I have 7 year old black lab who refuses to eat or drink. This started two weeks ago, but until last Wednesday we were able to coax him to eat a little and he was able to drink from our shower head as it dripped. He has worsened of late and we use a child''s medicine syringe to inject water into his throat. Blood tests were normal with the exception of ALT, which was only slightly elevated and his calcium level, also only slightly elevated. We are scheduled to return for X-rays of his head, neck and chest this coming Wednesday, but our concern for his health is mounting. We are currently giving him Rimadyl (?) for pain.
Optional Information: Age: 7; Male; Breed: black labrador retrieverAlready Tried: Out vet has checked him twice and ran a complete blood screen. We wants to eat and drink, but seems unable to do either
If he was on the rimadyl before this started that might be the problem. This site goes over the problems labradors in particular have with this medication http://www.labbies.com/rimady.htm If he can't seem to open his mouth to eat then this might be a masctatory myositis. This site goes over that and the multiple reasons that can cause it http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_masticatory_myositis.html Hope this helps you!
Experience: 30+yrs pet vet care & nursing, rescue, behavior & training, responsible breeding, small animal care