First of all, I wanted to say how sorry I am that you are going through this.
I know it sounds crazy, but talk to him. Ask him if he is ready to go. He will let you know, believe me. Talk to the vet, perhaps you can try him on a glucosomine/chondrotin supplement. Fish oil also helps with joint problems. Rimadyl is a great product for pain, especially in quality of life situations.
Some questions to ask yourself as to if they still have a good quality life is
Does s/he still eat/drink well?
Does s/he still enjoy things s/he has always enjoyed (walks, playing, etc)?
Does s/he seem to be in pain, even with medication/therapy? (aggression can be a sign to this)
Does s/he seem depressed, confused, or disorineted?
Can s/he get around with little or no help?
I had to respond since this is something that is very near and dear to my heart. I lost my German Shepherd, Boss April 18, 2006. He would have been 13 years old this month.
He had been diagnosed with spondylosis, which is a common degenerative spinal disorder many shepherds and breeds of similar builds are afflicted with. Some of it is due to bad breeding, but mostly due to the build.
Anyway, he did well for a couple of years. He would fall down some, but he still enjoyed life, ate great, and was generally happy. He was on Rimadyl when needed for pain. Generally, I would avoid long term Rimadyl use, but when it is for quality of life rather than quantity of life, I'd say go for it.
One day, while he was in the yard, he tried to dig under the gate. I found him half under the gate and half out of it just laying there. I got him out but he didn't want to get up.
I took him to the vet, and we gave him an injection of dexamethazone, which is a steroid, and put him on oral steroids (prednisone) and Tramadol for pain. The injection gave him bad diarrhea for the first day or two, but afterwards, he did great. He was much weaker, but he could still get around.
We weaned him to a low dose of the pred and he got worse. But upping the dose again wouldn't help this time. We kept him as comfortable as we could while WE came to terms with the fact he wouldn't be around much longer. I wished that he would just stop eating or something so I would know that he was ready, but that dog loved his food more than anything, I don't remember a day in his life he volutarily gave up food, lol!
It got to the point where he could no longer walk. I had to carry him out to potty and change his bedding up to three times a day because he couldn't help soiling himself. I decided right then that there was no way I could let him continue like that. I was keeping him around because I wasn't ready, Ineeded more time. I think he understood that, though, and loved me no matter what. I remember talking to him on several occasions and asking him if he would give me a little longer, and he kissed my face as if to say "sure mom, for you, I am ready when you are."
April 18, 2006 was one of the worst days of my life. It is the day I came to the understanding that I was being selfish in keeping him around. I called the clinic (I work there, and was off that day) and told them I was coming in. He went so peacefully. He didn't fight either of the injections (I had him sedated first) because he was ready. He's always fought any kind of IV injections.
Again, I am so sorry you are going through this, it is not fun when our babies get ill or when old age takes its toll. Just remember, he has lived a good life, and has obviously been loved and well cared for. When he is ready, you will know.
Sorry this was so long. Hugs to you.
