Schnapps Posted November 5, 2006 Share Posted November 5, 2006 I have a 4yr old Schnauzer male (desexed), who normally has a voracious appetite. He has never refused a meal in his life. At birth he was very premature and the vet said he wouldn't last a week but he just had his 4th birthday. He's never been a fat dog as he doesn't sit still for long enough to gain any. Three days ago, he suddenly stopped eating and the best I can get him to do is nibble a little bit of sardine cat food. He is lethargic but not stressed or panting. He usually plays pretty rough n tumble with the stud dog so could he have twisted something inside or internally bruised himself? I can't think of anything else it could be. Anyone have any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InspectorRex Posted November 5, 2006 Share Posted November 5, 2006 Chiro check-up. When my girl went off her food in January this year it was because she was out in the back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavNrott Posted November 5, 2006 Share Posted November 5, 2006 (edited) . Edited May 29, 2009 by cavNrott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schnapps Posted November 6, 2006 Author Share Posted November 6, 2006 What does the vet say? You have taken the dog to the vet after him not eating for 3 days haven't you? A dog with an enthusiastic appetite who suddenly refuses to eat for 3 days is a sick dog. Yep, he has an appointment this arvo. He seems happy to come and greet me and wag his tail heartily, although he is not his usual racey self. His eyes were mucky this morning when he woke up, so I have cleaned them. He is drinking ok, and has no trouble jumping on the bed, so I'm not thinking chiropractic problems. Maybe he just caught something and needs antibiotics to choof it off properly. Very unusual for him to get sick tho. I will also raise the question of bone impaction with the vet, although I would think the dog would be sicker than this if that was the case. Also, my neighbour a couple doors up had his dog die suddenly last week. He thinks someone baited it, but I thought it maybe was the 5ft brown snake which one of my other Schnauzers has since sent to snake heaven. Now I'm starting to worry, my dog might be slightly poisoned either by snake, or a bit of residual bait. He has good mobility tho, so snakebite seems unlikely as the brown snake usually causes paralysis somewhat like paralysis tick. He is ailing, but not really displaying any real alarming symptoms except for being off the food. Tis puzzling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schnauzer Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 (edited) If any of my schnauzers don't eat ONE meal, I know they are unwell. I keep a careful eye on them and off to the vet we go if they don't eat the second meal. Have you taken your dogs temperature? There are a lot of gastro bugs around at the moment - two of mine have had it and it can be easily passed onto other dogs. I hope your little one is OK. Edited November 6, 2006 by schnauzer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schnapps Posted November 6, 2006 Author Share Posted November 6, 2006 We went to the vet but I got to come home alone. The vet says 'Stewarts' temp is up a little and on feeling his insides, says there doesn't seem to be any build up of food or poop to indicate an intestinal blockage. He did however find the pancreas very tender. Going on his usual voracious appetite and the fact that he's like a racehorse and never puts on any weight, the vet thinks a pancreatic insufficiency which has flared up to an inflamed stage. Stewart has to stay in overnight on a drip to flush out his system and blood tests will also be taken to confirm diagnosis. A special Hills diet will be on the agenda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schnapps Posted November 7, 2006 Author Share Posted November 7, 2006 Results from the blood tests show nothing wrong with the pancreas. He's still staying with the vet and now he can't even hold down water without tossing it up. He is on a drip to replace electrolytes. The vet will xray him today to see if there is anything obvious like a twist or an impaction. If the xray shows something bad, do I put him down or go the painful surgery with no guarantees? If the xray shows nothing, do we continue with him on a drip and hope he gets over his illness, or put an end to it today? I really don't know what to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeauBo Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 Kidneys or liver? They coujld do blood tests to look at that.When my dog had problems recently the vet did blood tests to make sure it wasn't kidney or liver probs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 Wow I can see how much you are worried but hold onto it for a while longer Once you get a diagnosis you can speak with the vet about what and cant be done and have the facts to decide on your options. Could be something simple yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schnapps Posted November 7, 2006 Author Share Posted November 7, 2006 Devastating news I'm afraid. I feel like I've just been hit by a bomb. The xray shows a massive tumour and Stewart will be put to sleep permanently. At least he had a great, spoiled rotten life till the end. He was so premature at birth, 4yrs ago, the vet said he wouldn't last a week. He did well to get to four and he was a great little dog. We will all miss him, both skin kids and furry ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 Im so sorry to hear this .Im sending all my best wishes to you and your family.Where was the tumour? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavNrott Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 (edited) . Edited May 29, 2009 by cavNrott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weimlover Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 I'm so sorry ;) I wish the news could have been better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 Oh ;) You are right in saying that he had a good life ;)) He wasn't ill for long, and was being cared for. thinking of you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schnapps Posted November 7, 2006 Author Share Posted November 7, 2006 Thankyou all for your condolences. Steve, I don't know exactly the tumour position. I guess I will find out on Saturday when I muster up the courage to collect the collar and lead. I will have hubby with me then for support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest kitakins Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 gosh! ;) im so sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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