Accepted Answer

OK, thanks for your reply. When we see pets with chronic, terminal illnesses, we are concerned with quality-of-life issues, first and foremost. My opinion is that any dog who doesn't want to eat, is a dog that feels pretty miserable, seeing as most dogs live to eat. Loss of appetite for several days suggests that there's a major issue going on that is causing nausea and general malaise - not a pleasant situation to be in. I equate it to having the flu, that doesn't go away.

If no medications seem to help, and surgery isn't an option, then euthanasia is a humane way to alleviate the symptoms of chronic illness. It's not an easy decision to make, for certain, but it is often the kindest choice we can make for our pets, in this situation.

If nothing is done, he will become weaker and sicker as the days go on, and he will likely have a slow, downward spiral, with his last days being positively miserable. It would be nice to know we saved him from having to endure that sort of spiral.

Expert:	Drew
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	9/27/2009

Veterinarian

Canine Medicine and Surgery