Lethargic dog

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Elkhunter
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Lethargic dog

Post by Elkhunter » Thu Dec 22, 2011 8:28 pm

So I got back from hunting yesterday evening and my 10 year old GSP was acting very very weird. He was fine the whole time we were on the ground, animated and hunting and pointing birds. When I let him out of the truck he just stood there on the driveway and sat down. Has never done that, I took him inside and tried to give him some warm water with food which he normally likes. Anyways he would not touch, 3 hours later his skin is freezing cold. His snout and nose are freezing cold and he just lays on the ground not moving. I took him to the ER vet and his internal temp was 92 degrees, they put him on an IV and warmed him up and ran some blood tests.

His calcium was extremely high, which the vet said could be a sign of cancer. I brought him home the next day and he still has zero energy, just lays in the crate. He is eating and drinking and using the restroom but has zero energy and still stumbles a bit when he tries to walk. He also is having a hard time regulating his body temperature, sometimes its 102 then its 97. But he looks rough, and I am nervous he is not going to pull through. I cannot afford anymore tests to see what is wrong with him, the ER vet was a small fortune.

Has anyone dealt with something similar to this?

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birddogger
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by birddogger » Thu Dec 22, 2011 8:39 pm

Unfortlunately, I have no advise but I wish you the best.

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Sharon
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Sharon » Thu Dec 22, 2011 9:19 pm

I haven't seen that but i have two older dogs and am always amazed at how old age is changing their actions. The regular vet costs about 1/2 of an ER visit.

Prayers for your dog.
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Cajun Casey » Thu Dec 22, 2011 10:27 pm

Any number of things could cause what you are describing, but I have seen this kind of response to cadiac events personally. Good luck. I hope he gets better. Just let him take it easy. He may have a weak heart valve.
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Elkhunter
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Elkhunter » Thu Dec 22, 2011 10:54 pm

He is acting a little more spry tonight, I will see what he looks like in the morning.

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Dirtysteve
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Dirtysteve » Thu Dec 22, 2011 11:25 pm

Josh
Sorry to hear this. It sucks when a good one gets old

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Cajun Casey
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Cajun Casey » Fri Dec 23, 2011 1:02 am

Did they do a kidney panel?
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.

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dog dr
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by dog dr » Fri Dec 23, 2011 8:15 am

you need to get some more bloodwork done if your gonna figure out whats wrong.

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Elkhunter
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Elkhunter » Fri Dec 23, 2011 10:08 am

He was throwing up all last night, he is at the vet now.

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Gertie
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Gertie » Fri Dec 23, 2011 11:04 am

I hope you're dog is alright. Prayers your direction.
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Bird Dog 67
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Bird Dog 67 » Wed Dec 28, 2011 11:37 am

Any updates on your boy?

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Elkhunter
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Elkhunter » Wed Dec 28, 2011 12:56 pm

He ended up passing away, the vest said his kidneys were starting to fail him. He just kept getting worse and worse, he was my first bird dog and had been with me for 10 years. It was the toughest thing I have ever done.

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Bird Dog 67
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Bird Dog 67 » Wed Dec 28, 2011 1:26 pm

Awwwww sorry to hear that man. Been there..........as many have and many more will. I hope that the memories help you through.

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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by ultracarry » Wed Dec 28, 2011 1:41 pm

Sorry to hear about that. At least you got to take him hunting before he left.

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Elkhunter
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Elkhunter » Wed Dec 28, 2011 3:17 pm

ultracarry wrote:Sorry to hear about that. At least you got to take him hunting before he left.
Yep one of his last finds of his life... I did not even see him at first above my other dog.
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This was the hunt before, he had over 10 finds in an hour. Mostly on singles, if the three of us could of shot better we would of limited out! He was a great dog and I will always be grateful for him introducing me to the world of bird dogs.
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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Chukar12 » Wed Dec 28, 2011 4:46 pm

I am sure sorry for your loss...I remember the picture of you two in the snow from a few weeks ago. It made me smile, you guys just looked like the reason we ought to own bird dogs in that picture...
Its no comfort today but the memories last longer than the pain...
best of luck,

Joe

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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by ACooper » Wed Dec 28, 2011 6:42 pm

Very sorry to hear that Josh. It never gets any easier.

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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by proudag08 » Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:26 pm

So sorry to hear this!

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Re: Lethargic dog

Post by Gertie » Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:41 pm

So sorry for your loss. He was a very handsome boy. RIP.
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