Why is my dog lethargic, breathing heavy, and in pain every 2 weeks?

I am mostly concerned about the weight loss, lethargy (depression) and the labored breathing. This is certainly not normal for such a young dog. From the symptoms you are describing, a metabolic disorder seems most likely. Options are hyperadrenosorticism (Cushings), hypothyroidism (although this is not consistent with the weight loss), certain sex hormone disorders, and certain immune mediated disorders. Since this has been going on for such a long time, I would advise a consultation with a specialist at this point. You can find a veterinary internist in your area on www.acvim.org.

Unfortunately, [vomiting](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/vomiting-1/), lethargy and increased respiratory rate all have can have [multiple causes](https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-10-warning-signs-that-require-a-veterinary-visit). Some can be serious and others not so serious. She might have eaten something that either disagreed with her or may be causing an [obstruction](https://www.petcoach.co/article/7-things-you-should-know-about-foreign-bodies-in-dogs) somewhere in her gastrointestinal tract. She could be sore from an unknown injury. She could have been exposed to or ingested a[ toxin](https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-cleaning-products-that-are-toxic-to-pets) or irritant in her environment or this could be early signs of another condition or disease process. A complete physical exam by your veterinarian or at the nearest veterinary ER would be recommended if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours. Supportive care (IV or subcutaneous fluids, medication, etc.) may be administered until a diagnosis is reached.[ Your vet](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-signs-you-should-take-your-dog-to-the-vet-right-away) can perform an exam, blood work and possibly x-rays to determine the cause of the illness and suggest an effective treatment plan.

Willow is experiencing very general symptoms of disease, these symptoms could fit almost any internal condition, maybe she is suffering from nausea due to a gastrointestinal disease and maybe she is in pain, from the symptoms described it's very hard to know. i would recommend taking her to the vet as soon as possible in order to get her checked, if she doesn't show any other obvious symptoms during the examination, a blood test and possibly an ultrasound will be needed in order to try and find out what is wrong with her.

Sasha is so cute, but I'm sorry she's doing poorly! If she is limping, she is breathing heavily, trembling, and panting a lot, this can be a sign she is in pain. This would explain why she couldn't even go up the the stairs. If she's finally laying down and isn't showing any of this signs you described in your post, I would keep an eye on her for now and make an appointment for her with the vet in the morning. Now if these symptoms you are describing are continuing, then I think having her seen by a vet now would be best. In this case, please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Karma needs to be examined by a vet right away, especially if she is breathing heavy. She could have pancreatitis, gastritis/enteritis, infection, parasite, foreign body, etc. Your vet can do an examination, lab-work, and take an x-ray to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. She may need an anti-vomiting medication, antibiotic, fluids, and other medications, depending on the cause. Please call your vet and have her examined so treatment can be started.

I'm sorry to hear that Paddington has not been feeling well. An electrolyte imbalance with a low sodium to potassium ratio occurs most commonly with Addison's disease, but can also occur with kidney diseases or due to medications. I agree with your vet that performing an ACTH stimulation test to rule Addison's disease in or out is quite important. Addison's disease is referred to as the "great pretender" because its clinical signs can be quite subtle in many cases. Exercise intolerance and panting are most concerning for heart disease. I would also recommend asking your vet if chest x-rays could be performed to evaluate the size of Paddington's heart as well as the overall appearance of his lungs and blood vessels. Not every heart disease shows significant changes on an EKG. You may need to consider taking Paddington to a veterinary cardiologist to perform an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to assess the heart's function and ability to effectively contract. I hope that all goes well!

Hi, thanks for usnig Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry your dog is sick! It would be helpful to know your dogs age and if she is spayed. Also if she is having trouble urinating or defecating? Anytime an animal is not breathing normally it is an emergency. Sometimes the breathing can look abnormal when they are in pain or have a fever but there are more serious causes for trouble breathing that are life threatening: heart failure, pneumonia, pleural effusion, cancer. The abnormal breathing alone is a reason to take her to an emergency room now. If you mean she is straining to urinate and is NOT passing urine, that is also a life threatening problem and see should be taken to an open emergency room. Causes of being unable or urinate are most commonly from a bladder stone stuck in the urethra or a bladder tumor. When dogs strain to pee they can vomit and pant due to pain If she is straining to poop, then that likely means she has diarrhea and feels the urge to go but doesn't have any stool to pass. Since she is also vomiting she could have an upset stomach from: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infection, ate something gross, food change, new treat or table food, pancreatitis, toxin ingestion. If she is straining to poop then that can wait for your vet to open. Trouble breathing and urinating shouldn't wait. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!