12yo Black Lab Mutt didn't eat and now lethargic

[Colleenwithblacklab]

We have a 12YO Black Lab mutt that my whole family adores. I am extremely concerned in her behavior over the last 12-24 hours. She did not eat her dinner last night (VERY unusual) and would not even try to eat her favorite treats when we gave it to her. When my husband took her for her walk last night, she did not want to go and even resisted a little. When they came back, my husband actually had to carry her up the stairs. He said she pooped a little, with some difficulty.

This morning, her food was still in the dish and she moved very little from the night before. In fact, when she tries to get up, her rear legs just seem to give out and she cannot even get up or support her weight.


Over the past couple weeks, I have noticed her drinking more water and panting, even when it is not that hot. I know that she is in her twilight years, and there is a harsh reality we will need to face sooner or later, but is this really it?

[ginger899]

It may be quite a few different things, but a sure-fire symptom of pain is not eating. Most dogs in pain refuse food. However if she is drinking a lot, and not peeing, then something has to give soon. She does need to see a vet.
I don't know how hard, or easy it's going to be to find a vet who has a rather more 'upbeat' attitude to older dogs. I don't think, at 12 she's done yet (unless she is seriously ill with a bad prognosis) So don't listen to any negativity on account of her age.
The older ones deserve as good diagnosis and treatment as any age of dog.

[Misfits4Me]

Colleen, Do you mean she CAN"T pee or poop or she WON"T go out to potty?
If she's in this much pain, she needs to see a Vet.
This could be a disc problem in the lower back and it's terribly painful!!! She may not go potty as it's too painful to squat (So to speak)..

The treatment would be Painkillers PLUS Steroids....The combination gives incredible relief.....Painkillers are affordable & so are steroids.....The expense would be an xray to check....You have a 70% chance of the xray showing it....Thus, you might opte out and just ask for a physical evaluation.....Explain to the dr. that you cannot afford the xray or at least ask what it costs, first.....Possibly from the physical, your doctor will be able to tell what's going on....Either way, she needs the pain management as it sounds as if she's suffering.......If she continues to not eat because she doesn't feel like getting up, then you have a whole list of other problems.....It's easier and cheaper to take care of it now, if at all possible.....

Do you have anything you could sell to get some money?? Just a thought....

You might also look into "Care Credit". It's a credit card for people & ANIMALS medical needs....It works like any card.....They pay the bill, you pay them back monthly.....
You can check them out online for more information.....

Please, find a way to get her evaluated, this may be something very simple as just "Pain Management" for a few years.......Let us know what you find out......Karla

[tashieb]

I would call around to vets and see if there are any that you can pay later or leave post dated check??  

[Colleenwithblacklab]

Hi Karla:

Thanks for the response. I like the idea of the pain relief, however the eliminating seems to be a problem, as she does not seem to be peeing OR pooping. Husband couldn't even get her to go out for a walk. :( Should I still look at the pain meds?

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Colleen & Welcome......If she's peeing normal, poop looks normal, and not Vomiting, I'd say this is a case of Arthritis that has gotten to the point, that she can't stand the pain any longer....
Panting is a sign of pain and IMO, drinking water counteracts the panting..(In a dog's mind).
She does need to see a Vet as the anti-inflammatories that will help her are prescription only.....They can give her a good quality of life for many more years.....I understand the pay in 2 wks., though.

Here's what to do till see can see a Vet for proper treatment: Dogs can take aspirin...Look for Buffered or Enteric coated  as it's easier on the stomach.....This CANNOT be given longterm as it can cause ulcers, & stomach/intestional bleeding.....

The dose is: 5mg. per lb. orally every 12 hrs.  This should help her....DO NOT give Tylenol as it is toxic to dogs!   Do this for a few days & see if she gets better....If not, you need to get her to a Vet for treatment.....Some Vets will do a payment plan for their services...You need to ask yours if he/she does....

Again, the prescription Painkillers from the Vet work much better, but the aspirin will at least give you an idea if pain meds. will help........So, get her in when you can......Good luck & please check back with updates........Karla

[Colleenwithblacklab]

Very important note, my husband and I don't have a lot of money (until he gets paid in 2 weeks)