Hi, everyone, I have an older Lab Beagle Mix named Jada. She is probably about 12. Up until a few weeks ago the Dr said she had the blood work of a 2 yr old pup. Last check up the only thing off was raised calcium. So we changed some foods around etc ( which we have done before to balance her thyrozine.) A couple of weeks ago we noticed she stopped eating Rawhides. Then not eating food. Very little water. Started to get very lethargic. Jumps out of bed when we lay down where she usually cuddles up with us. Went to DR. Exrays showed lots of gas in her intestines which show she hasnt been eating. We gave her some wet food and she devoured it. Then after a few days started mixing it. She ate some this weekned but yesterday...nothing. Stopped again. Wont even eat the wet stuff. Will not drink out of her bowl. She will however drink ice water from a cup. And she drinks so much she will throw it up. She wont even give me kisses. Turns her head away where she usually kisses me silly. I just dont know what to do. As the dr didnt find anything. Our next step is an internal dr. But we are running out of funds. Whats going on? Thanks, Beth
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I'm no vet and i'm REALLY not sure but my guess would be diabetes. Feel free to correct me
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Hello,
Cushings is very common in older dogs. Excessive drinking is also a classic sign.
A vet visit is probably in order to rule anything out.
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Thanks for the replies, we have taken the dog to the vet twice. He only found high calcium, no other bloodwork problems, nothing else wrong was found. Not too sure. If anyone else has any suggestions, we'd gladly take them. We are going to talk to the vet tomorrow and see what his next suggestions will be.
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doesn't sound like diabetes at all to me, sounds like a blockage from the rawhides. They are extremely dangerous. They not only can penetrate the stomach, esophogus & intestines but the can coagulate & block. They are also processed with arsenic & lead. Greenies are worse.
Good luck
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Would this have shown up on xray. He did say there were 2 bumps he wasnt sure about and wanted to get her eating to see if they have moved. She ate for a couple of days and now has stopped.
How do they clear blockages?
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Ahhhh, I missed the rawhide part.
Sue - you are always on top of your game.
Power, you said you recently went to the vet? Was this the dogs regular vet? Perhaps a second opinion is in order?
Was blood work taken? X-rays?
I'm sorry you are going through this!
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Yes he is our regular vet. He is usually wonderful with Jada. He did bloodwork and xrays.
Bloodwork shows fine other than raised calcium.
Xray - shows air in the intestines and the colon. Which he says shows she isnt eating.
He said there were 2 bumps in her belly but it was hard to say what it was as her stomach was so small from not eating. Thats why he wanted to get her eating and recheck...She ate the wetfood he gave us for a few days now she is back to a few days of nothing...so checking that may not help.
Hubby made an appt with another vet here close to home so we will get another opinion. We are really starting to get very worried. She has not eaten now for days. And struggles to keep herself up. Very uncharacteristic of her. I know she is old....but she is usually much more puppy like.
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Hi, the vet did do blood work and I have copies of that here. Funny you say that because I am going in for a second opinion today at 2PM from another vet to see if he can find anything that the first vet didn't. Hopefully he can find something. The Rawhides i've been told are not bad, but pig ears are, weird how everyone has such different outlooks on rawhides. Where did you hear that they were bad? Thanks for the continued input.
David
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Hello Powercall,
You are smart to seek the second opinion, if nothing else, it should ease your mind. I hope it helps!!
Raw hides have a tendency to splinter off and could puncture stomach and intestines. Raw-hides are also dried with chemicals that can be harsh to people and animals -formaldehyde (sp?)
This woman joined our message board when her do was sick, they suspected it to be a splintered rawhide.
I'm also glad to report her dog recovered.
Nylabones do not splinter off and safer than rawhide. Typically its the better choice.
Keep us posted! And feel free to vent- we're here to listen!
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Hi everyone. I just wanted to thank you all for your imput and advice. I wanted to update you on Jada's Status. We took her to a second vet. They had her on IV etc to help hydrate her, They too couldnt find anything wrong. Other than high Calcium. She has since been ...Yesterday Today and probably tommorrow at the Specialist/ Internist. They are 99.99 % sure she has one of two different cancers in her rectum. Its not lookin good for the kid.
Just got the Biopsy info. She has anal sac carcinoma or something. Its into her lymphonodes and stomache, We are trying to decide to take her home adn try steroids....or just call it tonight.
This has to be the worst feeling in the world!
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Powercall, I'll have you in my prayers for you and your baby. So sorry to hear about the diagnosis.
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Jada is home with us now. We have her on the Steriods and gladly we have been able to get her to drink and eat a little, which means that the medicine may be working. It is so good to have her back home with us. We will keep her here until a turn for the worse occurs. Beth and I thank you for all your advice on our baby's problems. It's been a great 11 plus years with Jada and however long she decides to bless us with her companionship, will be cherished for a life time
Thanks to all!
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Power, I'm sorry Jada is sick, but glad she's home and comfortable with her loving family!!!
Keep us posted!!