[Wankyudo]

So, my dog is a 12 year old mix (Pomeranian, York Terrier, Pit Bull)
Healthy appetite, a bit of hearing loss, can't see more then 4-5 feet infront of him. Still has a rather decent sense of smell.

He seems to go from one day to being like he was a pup again, to the next hurting alot.

From what I gathered part of the pain is because he insists on chewing on his front left leg specifically.

Anyways at this point it just hurts for him to stand up (Yet he insists on doing it because he still wants to move around,) and his yelping is leaving me frazzled because no matter what I do, it continues. What exactly should I do? I don't want to euthanize him because from what I gathered about him, is he still wants to live. At the same time I don't know what to do to make him feel better and not hurt so much.

[reeskujo]

That's something you really need to discuss with your vet however if her quality of life is suffering because of the pain the it may be time..Only you can make that decision as haed as it is..best of luck and keep us updated!!!

[Wankyudo]

Problem is though I can't even afford a proper diagnosis on him. Because my family dished out on my grandmother's entire funeral, we don't have the spare money to even get him checked out because the closest vet is too expensive.

Also at the same time beyond me wanting to have his pain eased, what I don't think is he wants to be euthanized. Anyways, on the good news I think I might have an idea what's wrong with him. The bad news is I have no idea how to fix it myself.

Mostly I think he might've injured his front left leg (Not sure if it's broken or what, just know he has a very very noticeable limp)and he's still trying to move on it.

[Jackie]

awww poor thing you have taken him too the vet though? xx

[Wankyudo]

As much as I'd like to, we can't. For a multitude of reasons really

For one, no money. At all
Grandmother's funeral sank us very far into a hole

For two, just from the trip to the car, to the vet, out of the car, and into the office, Spike is going to be in some incredibly severe pain. The last thing I want him to do is go into shock on the road

All I can do is see if the vet can do a house call for him and hope that I'll find the money to afford it in the couch or something.

[CorkyMax]

I am sorry you are in a bind moneywise but you need to get your loyal loving hurting dog some help!!! Would you leave your child or any member of your family like this??!!--No matter the cost!! Can you try to find a way---See if the vet will take payments-Get a loan---But do something!!!
NOW! If your dog is in that much pain that you can't even get him to a vet--It must be in terrible pain! If the leg is broken---You need to get it fixed--It will only get worse and may not be that fixable the longer you wait. Put yourself in the poor dog's place--Dogs feel pain the same as us humans you know!!:roll:

[dogs rule]

When Keegan went from favoring his paw to limping, thats where we went off the the vets. And he wasn't even whining or yelping like you have said that Spike is doing.
The last thing I wanted was a vet bill for $138, but for Keegans comfort/health and my peace of mind, it was well worth it.

Please take Spike to the vet.

[cigwyllt]

All I can suggest is that you get on the phone and ring every vet in your area. Tell them how desperate you are and ask to set up some sort of payment plan. You say he is chewing his leg - can you see any sore or reason for it? Is the fur still there or has he licked it raw?

[ThreeLittlePitties]

I'm sure your dog does not want to be euthanized. When a dog is ready to go, they have no energy and show no interest in life, so let's forget that!

Now as for his leg, have you touched it? Felt it to see whether it's actually the leg and not something in his body that is affecting his leg? Does he wince when you touch it? squeeze it (gently)?

While I understand everyone saying to take him to the vet, I know first hand that sometimes it really isn't possible. Thankfully, they have not been in this situation.

Anyway, check out the leg. Watch his expression as well as any sounds he makes when you examine it. It's possible he has hurt it without affecting the bone at all and you might be able to help by putting an ace bandage on it. Let me know.

By the way, 12 isn't necessarily old for a dog. Age is in the mind I have a 12 year old pit who is very active and adorably funny!

[Haylee]

Im not going to be much help here, but my dalmation was a lot like that. She would go from hiper one day, to sad and lathargic the next. I knew she wanted to continue her life, but I also knew she wouldnt go on her own. I put her down when I knew she was no longer happy, in fact, she wasnt herself. She had turned on me and my family. She got dementia, and was un-safe to be around.

I know it is hard, but it may not be her time. You will know in your heart when the time is right. Not only that, but she will tell you. You will be able to tell by the look in her eyes.

She does have a lot of small breeds mixed in, so keep in mind there life expectance is actually a lot higher than say a dalmation... she was 13, which was fairly old for that breed, but Ive known poms and yorkies to live 15+ years.

Again, sorry I wasnt too much help. I know what your going through tho, and I know it is super hard. *hugs and good luck to you and your dog.

[akismaster]

In my own experience, I had a two year old Husky named "Twinkie".

She was attacked by a distemper virus and was struggling for three whole weeks. She kept on fighting for me and the family and because her liver is really strong.

However, seeing her limp out and struggle, it's not about her will anymore. It's about how long she'll need to endure that until she eventually passed out because of it.

I gave up because I felt like I was torturing her. Was it the right choice? It was for her because I can't bare to see her die out of being tortured with that virus.

What I'm saying here is it all comes down to your decision. You should know when enough is enough and you should know when to continue the fight.

Please let us know. I hope everything works out.