"Josie" who is a 8 year old mutt (some combo of beagle/jack russell mix), dug under our backyard fence this morning and got belted while out on walkabout. A friend saw it and said it wasn't pretty. She had a broken pelvis, and appears to also have a broken back due to the impacting of some vertebrates. While she was alert and wagging her tale (motor reflex), the vet was pinching her back legs and feet very hard and she had no feeling. His prognosis was not real good: if the back is broken, she will be unable to use her back legs, she will have no bladder or bowel control, and will require constant attention.

 

I have elected for the time being for the vet to keep her and medicate her for pain, as he said that it is possible that when the swelling subsides, that she may regain some feeling, and then can be rehabbed. But he was not hopeful. There is no surgical procedure.

 

The other route, obviously, is euthanasia.

 

Josie was rescued by us from an animal shelter when she was a pup, and was the first "child" my wife and I had. She is now an outdoor dog because she had some resentment issues when the children were born, but she is a good dog, gets along with them pretty well, does not bite, and they are obviously fond of her. We have two other adolescent labaradors, but Josie is the dog that knows the kids.

 

I am searching for some guidance. This dog is alive and alert up top but quite possibly dead down below. I had a German Shepherd years ago that dragged its hind end around for the last year of its life and was miserable. I am pretty practical and do not value a dog's life over a human's, but I also feel compassion and have some sense of commitment to the dog. Should I euthanize this dog, if, in fact, its back is broken?

 

If so, what methods do you recommend for handling all of this with my 5 year-old, whom is at school and does not yet know?

Hearsay, I can't give you any advice, but only offer my sympathy. We have a 7 year old dog that is very close to our family. It saddens me to think about those same circumstances happening to her. Let us know how the dog progresses after the swelling goes down.

No advice here, just my sympathy and prayers. JD

How terrible. I agree with you about dogs dragging their hind quarters around being pitiful. And some dogs use those mobility carts, but that wouldn't address the bowel/bladder issues, would it? I think keeping her medicated for pain and reassessing after the swelling goes down might be a good idea; but if you typically respect your veterinarian's opinion and he thinks the prognosis is bad, then maybe euthanasia would be the kindest option.

 

Will you take your 5-year old to see the dog? Would it possibly be too upsetting to see the dog in such a condition?

 

It sounds like you can take comfort in knowing that you have tried your best to provide care for her, and you can also tell your child that. Good luck, and sorry for the situation.

If she can't be made whole (at a reasonable cost) I'd put her down.

Sorry to hear of your situation. I am a dog owner too and can sympathize with you.

 

Being a mutt (possibly a jack russell and beagle mix) you could expect a normal life expectancy around 10-13 years or more. That could be long time of care on your part and a long time of possible hardships and misery on the dogs part. If the back is indeed broke, I would euthanize.

Hearsay, I feel horrible for you.

 

I had a German Shepard who's hips went out and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do to take her out to the vet and say goodbye for the last time.

 

She was the same, alert, attentive, still the same up top, but one day I came home from work and she was in the middle of the steps, obviously in pain. She couldn't move anymore, couldn't go up or down the steps so she had just stopped and sat in the middle of the steps for what must've been hours. i had to pick her up and go over and lay her down in her bed.

 

That was the deciding factor for me. She was a very proud shepard and always a great dog and I knew she was in pain. It was a tough decision but I'm convinced I made the right one.

 

That being said I would have done anything at all possible to save her, and if you're dog is abl to be treated and possibly get back to the dog she once was, go for it, but if it can not, sadly I think you should put her down. And I hate saying that. But if she's in pain, it's just not worth it!

 

I do not envy you today, and good luck with your decision, I'm sure you'll make the right one!

Wow, very tough situation all the way around. I feel for you and your dog, I don't know what to tell you. I feel worst of all for your 5 year old. Good luck and regardless of which way you go, I'm sure it will be the right decision for all of you.

Im sorry buddy. That is a tough situation.

I started tearing up reading about your situation, Hearsay. We lost our dog to a car accident about 8 years ago now. One of the top 10 worst days of my life. You feel so helpless as you can only imagine the pain they are experiencing.

 

Just take the advice of your vet. If he/she feels it is best for Josie to be laid to rest, then I would take the advice. Truly sad, but you would be doing her a favor and it would be out of love.

 

My prayers are with your family and with Josie.

I also have a Jack Russell/Beagle mix that was hit by a bus about a year ago.He lost an eye and had a broken jaw.My son took him to the vet and was amazed that he was laying there wagging his tail and his eye ball was hanging out of the socket.After $1400.00 he is healed and the joy of our family.Hearsay good luck with Josie and listen to the vet he will give you the best advice as to what to do.Good luck bud:cry:

Hearsay, I'm so sorry about what you guys are experiencing at this time. I did a bit of research and found a very interesting article related to your situation and how to explain it to children of various ages. I hope it helps, and I wish you the best in whatever the final outcome has to be.

 

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/explaining-pet-loss-to-children-six-do-s-and-don-ts/page1.aspx

If she can't be made whole (at a reasonable cost) I'd put her down.

 

 

Exactly right. The dog doesn't know you're trying to save her life. All she knows is she's hurt, she in a strange place with strange people handling her. If she can't be made whole very soon, end it.

 

The child is entirely up to you and how you want to deal with it. Personally, I don't think 5 year olds should have to deal with death or need lessons on dealing with it. I would tell her the dog went to live in the country, on a farm, ran away, went to doggie heaven, whatever works. She'll forget soon.

I am really sorry about the news and have empathy for you. Since we are being asked for an opinion, I feel that if your dog can't function without pain or much difficulty you may think about putting it down. Good luck and I will pray for a good outcome or miracle!

I do not know what to say other than I hope your dog makes it through this! I love animals and dogs especially and I hate to see them get injured or killed! I guess if it were me and the dog could not be helped or would not ever be able to be whole again I would lean towards putting it down. I realize it would be a very difficult decision, so I can't say for sure that is what I would do. I hope in the end your dog is okay though!