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I have a female wolf/husky mix who will be 8 years old in ...

Sent to Dog Experts October 8 2006 at 12:20 PM
   

I have a female wolf/husky mix who will be 8 years old in Novemver. I have had an awful time finding a vet to treat her because they do not approve of "hybrids". She is lethargic, and seems to have a hard time getting around. Even short exercise wears her out and makes her start panting. She is not running a fever. Her gums and tongue color are good. Her appetite is okay. She seems more thirsty than usual. She has urinated in the house a couple of times, but I think it's just because she didn't get outside quick enough.Help!

 

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value:  $8
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October 8 2006 at 12:32 PM (11 minutes and 55 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

Sometimes, the problem is not that they don't approve to of the hybridization and it's just that they don't know how to treat the wolf part of her. Wolves have different needs and protocols than canines in many situations.

With the symptoms you are seeing, I would suggest a urine culture ASAP to rule out stones in the urine, a UTI or other urinary disorder. I would also want geriatric bloodwork to rule out thyroid problems and diabetes. They are both common at this age can be the underlying cause for what you are seeing.

I know that it's hard to find a vet so go ahead and call your closest vet school for a referral. They have some pretty good referral services.

Let me know if you need more help or if you want to discuss this more.

Tammy F. -- Not an active Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 2282 Dog Accepts
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October 8 2006 at 12:40 PM (7 minutes and 39 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: How can I find the vet school closest to me? She seems really worn out today. How much time do you suppose I have before this could be life threatening?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 8 2006 at 12:49 PM (9 minutes and 1 second later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

If she seems overly tired today, I would truly be worried that she's suffering from a heart condition. For her breed, her age makes her fall into the geriatric category.

It looks like the Iowa State University Vet School is closest to you. Here is their contact information:

Iowa State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
Ames, Iowa XXXXX-XXXX
(XXX) XXX-XXXX
http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu/

If she's truly troubled today and you are worried, I would definitely seek out an emergency vet and hope that they have wolfie experience.

Tammy F. -- Not an active Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 2282 Dog Accepts
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