Please help, odd symptoms in old dog
Hello to anyone reading this. I have a 9.5 year old Boxadore. Never had any health problems at all, always been a great dog. About 2 weeks ago, we noticed he was suddenly looking a little skinny. We figured it was because of our German Shepard eating all the food before the Boxadore, Albert, could get any. He was fine last Sunday, a week ago. On Friday, 2 days ago, he was missing from outside. I finally found him underneath our back porch. When I got him out, he looked skinnier than ever, skinnier than he had just a few days prior. He couldn't walk very good either. His legs seemed weak and stumbly. He had a hard time climbing the porch steps. His feet would give out on him and he'd fall. A few weeks ago, we did notice he was climbing up on our couch and his back legs gave on him and he fell but I figured it was because our floor is hardwood and he's always slipped on it. Anyway, this was something far more extreme and new. He's a very active older dog and had been fine just a few days prior. Now he's very slow moving, his legs are weak and he stumbles a lot. Other symptoms, his eyes are leaking a yellowish discharge. He's also thirsty a lot, still eating but not like he used to. He's always had a very good appetite. He still eats but not as much or as often. He drinks a lot more water than he used to though. He's also drooling a lot more than normal. I've googled until I can't google anymore and cancer and diabetes are the two things that seem to fit the most. We are taking him to the vet this week, just want to be a little prepared. This is something more than just old age, as it came on in the matter of days. Thanks in advance!
Agreed, cancer, and a metabolic disorder such as diabetes are the leading candidates as an underlying cause. Both are treatable. The Vet will want to run a complete chem panel, and CBC differential.
Check around on the dog to see if you can find any lumps. Check the dog's temperature with a digital rectal thermometer: 100-102.5 is normal.
The eye discharge likely something simple such as lack of tear duct production leading to inflammation due to his other problems.
The drooling could be a sign of the dog feeling a little nauseated. When at the Vet ask about a prescription for Cerenia (anti-nausea), and Mertazapine (appetite stimulant), while awaiting the lab results. With the Cerenia , you can try "bribes" on the food. Sprinkle Parmesan, or shredded cheese, or real bacon bits, and mix with the food. When giving pills, wrap em in some melted cheese, or peanut butter. As you have already seen, it only takes a few days off feed for a geriatric dog to become weak. So it's important to keep them eating. At least your dog is still drinking water, and staying hydrated. GL at the Vet.
Agreed, cancer, and a metabolic disorder such as diabetes are the leading candidates as an underlying cause. Both are treatable. The Vet will want to run a complete chem panel, and CBC differential.
Check around on the dog to see if you can find any lumps. Check the dog's temperature with a digital rectal thermometer: 100-102.5 is normal.
The eye discharge likely something simple such as lack of tear duct production leading to inflammation due to his other problems.
The drooling could be a sign of the dog feeling a little nauseated. When at the Vet ask about a prescription for Cerenia (anti-nausea), and Mertazapine (appetite stimulant), while awaiting the lab results. With the Cerenia , you can try "bribes" on the food. Sprinkle Parmesan, or shredded cheese, or real bacon bits, and mix with the food. When giving pills, wrap em in some melted cheese, or peanut butter. As you have already seen, it only takes a few days off feed for a geriatric dog to become weak. So it's important to keep them eating. At least your dog is still drinking water, and staying hydrated. GL at the Vet.