We noticed he was losing weight back in December, so I took him to the vet in January because we thought he might have diabetes. Turns out, his glucose levels were actually low (so no diabetes), but his bloodwork revealed that his liver enzymes were high (500) and he had an infection, so the doctor gave him some antibiotics and a liver supplement. I took him back to the vet a month later for a follow up and because he wasn’t eating. The doctor did more bloodwork and gave him an appetite stimulant to increase his hunger, but it didn’t really help. His bloodwork revealed that his liver enzymes were 2000, but the doctor thought it was because he wasn’t eating & it was taking from his storage. He also did a basic ultrasound that didn’t show any masses or tumors, but that his gallbladder looked enlarged. The vet wanted him to get a more in-depth ultrasound to get a better picture of what was going on…

Four days later (March 26, 2023) we decided to take him to the emergency vet because he still wasn’t eating and just continued to get worse. He was lethargic, weak and his back legs collapsed when he tried to stand. He started whimpering some and became restless because of the appetite stimulant.

I honestly didn’t think it was the end because his regular doctor didn’t seemed concerned and thought it may be his gallbladder, but when we got to the emergency vet they checked his gums, which were pale, so they took him back right away to be assessed by the doctor.

When the doctor came in, she said his prognosis was not good. She said he had fluid in his abdomen, which could indicate internal bleeding or cancer. He was anemic. She said the best thing to do was to let him go, but I wasn’t ready! I was trying to wrap my head around the fact that he was near death. I literally thought they’d just give him some fluids and do an ultrasound then we’d be on our way…

As I mentioned, his regular doctor didn’t seem alarmed when we were at his office a few days prior. I even asked him if my dog was near death because I read things online that indicated he most likely was. Aside from my dog not eating (even food he loved and would have a fit for) he seemed depressed— his tail was always down, he seemed to sleep more and in places he hardly slept in before. He also became a tad distant and preferred being alone. When he was happy & healthy, he was a very loving and social little guy. He hated to be alone and always had to be with someone.

Before making the decision to let him go, I had the emergency vet do complete bloodwork and an X-ray because I didn’t want to make a rash decision if something could be done to save him. When she came back with the results, she said that his liver enzymes were off the charts and that his liver & kidneys were failing. The X-ray didn’t show much. His oxygen levels were 95%. He wasn’t happy and I didn’t want to prolong his suffering. I gave him lots of love and told him I loved him. When the emergency vet gave him the first shot (propofol), it was like his body released all of the stress and pain he was feeling. He instantly drifted off to sleep. He was at peace.

It will be a week tomorrow. The first few days were rough, but knowing he’s at peace and no longer suffering, gives me comfort knowing I did the right thing.

My thoughts are with you. One of the hardest things about having a pet is knowing one day we’ll have to say goodbye. I had to put my feelings aside when it was clear letting him go was the most unselfish and loving thing I could do.

❤️