Thunder-13 year old lab- Not eating/ looks awful

[fancbrd4me02]

Sorry, I see that he drinks water okay.

 

[redhen]

 

[teach1rusl]

Okay....this is not MY recommendation. This past summer I was working w/a dog trainer on my female dog's food aggressiveness issues. He told me his elderly dog wouldn't eat anything but weiners. He obviously knew that weiners are NOT nutritionally what his dog needed, but it's what his dog would eat and keep down. And he loved that dog. You might give it a shot. I feel for you. Reading about your guy made me choke up...it's so hard facing the loss of a beloved pet. Did you read Marley and Me? The movie didn't do the book justice.

 

[smileyfacecat]

Could he have an obstruction in his bowel?
Since he seems to take water okay, try giving him some low-sodium chicken broth. I also suggest rubbing some honey on his gums, it has always seems to help my animals when they become lethargic. I would take him to the vet as soon as possible. It is unusual for a lab to go down hill so quickly; they are very lively dogs. Do you know if he could have eaten/drank anything out of the ordinary?
I hope he feels better soon; he is in my prayers.

 

[thebritt]

Ginger is a known tummy calmative, as is chamomeal. Maybe mix some tummy-calming tea (containing those ingredients) with chicken broth. Then try feeding cooked chicken breast (no fat) and white rice 1 T at a time, a couple minutes between bites, - maybe 15-30 min. after the tea. It's hard to feed such tiny amounts, but it's best for a sensitive system. I hope something helps! It's never easy watching an old friend go through such troubles. I hope you're able to take time to enjoy his happy moments - I know how busy life can be. As mentioned, I'd have the vet do as many dignostics as you can afford. GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND THUNDER!

 

[dinahmoe]

i agree with the previous statement-he needs bloodwork and xrays.that sounds like an underlying problem causing the weight loss and vomiting.old labs are usually overweight so something is wrong there.
i wil keep you in my thoughts.

 

[HLAC]

Sorry to hear this. Our Irish Setter died last year. The last four months of her life she lost her appetite and lost weight and condition. Towards the end she looked so rough I worried someone would turn us in for neglect, yet she was spunky right up until the last week. The vet said it was just an old dog issue, she had nothing that could be treated. We offered her every thing we could think of those last months to try to get her eating. Sadly, 13 is just a very old age for big dog and we can't turn back the clocks.

 

[Brindlebtch]

I'm so sorry to hear your old dog is not doing well. It is so hard to see that happen. I also have an older dog who is failing and it just tears me up.

 

[LV426]

When they get older dogs and cats lose their sense of smell and that leads to a decreased appetite. My beloved cat is 15 and on a special diet because of bladder stones. He hates the food and doesn't like to eat it it so I've had to kind of mix in strong smelling foods in it. Water from a can of tuna or chicken baby food. Also I pretty much have to hand feed him some days. As in sit with him and just put the food in his mouth a little at a time. If he's only eating a dry food then perhaps put it in a blender and mix with some no sodium chicken broth and tuna water and see if you can entice him to eat that way. You can even get a large syringe from the vet and use that mixture to squirt in his mouth in the back along the cheek and they usually will reflexively swallow. It's time consuming and thankfully mine doesn't make me do this every day but when he's not feeling well because of his arthritis or kidneys I end up hand feeding him about every 2-4 hours and making sure he eats. Sometimes when they go without eating they lose their appetite and once you get them eating again it stimulates their hunger centers in the brain.

Good luck with your furbaby.

 

[chickerdoodle]

I am sorry about your baby

. I know how much a person can love their dog--I feel like they are my kids. I do recommend comprehensive blood work and a complete urinalysis. Radiographs or an ultrasound may be indicated depending on the results. If he has problems with his pancreas there are pancreatic enzymes he can have as well as special diets. I also use holistic mushroom powders (my 15 year old dog eats it and she runs and plays everyday) called Mycoplex 7 ( http://www.gmushrooms.com/GmNet/NutrMP7.htm ) If he can tolerate some high quality protein and low fats he may get some energy back on such a diet (EVO Ultra low fat is one). Electrolytes are a good idea even though he is drinking as he is loosing too much water in diarrhea. I go to a very progressive veterinary hospital that embraces both Western and Eastern medicine as they can work together in many cases. Even if you try all that can do no harm but may help--give it a go. Then if all fails you will know you did your best but always keep his comfort in mind and not just do it for yourself. Its such a hard position to be in--one we all seem to face with our pets as they age.

Have a comprehensive fecal test done too--see if protozoa or parasites are found. They also can see if he is sloughing muscle or other tissues by checking the slide.