12 year old in one week went from normal playful running to sleeping on a pillow day & night can't walk up or downstairs well or stand without falling or laying down...eats when I sit with her or try to get her to drink otherwise won't walk to get food or water. She went downhill in one week ...have dr appt tomorrow
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Bichon frishe Pet's Gender: Female Pet's Age: 12 Already Tried: Nothing...just making her comfortable ...carrying her fom place to place...bringing her food & water
Welcome to JustAnswer! I would be happy to assist you. I am a 2003 graduate from UC Davis and a Medical Director of a 4 veterinarian practice.
I am sorry to hear about this concern.
Well, there are many causes for this acute weakness you are describing:
- organ problems (liver, spleen, kidney)- a musculoskeletal injury that may have occurred including a spinal injury (disc herniation)- underlying cancer (unfortunately, must be on the list)- a bleeding problem or being anemic (low blood count)
It is a rather diverse list just to start.
Definitely, the vet will need to do some screening tests. I would highly encourage at least a basic blood and urine test and maybe some x-rays.
That will really yield a lot of info about her health.
What can tests tell you:
Chemistry Panel
CBC (complete blood count)
Urinalysis
My concern is that I don't think just giving some pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs is going to fix this problem. Got to find out if there is a systemic (internal) cause.
In fact, if for any reason she seems to worsen just in the next 12 hours, I would get into an ER vet.
Hope that info helps, and I hope there's an easy explanation.
Good Luck
Dr. Andy
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Experience: 2003 UC Davis Veterinary Grad
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