Sudden bad breath in young dog - Page 3

Jax08 · 11-25-2012, 05:55 PM

Cstout - I know the discussion has turned to whether their teeth should be brushed or not and is about to be badly sidetracked but I would still be concerned about the combination of bad breath and lethargy. Bad breath can be a sign of many things gone wrong internally. For instance, my daughter's was caused by acid reflux caused by gall stones. It's the lethargy that I'm concerned about and would definitely get a vet visit. The vet might spot something in his mouth that is causing it that we, as lay people, may miss.

Capone22 · 11-25-2012, 06:04 PM

Couldn't bad breath be a kidney issue?

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GatorBytes · 11-25-2012, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capone22

Couldn't bad breath be a kidney issue?

Sent from my iPhone using PG Free

Yeah, that was the original direction both Jax and I were questioning

msvette2u · 11-25-2012, 07:19 PM

The dog needs to see a vet...but kidney's wouldn't make the breath smell like fish.

There's a possibility the dog is licking anal glands, too, which could make the breath smell "fishy".
Either way, sort it out @ the vet.

Cstout · 11-25-2012, 07:34 PM

Thank you for the responses. He had the previous sickness months ago and finished the antibiotics months ago. So, im not really thinking it has anything to do with the antibiotics wearing off. But, im concerned that maybe what he had before if it was something serious is starting to come back. I am worried that its a kidney issue. When he was sick the vet said he showed low kidney function on his blood results. I didn't know if it was an issue or just something caused by the infection he had. He seems very chipper today, way more energy but still stinky breath. And I learned recently that licking of the chops means pain, and he does lick his chops while urinating. Im thinking I need to get him in for a checkup and definitely get a urine sample done. Could he just have a kidney infection? Or is it more likely he could have kidney failure? I know you guys can't diagnose, but maybe you've got some more knowledge than I do you can share with me. Thanks so much.

msvette2u · 11-25-2012, 07:36 PM

Only the vet can answer that...hopefully you can get him in tomorrow?

Jax08 · 11-25-2012, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cstout

When he was sick the vet said he showed low kidney function on his blood results. I didn't know if it was an issue or just something caused by the infection he had.

When at the vet, ask about CREA and BUN levels. Did they do phosphorus and calcium levels? I'm really surprised the vet did not follow up with this.

It could have been caused by the infection if he had a UTI. But it can also be caused by infection that is systematic in the body. Which is one reason the vets are pushing dental cleanings. We have a Boxer with CRF (chronic renal failure) from bad teeth because the kidney have to work so hard to process the poison in the body.

GatorBytes · 11-25-2012, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cstout

Thank you for the responses. He had the previous sickness months ago and finished the antibiotics months ago. So, im not really thinking it has anything to do with the antibiotics wearing off. But, im concerned that maybe what he had before if it was something serious is starting to come back. I am worried that its a kidney issue. When he was sick the vet said he showed low kidney function on his blood results. I didn't know if it was an issue or just something caused by the infection he had. He seems very chipper today, way more energy but still stinky breath. And I learned recently that licking of the chops means pain, and he does lick his chops while urinating. Im thinking I need to get him in for a checkup and definitely get a urine sample done. Could he just have a kidney infection? Or is it more likely he could have kidney failure? I know you guys can't diagnose, but maybe you've got some more knowledge than I do you can share with me. Thanks so much.

Fishy breath IS an early warning sign - sweet or ammonia smelling would already mean diabetes.

Now this has been indicated in blood panel prior so yes - get him checked out - it could just be an infection re: peeing and licking chops.
It may have been a result of infection or treatment (re: blood work ref.)
Good luck, hope your doggie is well

11-25-2012, 05:55 PM	#21 (permalink)
Jax08 Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NNE PA Posts: 19,261	Cstout - I know the discussion has turned to whether their teeth should be brushed or not and is about to be badly sidetracked but I would still be concerned about the combination of bad breath and lethargy. Bad breath can be a sign of many things gone wrong internally. For instance, my daughter's was caused by acid reflux caused by gall stones. It's the lethargy that I'm concerned about and would definitely get a vet visit. The vet might spot something in his mouth that is causing it that we, as lay people, may miss. __________________ Michelle _________________________________________ Jax Von Monkeybutt, CGC Queen Banshee Boo Sierra the Undecided Cracker, The Great Shedder Rich N Handsome, "Red"

11-25-2012, 06:04 PM	#22 (permalink)
Capone22 Master Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Southern California Posts: 988	Couldn't bad breath be a kidney issue? Sent from my iPhone using PG Free

11-25-2012, 07:19 PM	#24 (permalink)
msvette2u Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Beautiful Pacific NW Posts: 11,005	The dog needs to see a vet...but kidney's wouldn't make the breath smell like fish. There's a possibility the dog is licking anal glands, too, which could make the breath smell "fishy". Either way, sort it out @ the vet.

11-25-2012, 07:34 PM	#25 (permalink)
Cstout Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan Posts: 133	Thank you for the responses. He had the previous sickness months ago and finished the antibiotics months ago. So, im not really thinking it has anything to do with the antibiotics wearing off. But, im concerned that maybe what he had before if it was something serious is starting to come back. I am worried that its a kidney issue. When he was sick the vet said he showed low kidney function on his blood results. I didn't know if it was an issue or just something caused by the infection he had. He seems very chipper today, way more energy but still stinky breath. And I learned recently that licking of the chops means pain, and he does lick his chops while urinating. Im thinking I need to get him in for a checkup and definitely get a urine sample done. Could he just have a kidney infection? Or is it more likely he could have kidney failure? I know you guys can't diagnose, but maybe you've got some more knowledge than I do you can share with me. Thanks so much.

11-25-2012, 07:36 PM	#26 (permalink)
msvette2u Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Beautiful Pacific NW Posts: 11,005	Only the vet can answer that...hopefully you can get him in tomorrow?

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