My dog limped, now lethargic with soft stool. Is it a stomach issue?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diarrhea can be observed with conditions such as colitis, gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, intestinal parasites, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have Zekie evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They may choose to check for parasites and to start medications for diarrhea depending on the results. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Hi and thanks for your request. It is unlikely that toxicity is a problem at this stage. Differentials for inappetence are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food.I would recommend a bland diet based on boiled chicken and rice in small portion every 6 hours for the following 48hours. Then gradually reintroduce the normal diet over 5 days. A check up is needed if inappetence lasts for more than 24hours. 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!

It sounds like Moose may have some gastro-intestinal upset. You didn't mention vomiting-- If there's been no vomiting then that is good. However, decreased appetite and the loose stools are concerning. When the colon (large intestine) is inflamed, sometimes they feel like they need to poop even though there isn't anything more coming out. As for what may be causing the GI upset, it could be gastroenteritis which is inflammation of the stomach and or intestines-- this could be from eating something out of the ordinary such as getting into the garbage or eating mulch, etc, or it may be secondary to anything from kidney disease to cancer. I don't see Moose's age listed; if he is older, the concern that there is a more serious underlying problem is higher. If he is a younger dog, gastroenteritis is more likely. Since he seems lethargic, I strongly recommend that you take him in to the vet at your first convenience. If the lethargy is getting worse, or if he starts vomiting or having blood in the stool or vomit, seek emergency care. If you are unable to take him to the vet, you can offer a bland diet (boiled chicken and white rice) for a couple of days and see if that helps. If it is not improving, please get him in for an exam. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am glad your Vet is involved. The limping is odd with the gastro-intestinal signs. In one dog I would think it is just random, but in 2 that is strange. It could be an immune issue like lupus or an immune polyarthropathy. If the Gi signs were from something infections (viral, fungal) that could possibly involve the bones or joints. I agree with the fecal. If the limping doesn't resolve I would do blood work on both dogs and X-ray the affected limb. It sounds like Kia should be seen again first. I wish you all the best!

Good Evening...thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can tell you are worried about Rio. It can be challenging with these little guys, especially when they are so young because they are more susceptible to disease. The eye discharge, while it looks quite gross, is not of urgent or immediate concern, but does warrant a trip to the veterinarian in the next 24-48 hours if possible. Something relatively easy you can perform is a temperature. If you have a regular digital thermometer (or can purchase one @ a local pharmacy/convenience store) you can take Rio's temperature. You can place the thermometer rectally (ideal) while using vasoline, lubricant, or mild dishwashing or hand soap - be sure the silver part of the tip of the thermometer is completely inserted (insert ~1/2 inch) into the anus. Alternatively, you can take the temperature by laying the thermometer deep under the axillary area (arpit of the front leg) on the skin and laying the leg back down over the thermometer while it is reading the temperature. If it is >102.5, it is indicates he has a fever, which is more concerning in a puppy and requires more urgent attention (either urgent care or a visit to your veterinarian in the morning). If the stools continue to become more loose, please collect a sample and bring the sample to the veterinarian when you schedule an appointment. I hope this helps...

If your dog does not start showing improvement after 48 hours of being on the medication and/or if his symptoms persist, then you should take him back to your veterinarian for a recheck. He may need additional diagnostics like blood work, X-rays, and/or a parvo test (depending on his vaccination status). He may also need supportive care like nausea medication and fluid therapy. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, this could be secondary to dietary indiscretion from changing his diet though this could also be something else. If it is just from changing his diet then this should stop very shortly. However, if this is due to something else such as pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, among other possibilities then this is unlikely to resolve and a veterinary evaluation would be indicated for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!