[Lou]

I am so torn about how to proceed with treatment for our gentle giant, Ivan. some of you already know about him but here is his story.

Ivan came to us when he was 6 months old. His previous owners said his breeder wouldn't take him back so they wanted him put down. The reason....his ears didn't/wouldn't come up. Even though we had decided we were not going to rescue another dog for a long time we decided Ivan had to be saved. How could anyone let him go for such a frivolous reason? Their loss was our gain.

Ivan turned 8 on New Year's Day but the past two-three years have been hard on him. He has had severe seborrhea that has now turned his whole groin area into a blacken bruise that is IN his skin rather that ON his skin. Topicals don't seem to help. He has been on and off medications for the past year. It clears up but comes right back. His back and armpits seep and itch (those can be treated topically.)

The major problem Ivan has, however, is severe hip dysplagia. When our new vet looked at his X-rays she cringed. There is no cartilage-nothing to cushion the bone on bone effect and consequent pain.

He is on a heavy duty pain pill with another for his break-through pain but we have to keep increasing dosages.

Ivan seems to be drawing away from me and the little dogs. My dh says he still comes to lay beside his chair during the day and at night Ivan goes to bed when he does which is very early. Around 10pm I get him and let everyone out for "last call." Last night my husband must have accidentally turned on the touch-lamp because it was on and I watched Ivan wake up and get up after he had been there for three hours. It took him forever. He hesitates before going up and down stairs so I know he is in pain.

We know that his condition is only going to get worse so my question to you is: When does one let go. I'm not ready yet and I don't think Ivan is but I'd rather put him down too soon than too late. Dh says soon but not yet. I agree. But when.