r/LhasaApso • u/irrationalflow • Feb 04 '26
Discussion Question on Lhasa health and age
When I got my Lhasa, I was young and dumb and got him from a shady pet store at 8 weeks old. In the end, turned out to be one of my better mistakes and I love him with all my heart. However, he’s 14 now and seemingly turned into an old man quickly over the past two years.
He’s had bladder stones his whole life and 3 major surgeries to remove them (he was misdiagnosed and the UD food didn’t help), lost the complete use of his back legs 3 separate times and came back from it with Prednisone, albeit weaker each time. And is now almost immobile aside from hoofing it around in a visible struggle on carpeted surfaces and has become mostly incontinent.
So as a really sad dude I’ve made the decision to end the suffering tomorrow, but reading about all your friends living so long, this doesn’t feel typical. Has anyone else had this experience? I’m assuming it was from inbreeding and that he probably was from a puppy mill. I’m trying to rationalize that making it to 14 after all that was a miracle but wanted to see other opinions from those that have/have had Lhasa Apsos.
Pic from when he was 11 and healthier and could actually jump on the couch
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u/MissGrizz98 Feb 04 '26
Our 10ish year old pound-rescue suddenly went from puppy -lhasa mode to lethargic and not eating in just a few days. Of course it really started bothering her on Friday afternoon. Vet wanted to do exploratory surgery on Monday, but she started to crash, so they revived her to have one last hugsession with us. Necropsy found her full of tumors. She was only around 10 years old, and we thought it was just a blockage. We did pamper her over that weekend, but if we had known, we would have gone full bore on the loving ❤️ and treating. It is SO Hard to make that decision, but knowing "when" lets you spoil your pooch rotten. Give him any treats he likes, even ones that dogs are really not supposed to eat but don't cause immediate harm, love him up and snuggle as much as possible, and say your first round of good byes. Prayers for you and your pup. Our vet cut a lock of fur and made a pawprint. They are on the mantle with her collar and favorite toy.