Reply to Our 19-year-old cat - the time has come, but the vet wants to keep treating him

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My experience is that vets always suggest continuing to treat.  They always have another option for you to try -- another supplement, another pill, another procedure.

I got very cynical.  I had a dog I loved, and I wanted desperately for him to live longer.  But I realized that he was in pain and his quality of life was not good.  The vet kept throwing more options at me, but my dog wasn't eating, could barely sleep comfortably and was obviously in pain (despite increasing pain meds, which were difficult to give to him because he wouldn't eat).

Finally, I just called the vet and said it was time, scheduled a home visit.  End of discussion.

Afterwards, friends and family told me that they thought it was well past time, but they didn't want to upset me.

The vet had to know it was time, but I think that they'll keep treating until you say you're done.  It angers me because, honestly, they have to realize that most people feel tremendously guilty when they make the decision.  It would be helpful if the vet opened up the discussion and actually said, well, we can treat X condition, but at this point, due to his age and condition, it might be time to consider...

Sorry about your cat.  and sorry to go on, but my point is that the vet will never say it's time.  You usually have to tell the vet that that is what you want.[/quote]

I think  you need to realize that the vet likely kept throwing out options because the vet sensed your desperation and just like your friends, didn't want to upset you and thought what you wanted was the cat to be with you longer.  Vets are human and I would guess have just as much trouble as us owners having to say good bye to loving animal and don't want to see people upset.

Our rabbit was going downhill rapidly. The vet knew that really there was no hope but he suggested a low cost treatment as a last measure. Not too make more money but because he knew I couldn't make the choice and was looking for some hope.  I appreciated his compassion towards the situation.  Our rabbit died peacefully at home later the next day.  [/quote]

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