Like OP, I’ve faced and made the choice …many times as I am old too. But, each time I’ve let my heart be torn today, to spare them physical pain tomorrow.
It is a brave act to be with them as they cross the bridge.
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I had a petsitting client once that sounds similar. She ended up being diagnosed with a brain tumor after they were unable to stabilize her glucose levels. I would be suspicious that theres an underlying cause. I dont think it would be wrong to give her a few very good days with all her favorite things and then let her go. Quality, not quantity every time in my opinion.
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That last gift of love is the release from all these troubles
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Most owners I speak with about timing regret euthanizing “too late”, but don’t regret euthanizing on the “earlier” side when the patient was fluctuating so much between good and bad days. Obviously it’s on a case by case basis, but I think you’ve answered your own question. The timing is hard because of your recent loss of your horse 
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I agree with what someone else said, quality of life over quantity. Don’t think about average life span for a particular breed, think about your pet as an individual and the type of life you are both living together.
Clearly you are a very loving owner who goes above and beyond for your pets, and I think whatever/whenever you decide, it will be a loving decision. Your heart is clearly in the right place.
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Ask for a referral to an internal medicine specialist! A dog with nadirs in the 300s is not well controlled. It’s a big red flag that you asked about changing insulins and got a simple “no” in response… your dog may need something like detemir that lasts longer and it sounds like your primary care vet either can’t or isn’t interested in doing a better job. I also wonder if your pup is Cushingoid since she’s been difficult to regulate and remains pu/pd. You’re right that ten is not old, but only you can decide when you’ve done enough and know enough to make an appropriate choice.
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Tears… OP I am struggling with the decision these past weeks too. I meant to call my vet to schedule my 13 yo GSD an hour ago but keep putting the phone down. Finally I thought to come to Coth, knowing people here understand the struggle.
My ancient guy has been on serious pain meds to be able to walk for months now, gradually deteriorating. The past weeks I’ve had to help lurch him to his feet, then he can stumble along; he can’t get up on his own anymore. Yesterday after lurching him up, he fell back down twice. And pooped laying down. If someone else was describing this dog, I’d be saying “it’s time.” But this is Baron… my best boy, my shadow of 13 years…
Anyway, rather than start my own thread, figured I’d share here, to commiserate with you. Have you made a decision yet? I know what you mean about 10 “too young” - I had to PTS a barely 11 GSD whose hind end gave out, that was so hard. My guy is “old enough” at 13, but it seems so hard when his brain and appetite are still there, it’s just his poor back and hips giving out. But he deserves a dignified end. I’ll find the strength soon…
Angela, that poem is perfect, I think it will help me through this.
I, too, can commiserate. Its nearing time for my kitty with lymphoma. Most cats will last 2-3 months after diagnosis on prednisone. We passed the three month mark and now are into month 4. She has lost so much weight and her appetite is getting worse again. She was almost refusing to eat when I thought to try feeding her chicken and tuna and that has her eating a bit better again. But really, any day I decided to let her go wouldn’t be too soon. Kind of sounds the same as your situation OP and Arcadien’s as well. None of us would be wrong or too soon to make the decision today but it is SO hard when its your own animal you are deciding on. Sad times and yes, I’ll have to find the strength soon as well
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Arcadien and Lah…wish I was alone in this struggle, and you weren’t sharing it with your own pets:( I have not made a decision…I did talk to my horse vet…who will make a house call when I am ready. So that’s piece of mind to know that my girl can have a peaceful passing at home without stress and with one of the kindest vets there is.
My girl seems to have stabilized with the higher dose of insulin. She actually started playing a bit with the JRT pup (which means she wags her tail and barks, as the JRT runs circles…and she can’t even figure out what direction to bark in, since she can’t see the JRT). Whatever GI issue she had seems to have settled. She’s still not controlled totally…and still arthritic…and blind…but she’s stable for now. I’m still worried about the trip later this summer…but I have a few months until I have to deal with that. So I’ve decided this week is not the week…as of today. Will take it day by day, and if her sugars go wacko again, then we will see.
They really are a gift to us.
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Oh my heart this is so powerful
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diagnostic work up that was done 1.5 year ago is only a baseline now
I agree I would get a consult with internal med specialist and see if there is follow on that should be considered.
We did an internal med consult several months after the initial workup. They increased her to 30 units twice a day…that led to rebounding and hypo episodes. They then backed her insulin way down, which led to other issues.
I am so sorry Critter.
FWIW it sounds like you made the kindest choice for her, even as painful as it is for you.
Critter … Thanks for sharing your Lilly with us. Peace to you .
