[mattsmom]

Marco, rescue standard, is about 12. He’s had Addisons for years but it’s under control.

He’s slowed down pretty suddenly But 2 vets haven’t found anything wrong. Symptoms: frequent yawning and smacking lips— this will go on for long periods. Strange respiration — normal, then quick panting for a while even tho he’s just lying there. Bad breath for the first time. Much lower energy, wants to play ball but only lasts for a few times before he lays down again. Shorter walks.
Eating and poops normal, yay!
Any ideas? (Except for finding a new vet.). We’re in a small town, not much choice.
Thanks for any ideas you might have —

 

[Mufar42]

Sorry your boy is slowing down. I'mont a medically minded person so I'd have to rely on my vet. I would have the vet check his heart and his teeth thoroughly.

 

[Moni]

This may be completely obvious but I would suggest bloodwork and urine analysis - especially Thyroid Panel and Kidney output.

 

[Poodlebeguiled]

Did the vet do a thorough examination of his teeth/mouth? Does he have a fever or any signs of infection?

 

[Dechi]

Bad breath would make me think of a gastric problem. Any change of food lately? Eating more grass or anything out of the ordinary ?

If he’s uncomfortable, he might be anxious which would explain the yawning and lip licking.

Have you made a video and shown your vet ? That might help for your next visit.

 

[Poodlebeguiled]

Yes, that might be it Dechi. One of my dogs (not the poodles) was doing weird stuff with her mouth AND licking things...carpet, fabric things like she was trying to relieve herself of something...quiet desperate...and the vet said to give her a Prilosec. And that seemed to do the trick. It was heartburn. Of course, still check with your vet.

The bad breath could be that or something with her teeth. I'm thinking absess somewhere in her mouth possibly. Anyhow, these are just some ideas.

I think we all need to be more proactive with doctors and vets these days it seems. I took Matisse for something recently, thinking it was skeletal. He cried when I picked him up and thought I did something with his shoulder. He was also walking tender footed. He was obviously in pain...shaking/vibrating sometimes. The first vet took x rays...nothing wrong. Sent me on my way. BUT HE WAS IN PAIN!!! I told her that and she just brushed it off. (not going to that vet again!!!) I took him to my old vet where I to live and he almost immediately discovered what it was...an anal gland abscess. I missed it. He showed no typical signs like scooting or anything... except it had pooched out. I had just groomed him a few cays before, shaving his sani... and he looked normal, but all of a sudden, it swelled up by his bum just before I went to my old vet I guess. So he got that lanced, drained, anti-biotics. But it goes to show that when one vet doesn't find out what's wrong, another might. I miss my old vet and it's quite a trek to go see him. :sad:

Anyhow, keep persevering until you find out what's wrong. Keep us posted...sending get well vibes.

 

[Mfmst]

Something gastric or dental would be my guesses, too, assuming nothing unusual showed up in bloodwork, urinalysis. Gas-X?

 

[Poodlebeguiled]

Well, bottom line...we can speculate till the cows come home but your best course would be to see a really good vet and get to the bottom of it even if it means you have to travel a ways.

 

[Juliebee]

My Georgia has Addison’s disease also. I’m wondering if you need to up your dogs medicine. First thing I notice when Georgia is having an issue with her meds is her breath changes and the panting. Much luck with your boy

 

[mattsmom]

something's wrong

Thanks everyone -- vet has checked teeth, heart's ok, done blood work, pretty much everything she can think of -- I have taken videos and sent them to her, too. Blood said slight infection, now he's on an antibiotic for a week or so.

Pill is so big and I have to split it so now it's big with sharp edges. (
So I've been smashing them and tried adding them to different things.
Like cheese (nope), honey (nope just smeared it all over his bowl), peanut butter (nope), etc.

I'd say I'm at my wit's end but wits have been ended for some time, I think.

I just read the Addisons suggestion - good thought. I'll mention that!

Thanks again everybody --

 

[Moni]

Try cream cheese..was my saving grace with all the seizure meds!

 

[Poodlebeguiled]

How about a glob of raw liver or something equally disgusting...hamburger? He should swallow that down whole...quickly. Glad he's on antibiotics. Too bad the vet can't find out what it is though. Hmmm. Well, best wishes for a speedy recovery. If he won't take the med with any food you try, you'll have to shove it down his throat. Place on the back of his tongue as far as you can and hold his muzzle closed, stroke his throat with your other hand, tilt his head just a wee bit back...not too much. It's important that he takes his meds and finishes every last one. Good luck.

 

[jcris]

I’m amazed at how difficult it is to find a good contentious vet. One who takes the time to really figure out what’s happening with our beloved pups. It’s like me being able to find a good doctor. Very frustrating