Butch is sick and I don't know what's wrong

It could be many things Is he eating? Has he passed urine or pooed? Does he feel hot to the touch?

I wish you the best and hope Butch gets better really soon for you.

Cherri

My thoughts are with Butch and the family

All in alphebetical order

3 pages of symptoms

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/guide-to-dog-symptoms/page1.aspx

7 pages of health issues

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/canine-diseases-and-conditions/page1.aspx

I provided the link for symptoms in case any are noticable, and the health ones in case you find out somthing is wrong.

1 full page of behavior type issues.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/behavior-problems-in-dogs/page1.aspx

Good luck, keep us posted.

Dogs just want to be with the pack (you and the family), they so much thrive on the love you give them.

LOL, maybe its time the wife does some time outside

Check for bites (snake maybe).

With the weight loss, maybe the snake bite thougth isn't that accurate.


Good luck again.

Sorry to hear Butch isn't feeling well. It could be a lot of things including an obstruction from eating something he shouldn't have to some type of cancer.

He needs to be inside with you, especially if he's sick. Maybe you could even bring him in tonight if he is ok with that.

Taking him to vet first thing is absolutely the right thing. Be sure they run a full blood panel and if that doesn't show anything they should take x-rays. Do his lymph nodes feel swollen or do feel any swelling anywhere else on his body?

What kind of food does he eat?

Well, I just got home from the vet and it is not good. Butch has parvo. I was totally shocked. I have never heard of parvo in an 18 month old dog, but Butch has it. He was also dehydrated because of the diarrhea caused by the parvo. The vet said that it used to be almost unheard of in adult dogs, but that they have seen 5 0r 6 cases in adult dogs in the past year. She said that since it is a virus there is not a whole lot they can do. It will just have to run it's course and whether the dog survives or not is 100% dependent on the dog. She wants to keep Butch over night and see how he does. She said that he has obviously been in contact with another dog that is infected with the parvo virus recently. About a week ago 2 stray labs showed up at my house. I haven't been able to touch them yet, but I have been letting them hang around and feeding them. They won't be here much longer. I am so worried about him. I have never had the relationship with any other dog that I have ever owned that I have had with Butch. I have had puppies before with parvo, but never an adult dog. I was so unprepared for this. Please keep Butch and me in your prayers. I really need and appreciate them right now.

We're all pulling for Butch....

Many years ago I found a GSD mix....solid black..gorgeous....laying in the woods.....would't move. It was scary approaching him.....but he was soooo sick. Turned out to be Parvo....he was an adult dog.

Good news is......he fully recovered....was a wonderful dog that I adopted to friends.....he lived a long and happy life! I'm sure Butch will do the same!

Originally Posted By: ButchsdadShe said that since it is a virus there is not a whole lot they can do. It will just have to run it's course and whether the dog survives or not is 100% dependent on the dog. She wants to keep Butch over night and see how he does. She said that he has obviously been in contact with another dog that is infected with the parvo virus recently.

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I'm not a parvo expert (no personal experience with it), but I've heard different advice and information than your vet is giving you. I'd like to hear what others with more experience have to say. My impression is that adequate fluids (IV, antiemetics, etc.) and prevention of secondary disease (with antibiotics, etc.) can be very important for increasing chances of survival. This may require hospitalization until recovery begins. An immunized dog is more likely to recover without special care, so maybe that explains the vet's advice. Sorry if I missed that info.

Has this vet told you, or do you know how to prevent the spread of the disease? It's not for Butch, of course, but others coming thru your yard or neighborhood are at risk. At least pick up all poop you can find in your yard, and consider warning neighbors with unfenced yards to do the same, since this is a common method of transmission. Neighbors should be advised to be sure their puppies and dogs are fully immunized, and avoid contact with feces outside protected areas.

I wish you and Butch the best of luck in getting thru this. Please let us know how it goes.

They are giving Butch fluids and antibiotics. I am scared right now so I'm sure I'm giving off a negative vibe, but she did sound like Butch had a good chance. Butch was vaccinated for parvo when he was a puppy so I don't really know why he has it or if it is a different strain or not. From what I can tell, we will know by tomorrow whether he will be alright or not. I have not even thought about telling the neighbors, thank you for suggesting it. The only other dog I have is my old faithful beagle, Clyde, and he seems to be fine. If I see ANY signs of anything wrong with him he will be at the vet too. I will keep a close eye on him. Some of you may remember that I took in a stray named Lucy a little while back. She turned out to be a fantastic rabbit dog and a good friend of mine has taken her in since I don't have the time to hunt her like she really deserves to be hunted, so there is no danger in her getting sick. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement. I really appreciate it.