Question:
I am facing the serious likelihood that Cub is going to have to be euthanized sooner rather than later. Her teeth are causing her pain & she's hardly eating @ all unless handfed treats like raisin bran & banana. THe exotics vet has admitted there is nothing more he can do for her.
So it is with tears in my eyes that I ask, when is the right time to decide to euthanize? Dr Benoit did not offer euthanasia explicitly on this visit but I know a chinchilla is only as good as their teeth, & her teeth are awful & causing her pain. Dr Benoit said it was impossible to give long-term pain medication to a chin, so I am doing everything I can to make her comfortable but I want to keep her alive as long as possible. I know this is selfish but I want to have her a while longer.
When is the right time to euthanize?


Answer:
its so totally not selfish.. she is a piece of you.. and its hard. it would be selfish if she needed it right now and you completely refused.. you want to give her more.. and if there is any possibility of hope then why not hang on to it.. and give her what life she can have left. Im sure (even tho I know she has to be frustrated right now) that she is very happy to have you as her mommy!! I think (Im no expert) that she would probably give you some kind of sign that you will know what you need to do when the time is right!! I wish I could help you or do something for you!!!! Im here to listen if you need.. emails, pms, or anything ... just let me know..


Answer:
I don't know what to tell you Neuro. That is such a hard decision...all I can say is . I'm so sorry.


Answer:
neuro, it is not always easy to let go of a loved pet, even when they are in pain
When you mentioned that her teeth are causing her pain does it mean the roots of her teeth are beginning to grow into her eye sockets? I read from other threads that this is quite painful and not cureable. Or is she in pain because her teeth aren't getting ground down enough through normal wear and tear? Could your vet file her teeth down if that is the case? I hope the best for Cub, I know how much she means to you.
I am going to move this to the Chinchilla forum, you might get more feedback and help there


Answer:
I just read your other thread on Cub and realised that all my questions were answered there so ignore what I posted earlier.
Just my own thoughts on when to euthanize, I would say that when your pet's quality of life deteriorates to the point where they cannot enjoy their food, look forward to playtime or just plain relax and take it easy, I would start thinking about euthanasia. If Cub would have to eat mushed up food the rest of her life and still be in pain, even though I know that you are more than willing to sit by her and feed her and keep her alive, I would think about when will Cub see the light at the end of the tunnel? She's not eating mushed food to eventually transition to normal pellets that she can enjoy later on, she will have to be handfed all her life and still be in pain.
In the end, the decision is yours to make. Whatever you decide, you have my support.


Answer:
Diana summed it pretty well. Neuro, I think you are the only one to make that difficult decision when the time comes. I am so sorry you and Cub have to go through this and you have all my support and compassion. Know you are not alone and you have us to lean on during this rough time.


Answer:
I agree, it is definitely a personal decision. I know that isn't helping much but you will know when it is time. And when/if that time does come, we will be here for you. It is a very difficult and humbling decision but I totally understand why you are considering this and it is IMHO the most caring and compassionate thing you can do for a pet that can no longer enjoy life.


Answer:
I agree with everyone here, do what your heart tells you to do, we'll be here for you


Answer:
Aww Im sorry you have to make this decision. But I think you will know when it is time. Us animals lovers are really connected to our animals so I think you will know. With Chucker I just new it was time. It was just to much for her and I had to let her go. You are not being selfish at all. I know you love her and Im just so sorry and feel so bad for you. I know what your going through and it's really tough. Im here if you need anything.


Answer:
Neuro, I just had to make up my mind to have one of my hedgehogs euthanized only four days ago. She had lost total use of all her legs, could only move her head, she couldn't get to food and water any more, I was feeding and watering her to keep her alive due to a desease called Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome. She was bobbing her head all the time and what really made up my mind to make the call to the Vet, was the Seizures she was having the last three days of her life. They just kept getting to be more of them and they looked so painful. She was suffering pretty badly in my eyes and her quality of life was really poor. Your chinnie Cub will let you know when it's time to go, you'll just know when it's right to let go. I totally understand your feelings right now and how hard it will be for you to do what has to be done when it's time. I can't tell you how much I ciried trying to make up my mind. So sorry you have to deal with this right now. Lois