My pit bull has joint pain, low energy, and is losing weight. Why?

Gradual weight loss in an older large breed dog is usually the result of an underlying cancer (particularly intestinal) or an underlying intestinal parasite, or pancreas disorder (exocrine pancreatic disorder) just to name a few. I would start with baseline bloodwork and a fecal exam to get a big picture as to whath is most likely the underlying cause. As long as JJ is still active, happy and clinically normal other than the weight loss, then I would consider doing the testing that he needs. Best of luck with JJ and his weight loss issues. Take care.

Sorry to hear Daisy is unwell! If Daisy is losing weight despite having a good appetite it suggests something is going wrong in her digestive tract meaning she can't get the goodness from her food. Because she is a young dog there could be a condition from birth causing this or a problem she has developed. However what I suspect is the problem is a high worm burden. You say she passed a lot in her faeces, so she will have many inside. Because she is weak and has lost a lot of weight I would take her to the vet because it may not be a case of simply worming her, she may need more treatment if her gut is damaged by the worms. The vet will also be able to give you a good worming product which you should use regularly.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on your description, I would recommend having Bucky examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. The limping on the back leg and coughing may be related. If he has a bone tumor it may have spread to the lungs causing the cough. These symptoms could also be completely unrelated and he may have bronchitis or a respiratory infection along with a leg injury such as a torn ACL. I would have his leg and chest x-rayed to see if there are any concerning changes. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy help you further.

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about Vinnie! In a senior dog, losing weight despite eating can have some very serious causes such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer. It's also concerning that he is in pain wherever you touch him. This pain would prevent him from not wanting to play, and be more lethargic than usual. He needs to see a vet today for these problems. I would take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

Zuko needs to be examined by your veterinarian. Blood work should be done to screen for tick borne diseases which could account for his symptoms. Treatment is typically a month long course of antibiotics. Supportive care can be administered if indicated.

According to the symptom of weight loss, otherwise normal and elevations on bloodwork, I would advise having your pet checked for Cushings disease (due to elevated ALP) via a specific test that your vet can go over with you. Also an abdominal ultrasound should be considered as well to check for any obvious masses since the Globulins were a bit high. Weight loss can also be caused by a change in diet as well, especially if your pet was once overweight, so its best to discuss this possibility with your vet as well. Also it is worth mentioning that none of the medications you listed would cause weight loss as an adverse effect. I do hope that things work out well for your pet moving forward. Best wishes and take care!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sugar. She appears to have significant changes to both of her hips indicating severe arthritis. She also appears to have some mild arthritic changes in her left knee. Hip dysplasia is a congenital disorder where the hip joints do not develop properly leading to arthritis later in life. So this is the potential cause of the changes in her hips. I hope she is able to start pain medication to help with her mobility.