Need medical help with my shepherd asap - Page 1

I have a purebred german shepherd, she is 12.5 years old.  Her hips, especially her right leg has no strength to it.  It started out slowly and when I took her to the vet they noticed her hip on that side was really bad.  She was playful and ate, however I would have to help her up the stairs as she was prone to fall.  This was due to her not being able to put pressure on her right leg.
Well, about 3-4 days ago she took a turn for the worst.  She refuses to eat and the small amount of water and food I get in her she throws up.  She refuses to walk, when she does she is off balance however I noticed her putting a little more pressure on her right leg.  T

he vet has her on anti-inflammatory medicene, and mitazaphine (sp) for an appetite stimulant.  She used to be so full of energy and now she just lays there.  It's breaking my heart and I think it's time to put her down.  The vet mentioned if this doesnt work to try acupuncture but I don't want to put her through anymore..
As for food I have tried everything from reg. dog food to treats to human food.  I got her to eat four small treats last night but threw-up at 4:30am and then again about two hours later.  She hasn't gone to the bathroom in a couple of days, I was able to get her outside last night but she just stood there and then wanted to go back in.  The vets want $110 for bloodwork.  Do I go this route?  Is there even anything that could be done at this point?  I'm not putting her through surgery.  She's been my best friend for all these years and I just want to make sure that when I decide to put her down that I have no regrets.

This morning I didn't even give her, her meds.  I told my wife that it was time.  She was all upset and crying but I don't know what to do at this point.  I was going to call the vet today to see if she can be put down later on today but I was hoping for some advice from all of you..

I was hoping from some replies.  I have to get her pedigree and put it on here.  Her grandparents were Schutzhund III champs and had certified hips.  However at his age I guess that doesn't matter.  Her protection side was always very strong, she actually defended my wife when someone broke into our house when I wasn't there.  Didn't think twice about attacking.  The intruder ran off but they did catch him.

Now when I give her any of those commands, she'll lift her head but just lays there.  I'm just heartbroken

You have come to the stage with our Dogs that we all hate when it is time to let them go.
How many times i have been through it in 60 years with dogs i do not know but the last time was harder than all the others It never gets easier, However Do not think of yourself or your wifes feelings but only for your dogs needs as hard as it is,
She is telling you the only way she can is for you to let her go without any more pain.
Tell the Vet to come to your house to put her to rest and give her a big hug when he does it, She will be happy then But you must do the right thing by your dog not let her linger on that is not fair. Not easy thing to do and not easy to talk about it But do it for her sake
Steve1 

Shelby, I'm soooo sorry to hear that your GSD is going through all of this and u as well.  It's heartbreaking when you have to determine if it's time to let go.  I went through this with one of my cats that was almost 23 years old.  When she was going through the last stages, she basically had that look in her eyes, like please do it now!  Sadly, it sounds like it's time to let go hun.  I know she has been a faithful companion to your family and she has led a great life it sounds like.  I know it's not going to be easy to come to the decision, it never is.  Praying for you and your family that you get through this.

Time to let me go my friend,
Because my life no-one can mend,
Its better to let me go this way,
Than watch me suffer night and day.

I'm happy to go, my time has come,
My quality of life is no longer fun,
Ive been so ill, so its not a bad thing,
To let me go forever resting.

Stay with me till I drift away,
Fast asleep forever I pray,
To relieve me from suffering and pain,
What more can I ask from my best friend.

Don't be sad, I'll be free from pain,
Never to be ill ever again,
I know you'll miss me being there,
But all the memories you have to share.

Thankyou for being my best friend,
And all my needs that you did tend,
Try not to be sad, try not to cry,
Now's the time to say GOODBYE.

Very difficult decision, but ultimately you want what is best for your dog.  You don't want your dog to be in pain.  Three weeks ago, we had to put down our terrier mix that we rescued.  She was 12 and had a cancerous tumor that was causing a lot of internal bleeding and seizures.  We took her to the vet and held her as she breathed her last.  She was our daughter's little dog.  It was heartbreaking, but we did not want our precious little dog to suffer.  So sorry for what you are going through!

It's NEVER easy and you wouldn't want it that way...It shows how much we really care...Have been there too many times to think about...But I always think of it as the "One thing we can do for our dogs that we can't do for each other"...
At this point in time you MUST think of the good times you've spent with your dearest friends...When you're sure...in your own mind...then you'll be ready to do the greatest gift we can give our friends....
Be at peace and let them go onto a Peaceful Forever...

Thinking of You in this very trying time...

~Bob~

I'm so sorry that it has come to this. It is never easy to lose a friend. One thing you could do though, is get a piece of clay and press her pawprint in it... that way you will forever have her little pawprint with you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time...
~Dawulf~

I think your gut instinct is correct.  Probably the only thing that could be done now is to get an exact diagnosis of her condition and possibly pump her full of meds but whether she has severe HD, DM, spondylosis, CES....either way it is not reversible.  She may or may not be a candidate for surgery, at this age I personally would probably not go through with it.  So sorry....

i know how you feel i just went through this with my male..... it sounds like its time to say good bye sadly. she is not having fun any more as it sounds and you would hate to see her suffer. probably for you and for her it would just be better but this is all your decision. good luck and i am soo sorry you are haveing to make these choices

I know how hard this can be I just lost my female Trouble this way just over a year ago. Very difficult decision, but it sounds like the right one to say good bye.  It is never easy to make the decision but your girl sounds like just how my Trouble told me it was time. She was three legged after a leg amputation from bone cancer at 9.5yrs old and just over 13yrs of age her back started giving her problems from the severe spondylosis she had, one morning it was time to go out and she just looked at me like I'm tired and can't do it anymore, we said goodbye to her later that day. It was very hard we took her to the vet and gave her a big hug as she went to sleep. The vet was great and she went peacefully to the Rainbow Bridge and I had no regrets knowing I did the right thing for her, she was no longer suffering or in any pain. I am sorry you have to go through this and my thoughts are with your family and your girl!