Is it time to let go?

[dustysmom]

I have a 5yr old maltese named Dusty. Dusty has been suffering from seizures for 3 yrs. Each episode is worse than the last. Each time his medicine is increased. Since his medicine was last increased, he now needs to urinate quite frequently (hourly) he is barking quite a bit and he is licking things constantly (even the air). I love him very much but I feel I am emotionally unable to deal with him anymore, I find myself getting angry at him for his barking and when he urinates in the house. I work fulltime and I can't take him out every hour. I do come home everyday at lunch to let him and my other dog out. I thought about putting him in the kitchen everyday where there is linoleum, (better than carpet) but I don't think it is fair to put the other dog in there also. Do you think anyone would want to adopt a dog with so many health problems or should I have him euthanized. When do you know if the dogs quality of life is no longer a good quality of life?

[RWDVM]

Dear dusty's mom:

I am a veterinarian and would be happy to offer a second opinion. Please tell me what meds he is on, so that I may let you know if there are other effective drugs that you may attempt that carry less side effects.

Roger L. Welton, DVM
Veterinarian, Webmaster http://www.askdvm.com

[Squawksx3]

Hello dustysmom and welcome.

Im so sorry to hear about Dusty... I hope Roger can help.

[dustysmom]

Dusty is currenty on phenobarbitol. He takes (2) 16.2mg tablets twice a day. In the evening he gets 200mg of Potassium Bromide. He originally started out with 1/2 tablet of Pheno twice a day when he first started having seizures. The bromide was added in September after his last set of clusters. This last episode lasted for three days. It took him a couple weeks to act normal again. When the vet got his liver enzymes back, he said they were elevated and with Dusty's increase urination and excessive thirst, he suspected that he now has cushings disease. Financially, I can't keep having these tests done. I can't afford it. Emotionally, I am drained. Waiting for the next shoe to drop. Thank you for any guidance you may be able to offer.