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Dog is older, large, shivering, lethargic, wont eat, drank

 
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  • Answered by:Dr. Marie
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Customer Question

Dog is older, large, shivering, lethargic, won't eat, drank a little water, won't get up and walk around - hasn't been outside all day...started about 5pm last night.

 

Optional Information:
Age: >12; Male; Breed: Lab mix

Already Tried:
Rocky has some existing conditions....he has hip degeneration (can't think of the medical term), and is on a rice, chicken, vegetable diet. He also has acid reflux that we have under control with a daily dose of pepcid. He also takes deramaxx, 100mg 1x/day, fish oil, and 25mg benedryl/day - he has allergies and generates quite a bit of mucuous. Lately, his breathing is becoming more labored as he becomes active - can't walk as far without becoming out of breath...so we stop & rest. Starting around 5pm yesterday, he didn't want to eat (ususally a good eater) and became lethargic. Wouldn't get up this AM to go out or eat. I have been giving him 1 bottle of Ensure Plus to help him maintain his weight...although he eats well his weight seems to be slowly declining. When he wouldn't eat this morning I offered him the ensure and he drank about a quarter of the bottle...drank water and laid down. Has refused to get up since and hasn't been out to relieve himself all day. It is after 4pm and he still won't get up for any of his favorite things or eat anything. He shakes a little when he sits with his head up and is very lethargic. He seems to be feeling very weak, though not throwing up...I'm more concerned because of his lack of urinating. Any suggestions?   It's a holiday weekend so my vet isn't in until Monday.

Submitted: 1460 days and 13 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  Dr. Marie replied 1460 days and 13 hours ago.

Sorry to hear that your dog is not well!

 

Is your dog able to walk at all?

What breed is he or she?

How old?

Can you check the dog's gum colour? Are they pink, pale pink or white?

 

Thanks!

Dr. Marie.

Customer replied 1460 days and 12 hours ago.

I adopted Rocky about 6 years ago as an adult dog from a shelter - we believe he is a lab mix - normally around 95-110lbs. We have only been able to guess at his age...I had him to an Orthopedic surgeon about 2-3 years ago re his hip trouble (no surgery), and he believed he was 10-11 yrs. I have not been able to get him up to walk since early this morning.

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Expert:  Dr. Marie replied 1460 days and 12 hours ago.

Thanks for that! I didn't have your additional info when I first read your question, but now I can see more about Rocky.

 

It really sounds like Rocky is not feeling well!

 

There are a number of conditions that could cause the symptoms you are describing.

 

It would be good to check the colour of his gums to see if they look pale or white. If so, he may have internal bleeding. We see this in some dogs with a ruptured spleen tumor, but there are other causes. The blood loss causes the dog to feel awful and to not have any energy. It can also affect his breathing.

 

Another possibility is that he is having a serious problem with his heart. This can cause breathing issues and lethargy and inappetance as well.

 

There are other possibilities as well including kidney or liver disease.

 

When a lab does not want to eat, there is almost always a medical reason for it.

 

If you have access to an emergency veterinarian I would really recommend a visit today.

 

I hope everything is ok!

 

I hope this information helps! If you have more questions regarding this problem, just hit reply. If I am online I will respond right away. Otherwise I will respond as soon as I come online again. Or, if my answer is sufficient, then please hit accept. Thanks!

Dr. Marie.

 

The above is given for information only. Although I am a licensed veterinarian, I cannot legally prescribe medicines or diagnose your pet's condition without performing a physical exam. If you have concerns about your pet I would highly advise contacting your regular veterinarian.

Customer replied 1460 days and 12 hours ago.

Thank you for your reply. Just a few minutes ago...I was eating a biscuit and offered some to Rocky - he took it! I gave him the rest of it..he ate it. I also tried some turkey lunch meat...one of his favorites when I am giving him his medicine...he ate that too. Still won't touch his regular food, chicken, rice and vegetables..but finally got up, a little more wobbly than usual and went outside to urinate.... Gee, I didn't even have to say the word "vet"....he does seem a little more alert...Oh, his gums are pink. This may sound odd but it's raining here today and he seems to be sensitive to bad weather..not in a fearful kind of way, but the last time he was somewhat like this was when the seasons just started to change from winter to spring. I'll continue to watch him carefully...if you have any other suggestions...I would be happy to hear them...I will take him to the emergency vet if he seem to take a turn for the worse. Thank you!

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  Dr. Marie replied 1460 days and 12 hours ago.

Sounds good! I hope he does well!

Dr. Marie

Expert TypeVeterinarian
Category: Dog
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 1754
Answered: 4/10/2009

Experience: Compassionate licensed veterinarian with >20 years experience with cats, dogs and pocket pets

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