Post by thystledown on Oct 24, 2021 16:14:23 GMT -5
Topper is a 14 month old in-tact male English Shepherd. He has become a very picky eater and is losing weight. he has also become nervous or something--seems very unsure of himself. I quit working him on goats because he was quitting on me. I've had ES forever, and Top is our own breeding. I have two other ES, his mother and a full sister from another litter) eating the same diet and getting fat. I have tried dry kibble, soaked kibble, home-made (beef, rice, tomato), raw (chicken/beef/venison) and even scrambled eggs which he will eat. Clabber which he sometimes eats. He may eat "well" (like a full soup can of kibble--so not a big meal!) for one meal or maybe up to three (fed twice a day) and then refuse to eat unless fed by hand. We've spent over $1000 at vet who has no suggestions. Blood panels are normal, no tick born disease showing, no worms, no giardia. He plays with the puppy, runs in the fields with the 4 wheeler, loves to take the cow to pasture. His stool is normal. He had an episode when I was gone for a week in august where he did have diarrhea and chewed the base boards and the window casing, and had a couple of cases of vomiting. But not since i came home, so we don't think it is related. Odd though because I have NEVER had an ES chew anything in the house ever. Not even as puppies. And this is a super biddable boy. Vet is concerned about weight loss and did try some pancreatic enzymes with meals. Didn't help and she discontinued. I can't put my finger on the behavioral change--just not as bold and brave--seems almost afraid sometimes. I suspect pain in his gut, but vet doesn't think there is anything to look for as no tenderness on palpation, no blood, not really what she'd expect with an ulcer. I'm going to try another vet, but our vets here are not very good. So thought I'd poll you all for ideas.
ps: this dog is really important as a comfort dog for my husband who has constant pain. He's a 50 lb lap dog! Hubby is very afraid of losing him. I asked vet about cancer, but she doubts it at this age, and no markers in blood work.
ps: this dog is really important as a comfort dog for my husband who has constant pain. He's a 50 lb lap dog! Hubby is very afraid of losing him. I asked vet about cancer, but she doubts it at this age, and no markers in blood work.