My dog is lethargic, losing weight, has ear bump. What vet tests?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In terms of the weight loss, if he is doing well otherwise, this may be related to the diet fed which sometimes is not the appropriate for one specific dog. If he is a very active dog he may require a diet specific for active dogs such as Purina Pro Plan sports performance. Also, it may the amount of food that is being fed. Have your veterinarian calculate the amount of food he needs based on his most current weight, neuter status and also activity level. This is easily calculated based on the resting energy requirements which is an easy calculation. The ear issue is likely due to an ear infection. I recommend that you have Sparky evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to check what type of infection is present and treat accordingly. Usually this resolves with topical therapy. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Carmell! How old i Carmell? There are 2 lesions on the ear 1) the crusty large one on the tip looks to be chronic either from a dermatitis (food allergies, infection), immune or ring worm. 2) the hairless pink one can be many things, some are benign like histiocytoma or mast cell tumor. There are other possibilities. Many can look the same. If Carmell is eating less and lethargic it may be best to have your Vet examine her. If she is older I'd worry more. My gut feeling is that she is feeling ill from something else besides the ear. I hope this helps and I wish Carmell the best!

Hello, sorry to hear about Pounder. It sounds as though that lump may be a fatty tumor especially if it is not painful, firm, or hot to the touch. Other causes may include a malignant tumor which may need to be further assessed. The best way to obtain a diagnosis on benign vs a malignant mass is to get a needle aspirate of it and look at the cells under a microscope. Sometimes, a biopsy may also be necessary to obtain a diagnosis. The mass may be associated with his ear sensitivity, although, him being a lab, I would be suspicious of a separate issue with his ear such as an ear infection. Since Pounder is otherwise eating and drinking ok, I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian at your best convenience to have his mass and ears looked at. Unfortunately, Labs are notorious for getting cancer and I would not recommend just monitoring this mass. Best of luck and hope this helps!

The best next steps would be more tests to help get to the bottom of her symptoms. Typically we start with xrays and ultrasound if bloodwork is normal. Mainly looking for any cause as lethargy and weight loss are non specific. If nothing is found on imaging then loss of nutrition via the GI tract is possible and so sometimes additonal testing is needed to assess this. If your family vet is stumped, some pets get referred to see a specialist (a veterinary internist) for additional help in diagnosis. Additionally medications can be tried to help with any nausea/stimulate the appetite but if an underlying cause can be found and treated that will always be better. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

The description that you gave of Jex sounds very concerning. I would get him into a veterinarian for a thorough exam. He most likely will need some diagnostics to find out what is going on. There is a chance that he has eaten something foreign that has caused a partial obstruction, he could have pneumonia, and there are lots of other possibilities by the description that you have given. The best thing for him is to be seen as soon as possible by a veterinarian . Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can see that Stone is a little thin from the photos, and the amount of weight he has lost in the past 3 weeks is definitely cause for concern. The next steps after checking for intestinal parasites include blood work to make sure that there isn't an underlying infection present and that organ function is normal. It can also determine that food is being digested and nutrients are absorbed appropriately. X-rays and an ultrasound can rule out masses, obstructions, and inflamed bowels. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This lump/bump/growth should be ideally examined by your local vet to have a diagnosis established. Your vet may want to perform an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy to sample the bump and determine its underlying nature. Differentials would include skin cysts, infections, benign or more malignant type of tumors. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!