Species: Dog, Age: 16 (17 in two weeks), Sex/Neuter status: Neutered, Breed: Schnoodle, Body weight: 20 pounds, History: seizures (hasn't had one in like a decade and is on phenobarbital), digestive issues, stage 2 kidney failure, cushing’s disease, arthritis, periodontal disease Clinical signs: Bleeding around bottom right canine (has stopped)), loose tooth Your general location: TN, USA

Hi vets! I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance that I am making the right decision with my dog.

Monday night, he began bleeding from what appeared to be his lower right canine area. It stopped very quickly, but when it started again Tuesday morning, I got him into the vet. He hates the vet, and so he wasn't very cooperative, and all that they could determine was where the bleeding was coming from: bottom right canine. Sent us home with antibiotics and instructions to jsut keep on eye on him. Took him to the emergency vet later that night when the bleeding started again, this time heavier and more persistent. They sedated him and were able to determine that his bottom right canine was loose and would have to be removed.

I contacted his vet the following morning, and they sent in a referral to a board certified dental specialist, as they did not feel comfortable doing the procedure due to his age and various health issues. After a long discussion with his vet, I've ultimately decided not to move forward with the procedure.

Given the risks associated with anesthesia in combination with his age and other health issues, the fact that his vet acknowledged that there is a chance lasting affects from the anesthesia on his organs could result in a lower quality of life post-operation, his advanced age, his worsening arthritis issues and pain, his extreme anxiety surrounding the vet, and the likelihood of another medical crisis popping up sooner rather than later, I don't think the possible benefits of the procedure are worth it. I realize this means our time together is very quickly coming to an end, and I am definitely struggling with that and so conflicted about my decision. I know in my heart that this is what's best for him – I'd rather give him a really really good last few days than drag out the inevitable and make him suffer more – but I can't help but wonder if I'm making the wrong decision.

I'm planning to contact his vet again today or tomorrow for end of life conversations and to see what more we can do for him now to keep him comfortable. Like I said, I'd love to give him a few really really good last days with trips to the dog park, plenty of walks, good food, etc. He's not acting like he's in any pain and nothing is swollen, but I know dogs are very good at hiding pain (he's currently on three 100mg doses of gabapentin/day and also galliprant, both previously prescribed for his arthritis), but I definitely want his vet to look him over, if he'll let them, to better assess his current pain level and see what more we can do for whatever time he has left.

His vet was extremely supportive in me not immediately opting for the procedure and taking time to think it over more. But, I guess I was just hoping to hear more opinions from other vets. I know you can't definitively say if I'm making the right or wrong decision. But really anything you say will help.

I've had him since I was 13. He's been through so much with me. And while I've had dogs my entire life, this will be the first time I've been the one to make the decision that it's time to say goodbye.

Editing to add for anyone curious how this ends: We had a truly amazing conversation with my boy's vet yesterday, and she was completely supportive and understanding of my decision not to do the extraction and dental. As she said (and I literally cannot thank her enough for adding more context to this all too familiar saying), "Age is not a disease, but disease comes with age." With my boy's advanced age and existing health issues, I know in my heart that putting him through what would undoubtedly be an extremely stressful ordeal wouldn't be fair to him and wouldn't be worth the possible extra time. She gave him a thorough look over, and is comfortable moving to palliative care.

After nearly 17 years together, and so many memories, our time together is coming to an end. But what a blessing it is to have that knowledge and to be able to fill his last days with good food, amazing memories, and lots of love before sending him over that rainbow bridge in the comfort of our home, surrounded by the people he loves most.