Accepted Answer

Hello and thanks for researching this very important question!

Dogs can develop a number of problems with their internal organs as they age. These symptoms are similar to those seen when dogs have illnesses including (but not limited to):

1) Heart Disease...certain large breeds are more likely to develop weakness, difficulty breathing, cough, inability to eat well, and general exhaustion when the heart muscle stretches out under blood pressure strain. An exam, xrays, bloodwork and even ultrasound are used to diagnose these pets.

2) Cancer...dogs can develop many kinds of cancer that will spread silently through the body, even for a long time before symptoms of tiredness, shortness of breath and loss of blood volume are seen. An exam, bloodwork and xrays are used to diagnose these pets.

3) Kidney or liver failure...as the body ages, the organs that clean the blood of impurities and metabolic waste can deteriorate. Nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, loose stool and tiredness will be seen as kidney or liver deterioration progresses. Blood tests are used to diagnose these problems.

4) Female dogs that have not been surgically sterilized (spayed) are at high risk of developing infections and/or cancers of their reproductive organs. An exam, xrays and blood tests are used to find these problems. Emergency surgery is performed to remove a disease uterus.

5) Dogs can become senile. A variety of strange and non-specific symptoms are found with these pets, and they can be helped for a while by adding some brain hormone supplement to their daily routine. If more common conditions (like those above) are not found, then treatment for senility may be tried.

6) Other various conditions can cause older pets to have more serious symptoms than younger dogs....viruses, fungal/bacterial infections, and the like. They often need more strong medical supportive measures taken on their behalf.

Since your Dear Friend's symptoms may be pointing to many kinds of problems, she really needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian in person who can quickly help you identify the problem and make suggestions about how to treat her.

In the meantime, please continue to try tempting her to eat and drink...her regular kibble can be soaked in no-salt chicken broth. Try offering jars of baby food meats (make sure there is NO onion or garlic listed on the ingredients! very bad for sick dogs!), slices of potato bread or well-cooked pastas flavored with margarine (not butter).

If you need additional support at this time, please "Reply", otherwise I thank you in advance for your "Accept".

Expert:	Gen B.
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/10/2009

Retired Veterinary Technician

Lhasa,Shih Tzu Breeder/ B.A.Neurophysiology & Animal Behavior/I use plain English!