Hey there,

We just had our beautiful baby put to sleep after 2 months of surgery
(she had adenocarcinoma that spread aggressively even after we caught
it) and suffering, culminating in her having a major stroke while we
were on vacation and losing most of her vision and her ability to eat.
She was a yellow lab and retriever mix that my wife rescued from the
animal shelter, about 4-7 years old. She was our baby.

We made the decision the day after we returned and saw her condition.
We probably could have waited a few more days, but we wanted her to be
at peace and not suffer. It was a tough decision as i know many of you
know firsthand.

Our vet was very caring and gentle with her. He told us the solution
they used was basically an overdose of what they give them when they
have surgery (it was pink). He said she might have some involuntary
convulsions, etc, but no pain at all. When he did it, I had to hold
her down tightly, as she began yelping as she had never in all her time
with us and sounded absolutely miserable for about 15-20 seconds. Man
I was not prepared for that, at all.

As out of it as she was, I don't think she was ready to go I
think we did the right thing still, but I just want to know from anyone
who knows, was she in pain at all? Or was it just the shock to her
system that made her cry so? It's hard to get those images and sounds
out of my mind. But I want to know the truth. Any knowledgable help
would be much appreciated.

thanks.
y

wrote in message
oups.com...

We just had our beautiful baby put to sleep after 2 months of surgery
(she had adenocarcinoma
...........I'm so sorry, what a tough thing to have to do. Most of us have
been through it, sometimes more than once, and it just doesn't get any
easier. There's quite a few threads on the subject of euthanasia in the
archives at Google Groups.

(it was pink). He said she might have some involuntary
convulsions, etc, but no pain at all. When he did it, I had to hold
her down tightly, as she began yelping as she had never in all her time
with us and sounded absolutely miserable for about 15-20 seconds. Man
I was not prepared for that, at all.

............I think those are involuntary reactions, but most vets I've gone
to use a pre-euthanasia shot so it becomes a 2 step process. I think if the
animal is really debilitated and circulation isn't good, it takes longer.
There's an excellent archived thread on the subject of euthanasia agents at
alt.med.veterinary.

.......I'm sorry the experience was so painful. It's tough enough to go
through this without the added trauma. Your pup is running free now,
without pain. Remember the good days.......and bless you for adopting her.

my condolences
buglady
take out the dog before replying

On 10 May 2005 16:59:21 -0700, wrote:

...It's hard to get those images and sounds
out of my mind. But I want to know the truth. Any knowledgable help
would be much appreciated.

I am very sorry for your loss. I think I am even more sorry that you
witnessed your dog's reaction to the medication. It was truly the
exception to the usual routine, which is incredibly peaceful. The
reaction your dog had is so very difficult for the pet owner, and for
the veterinary staff.

I was told that reaction happens when the euthanizing agent reaches the
heart Before it reaches the brain. I don't know if that is true, or if
so, how it happens. [For venous injections, "heart first" seems the
logical route.] I urge you to consult your vet or perhaps post your
message to alt.med.veterinary.

I wish I could offer more technical facts, but euthansia is a difficult
subject to research.

FYI, I think the pink euthansia agent is called Beuthanasia. It is one
of several sodium pentobarbital-based euthansia agents.

Although the euthanasia procedure wasn't the most tranquil on record,
you did save your dog a lot of unnecessary suffering. Please, try to
remember that, instead of the sights and sounds you mentioned.
Hopefully, someone will be able to explain what might have happened to
cause your dog's reaction. If you think about it, our bodies do a lot of
things without our even realizing it.

Peace be with you.




School - Four walls with tomorrow inside.

Sorry for your loss. I was very tempted to pass over your post as I
experienced much the same thing when I had to put our beagle of 10 years
down last year. They used an iv drip with a shunt in the leg along with the
pink syringe. All I know is that it seemingly took forever (around 15
seconds) and that the poor beagles eyes almost bulged out of his skull when
the med hit as if to say "something's very wrong." After his final breath,
I noticed the vet had to forcibly close his eyes as they were so large. It
wasn't a pleasant experience (and I won't go into the $1003 I paid to have
it done which I think is criminal). I believe they gave him a sedative of
some sort after they hooked up the iv and before the procedure as he would
not stand up prior to the euthanasia.

B~

Back in 1998 one of our 4yr,4month,5day old lab mix ended up with bone
cancer in her forehead. The needle that had 2b incerted hurted her. I
almost stopped it but knew it wasn't the right thing to do. It over in
about 20 seconds. We still have her sister. She'll be 11 yrs.old July
1st.

Most of what I want to say to you has already been said by bugLady; you did
the right thing and there was no way anyone was able to predict what seems
to be an extended period of time. My own Golden Boy, Charlie, gave a soft
lip-fluttering sigh and went under in 5 or 6 seconds. He is buried in the
garden and I still want to dig him up because it has all been a terrible
mistake. But he had ceased to enjoy life and was unable to cope with his
condition, as was your beautiful baby.
The advice to 'remember the good times' is excellent save for the fact that
nothing is guaranteed to make me cry like remembering the good times.
Actually, I can't remember any bad times.
BTW the bill for euthanasia for Charlie was £25, about $30.
Best wishes
Wess

wrote in message
oups.com...
Hey there,

We just had our beautiful baby put to sleep after 2 months of surgery
(she had adenocarcinoma that spread aggressively even after we caught
it) and suffering, culminating in her having a major stroke while we
were on vacation and losing most of her vision and her ability to eat.
She was a yellow lab and retriever mix that my wife rescued from the
animal shelter, about 4-7 years old. She was our baby.

We made the decision the day after we returned and saw her condition.
We probably could have waited a few more days, but we wanted her to be
at peace and not suffer. It was a tough decision as i know many of you
know firsthand.

Our vet was very caring and gentle with her. He told us the solution
they used was basically an overdose of what they give them when they
have surgery (it was pink). He said she might have some involuntary
convulsions, etc, but no pain at all. When he did it, I had to hold
her down tightly, as she began yelping as she had never in all her time
with us and sounded absolutely miserable for about 15-20 seconds. Man
I was not prepared for that, at all.

As out of it as she was, I don't think she was ready to go I
think we did the right thing still, but I just want to know from anyone
who knows, was she in pain at all? Or was it just the shock to her
system that made her cry so? It's hard to get those images and sounds
out of my mind. But I want to know the truth. Any knowledgable help
would be much appreciated.

thanks.
y

You're not alone... We went through the exact same thing with our 11
year old Boxer 5 years ago. The memory of that day is still quite
vivid as we watched in horror as he collapsed into an episode of
breathing spasms/convulsions, which seemed to last forever. It was an
awful experience and I really felt like he did not want to leave us
even though he suffered from a bad case of cardiomyopathy. I cried for
a week straight and it still brings a tear to my eye just thinking
about it. The only thing that could possibly make you feel better is
knowing that we all have to eventually leave this planet. Be thankful
for the short time the two of you got to share with each other while
making the journey. It's really unfortunate that our furry friends
only get ~10 to ~15 years to spend with us... You may not be ready yet
but consider giving another pup a place to call home in the future.
I've got three rescued pups in my house now. Best regards, Dave