a lot. This can be when laying or standing and we are worried he is in pain. The vet said we will know when it's time to say goodbye but I can't help worrying that if we do make that decision we could be putting to sleep an animal who is  not in pain or has years left. Please advise because we are in turmoil! Thanks Jules.

[Dules]

Thanks for your reply....I think an MOT at the vets is called for just to make sure he has everything he needs.

[Dules]

Thanks for your reply sorry for the late response....I've only just found how to pick up replies! I think you are right, many friends have said if you are questioning it then it's probably not the right time.  He is still agile so will keep monitoring thanks again

[lindapalm]

Our dog is 15 and has quite a few bumps on her back, we had one tested and it was a simple fatty tumor which are harmless.  She also has arthritis, and has a hard time with stairs and getting up and down, we have her on joint supplements and on the bad days pain pills.  She is totally deaf, but does well with hand signals.  If your dog still walks and runs around, and his eating has improved it sounds to me like he's still enjoying life, as much as an old dog can.  I would try to help him medically as much as possible and do things with him like rides, slow walks, etc. and enjoy what time you have left.,

[tonyb286]

Hi Jules. Given his age, I suspect the groaning is due to arthritis. Your vet will be able to determine this for you. Does he walk slowly? Does he groan more when lying down and then when getting up? Can he handle stairs okay? If it is arthritis, you can get the vet to prescribe some pain relief and anti-inflammatory meds, which will certainly help.

Has the vet said what the lumps are on his body? Older dogs do get a variety of lumps developing, which are commonly just tissue growths and not of concern. But if they have changed shape or started to bleed, then that IS of concern.

I had a dog go both deaf and blind ... and sadly, it affected her a great deal. Her quality of life became quite poor. If finance is available, you might consider surgery - though there is a risk with a dog of this age and not all vets are prepared to undertake cataract surgery on a 13 year old. It is something worth researching and asking about though, because when a dog goes deaf, sight becomes that much more important.

When is the right time ... that's the $64M dollar question. I have often said, the right time is when your dog tells you it is. Dogs may not be able to speak, but somehow they are still able to communicate their feelings and emotions to us. When a dog is truly tired of life, they tell you, and there's no mistaking it. I'm assuming that's not yet, so just be aware of it, but press on trying to provide the best quality of life you can, given the circumstances.

I hope this helps. You are in my thoughts.

Tony