I think I'm doing the right thing! Am I?

[smurfL6]

My rotty was hit by a car yesterday and after a night at the vets the xray shows she's broken her back. She is paralysed from the waist down. The spinal cord is still intact and the vet says miracles happen and once the swelling subsides she may walk again.
I've brought her home as I didnt want to write her off. Some friends and family disagree with my decision and think I should end her misery.
Im sat here with her now with a tear in my eye and wishing a miracle will happen.
Am I being selfish? She is 5 and was in excellent health

[Wolfracer]

Only you can decide for sure, as it's your "instinct" you should be following, especially with pets. As you know they sense everything.
As long as she is not in absolute misery, a few days of crossed fingers/prayers/vetinary help are better than a quick decision any day.
IF she gets better, will she have a reasonable standard of life (for a dog that likes to chase things/walk/run/dig and scratch etc...)?

[smurfL6]

I dont know what she will be like if she recovers. She is quiet now at home but when she wakes up she does pine because she cant get up. They had her sedated in the vets, but she's on no painkillers here. Her top half is working ok and I would consider a wheel trolley if I thought it would help, but realistically I know there is only a narrow chance of recovery. I wanted to give her that chance. I guess its going to be a difficult week, last march we had our bullmastiff put to sleep because she had end stage leukemia. I really feel I cant go down that road again.

[Wolfracer]

I dont know what she will be like if she recovers....

...I wanted to give her that chance.

Then give her the chance but try and keep a rational head on those heartfull shoulders...
Good luck.

[smurfL6]

Thanks x

[shirley53]

I would do the exactly the same thing if I was in your position. If the spinal cord is still intact, then there is a chance once the swelling goes down . It may be a long road, but you would never forgive yourself if you didn't give the dog a chance.
Good luck....

Shirl

[JD_975]

I`ve been through similar situations with pets, and probably had the same set of advise from various people, my advise would have to be, if you can, give her every chance you can.

She is your dog and you will know when the time comes to make that decision, stay strong and give her plenty love x

[MWS]

I really feel for you, Sally Ann. If there is any hope that the poor girl will mend, its always worth holding out. If you find that she's not going to survive, or have any quality of life, then I'm sure you'll do the right thing, no matter how painful it may be to you. I speak from experience, because we whent through similar with our Cocker, Alfie two years back. Best wishes. Mick.

[corsetts]

Best wishes to you, having our dog put down was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
BUT, with that in mind, sometimes it's the only right thing to do if the dog is suffering.

Fingers crossed for a successful recovery, horrible situation especially for such a beautiful breed

[Webbo]

All the very best, keep us informed how things are going.

[smurfL6]

She's a lot brighter today than she was, she is eating and drinking but still no feeling from the waist down. We are taking it day by day. Apart from the sheer frustration she is in, she doesnt seem to be in any pain except when we try to move her, she is very good at dragging herself off her bed and getting in a pickle.

[shirley53]

thats good to hear....Keep us updated

[Chris W]

When we lived in Zimbabwe our old lab/alsatian cross suffered from the classic 'arthritic hip' problem and ended up in pretty much the same situation unable to move.

While we were away Peter, who worked for us, took him out every day and walked him while supporting his rear. By the time we got back the old boy could walk unassisted, was ###### amazing and shows what some perseverance and belief can do.

Fingers crossed for your Rottie and hope she makes a good recovery.

[smurfL6]

Its not good news Im afraid, after 6 sleepless nights comforting her I decided I couldnt bear to watch her suffer anymore. She was angry and frustrated and showing no sign of any any movement in her rear end. She tried to bite me yesterday when I moved her and the vet said its a sign she is in pain (especially as she has not so much as growled at me before). My hubby is devastated and refused to be here when the vet came. I have just buried her next to her good friend Honey and I would like to thank everyone on here for the messages of support I have had. RIP Tia Indigo,

[thehitman]

so sorry to hear..know what id be like if it was my dog..never an easy descision..try think of the good times now