[DinaElla]

Hi All,

We have a 8 year old dog (Ella) who seems to be fading in health but we (and the vet after many tests) can't figure out what is wrong.

In 2009 our other GSD died (Dina) and since Ella has lost her spark and started to become withdrawn and uninterested in things. The vet said it would pass but has become worse over time. She has no interest in playing, walking or food .. although eats the minimum amount. Her coat has become unhealthy and feels like a matted coat no matter how much we brush her. She shivers when asleep and breathes in a strange - whats looks painful - manner.

Before this she would a bound of energy and into everything and anything ... now no interest. Its like she has given up. She is still great with the kids but now does not like people coming into the house - she is not aggressive towards them but barks in a nervous - not knowing what to do - way.

Vet has run lots of tests & scans and nothing showing - next step is to complete exploratory surgery and I'm not sure I want to put her through that.

Has anyone experienced this or any ideas what we can try to pick her up (we have tried vitamins and all the meds the vets has tried)

We will do anything to make her well again

Thanks

 

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Welcome - I am sorry about your loss of Dina and sorry that Ella is not doing so well.

Did you do a thyroid panel?

Have you considered checking out a rescue meet and greet type thing and see if that sparks her?

 

[VegasResident]

Do they have any MRIs machines in your area for dogs? I just dont see cutting open an animal because one cant find what is wrong.

Unhealthy coat usually means a deficiency in something, many times nutritionally. What food is she on?

Full panels run?

 

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Yeah - good idea - to list the different tests that have been done so we're not tossing all of them out - so any you can list and from where too - that would help.

So like thyroid panel - U Mich
Xrays - spine, hips, elbows, whatever!

THANK YOU.

 

[Rerun]

X-rays to ensure she doesn't have a partial blockage or something of the sort?

 

[JakodaCD OA]

I rather like Jean's idea, it seems like she's been fine until she lost her buddy? Is she good with other dogs? Maybe get together with someone who she is doggie friendly with, and see how that goes??

Dogs grieve, and I think they grieve even harder when they are suddenly an 'only" dog.

 

[Jax08]

When we lost Bandit, Banshee's littermate, she became very lethargic. she was depressed. However, she never really came out of it and we didn't realize that her 'depression' had carried over into a thyroid problem until her hair started falling out by the handfulls.

If you haven't run a full thyroid panel yet, then that would be my first thought as well.

 

[VegasResident]

When we lost Bandit, Banshee's littermate, she became very lethargic. she was depressed. However, she never really came out of it and we didn't realize that her 'depression' had carried over into a thyroid problem until her hair started falling out by the handfulls.

If you haven't run a full thyroid panel yet, then that would be my first thought as well.

Had one in the last with thyroid issues, same thing. Mediciation turned that around.

OP if you could list all the tests and results for us that would totally help!

 

[Mary Jane]

If the physical tests are not informative (people here will know) you might consider behavioral medication. Some people prefer not to treat anxiety or depression in dogs, but if all else fails for Ella, it might help.

It is certainly true that a lot of problems arise with thyroid deficiency and thyroid supplements can turn them around.

MJ

 

[MaggieRoseLee]

I rather like Jean's idea, it seems like she's been fine until she lost her buddy? Is she good with other dogs? Maybe get together with someone who she is doggie friendly with, and see how that goes??

Dogs grieve, and I think they grieve even harder when they are suddenly an 'only" dog.

Does she EVER seem to perk up any more? When out hiking? Or with other dogs? Puppies?