Considering euthanasia and struggling with the idea

Orion said:
I have great news today! He is a little more active, has eaten some pellets, and 6 mls of critical care mostly on his own! I’m so proud of him
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Great news. :yahoo:

Keep hanging in there and persist with little but regular feeds and try to get as close as you can to 40 ml in order to get his weight up. It is great that he has not lost his appetite completely.

Make sure that you continue to look after yourself as well so you can be there for Ed for as long as it takes. You haven't got any control about the ultimate outcome but you can do your best in a way that you can keep it up for as long as you need to - that is all we can do in a comparable situation.
 
It is an emotional rollercoaster, same as you I was in this situation with our boy, one hour he was fine the next two not so good then four hours acting like himself and to help I literally got my calendar and sectioned it off to represent parts of the day and gave a smile/tick if that part of the day had been generally positive or a sad face if it had generally been not great at first I felt terrible for being so practical but it was done with the up most love because in those sad moments that's all I could see but then looking at the day as a whole in black and white really helped me decide what was best for our boy 🤗
I hope that kind of makes sense and sorry if it's a ramble and useless 💐
 
Please know that you are doing enough, and all that you can. It is very difficult when they have good moments and then start to decline again, it is like a rollercoaster.

If he is having more bad times than good, it may be time to make that decision although it is not an easy one, please be kind to yourself and spend as much time with him as you can, he knows he is loved. We are all here for you and Ed. 🧡

I started before that I had to put my boar to sleep last week and it was very difficult, but the vets were wonderful and he went so peacefully and pain-free, and it made the euthanasia experience not so traumatizing. I had never had to do it before, so I was absolutely terrified beforehand, but I know I made the right decision, as hard as it was.

You will know when to make the decision for Ed.
Hugs to you.
 
Hey everyone. It hasn’t been a great day with Ed. He just holds the critical care in his mouth and refuses to swallow it. I emailed the vet and asked specifically for the vet I usually see to respond to see what she thinks (if I should keep doing what I’m doing or if we should talk about euthanasia). They are closed today, but I’m sure I’ll get a response tomorrow morning. As sad as this is, I think euthanasia is the best option. It’s easier making the decision knowing he’s not happy now and everyone I’ve talked to (you guys, family, therapist) agree that it’s most likely time. He’s my baby and I don’t want him to be unhappy the way he is right now. I’ll update tomorrow when I have talked to the vet
 
Yes, once they stop eating the quality of life is poor. Wishing you strength and comfort ❤️ 🙏
 
Orion said:
Another update. He’s had carrot in his enclosure for an hour now and has only taken a few bites out of it. That was the one thing I could reliably get him to eat. I think it’s time. My poor baby:(
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I’m so sorry. Sending hugs at this difficult time. ❤️
 
BIG HUGS

If Ed stops swallowing, it means that he is very weak and/or his body is no longer able to process any food (multiple organ failure). I am so very sorry.

It is always so very heart-breaking watching a beloved one sliding over the cliff edge like a car accident in slow motion where your brakes are no longer working. I've been there with quite a few of mine. You can learn to spot the signs sooner and brace a bit earlier but the actual pain is never getting any less.

You have certainly done all you can do for him and are not failing him in any way. You just cannot stop nature taking its due course. :(

Ed knows how much he is loved. Please never doubt that. ❤️

Vets have changed a lot again in recent years and have more understanding about important it is for the owners as well in how they handle euthanasia and have become more open for wishes; but it very much depends on the individual vet and clinic.

We continue to be here for you for the aftermath as well.
 
Oh dear, I’m so sorry. At least Ed has made the decision for you. I’ll be thinking of you both at this horrible time 💔
 
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