Marie-Anne, I really hope that the Co-Amilozide will give Victoria a good while longer - It's not used as much now as most vets think that modern drugs are better, but my [older] cardiologist thinks it is brilliant for belly fluid - it really helped Fufu, cleared all her fluid. I think it must be so uncomfortable for them
I was taught to tell if it was fluid by turning them on to their backs and tapping the belly slightly, you can see it sloshing around. It helps to compare it to a normal dog to start with.
I'm sorry that so many of you are struggling with MVD dogs right now - like SM it is an emotional rollercoaster but I think that with MVD they do not have the pain which is a blessing. They seem to gradually adjust to a lower activity level, and it's only when their breathing is badly affected that they get distressed with it. They do surprise you though as Karlin has found, which is lovely to hear.
This is upsetting to read but I think it is important and you need to have things clear in your mind.
I think dogs do let you know when they've had enough - there are lots of posts about this, my thoughts are:
I think it is important to be around for the dog, not least for them to be able to go out for a pee when necessary also you have some special time together.
I would write down the things that you think are important to your dog to give them a good quality of life
These would be on my list:
managing a short walk - even if it's only 5 minutes for the stimulation
Being able to eat and wanting to eat [2 different things]
Able to move about happily
Managing to access water bowls - make sure you have one near their resting areas so they don't have to walk too far if not feeing too good
Managing a cuddle or whatever affection They want
Being able to breathe when lying down
Not in any distress
You are going to get times where things aren't totally under control and you need to speak to your vet then to see whether it is a temporary crisis or a permanent state.
Most importantly obviously - is your beloved companion still enjoying life?
Mine have always let me know in some way or other that things are coming to an end - and once you've made that decision, there is an air of peace about them even if they are in pain. I think there is also a calmness within you that the decision is made, even though it's not the one you would like.
Yes in some ways we'd like them to go naturally - but actually going naturally can be extremely unpleasant for them, and a huge shock to us to find them suddenly gone.
So I've always felt it is better to let them go too soon, they don't suffer at all that way. Too many are left too long and that is just cruel and you feel guilty forever.
I always have the vet out to the house [put other dogs away] - have something very special for a treat - such as prawns or sausages - and have them lie across my lap on a towel and feed them the treat whilst the vet lets them go. This way it has always been peaceful. You can have time to say goodbye - and I always let the others say goodbye too so they don't look for them [will still grieve but not search which can be distressing].
Sadly some people seem to leave them too long - please if your dog cannot breathe if he or she is lying down, so is sitting up all the time, then get them straight to the vet to see if it is something that can be helped or if maybe it is time.
I know it is very hard but so many times I've read posts of people leaving dogs like that for hours and I can only imagine how distressing it is for the poor dog.
Please know that you are all in my thoughts:flwr::flwr:, I hate that we have to face these battles with our beautiful dogs - we go in to the relationship knowing that they will not live forever - but you do feel cheated when you get less time with them than you hoped. All we can do is make the time together as special and precious as possible.