Why is my 6-month pitbull losing weight, passing worms, but eating?

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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your dogs. Hip and knee pain is a common cause of rear limb lameness in large breed dogs. Arthritis tends to develop in either or both joints making the animal reluctant to move. Over time they will lose muscle mass in the rear limbs as they bear more weight on the front end to compensate. This could be what you are recognizing in your dogs. Other causes of weight loss include increased activity levels, diet changes (dog food can vary drastically in the number of calories per cup) or hormonal or metabolic disorders. If the dogs are acting ill, they should go to the veterinarian for further testing. I hope this information helps!

Tapeworms or other parasites are definitely a possibility if your pup eats a lot and doesn't gain weight. However, there are other causes that may also cause failure to gain weight such as metabolic illnesses or other underlying conditions. Signs of parasites may include issues such as diarrhea, visible worms in the stool (tapeworms will look like grains of rice, while roundworms will look like spaghetti), vomiting, etc in addition. If you're unsure if Mika has worms, it is best to bring in a sample of her stool to your local vet. They can check it for parasites, let you know if any/which type are there and provide medication to treat it with. If no parasites are found, a complete exam with your vet to rule out any other issues is also a good idea.

These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs and fecal analysis) may be needed. 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.

Poor Pip! She is so lovely. I'd take her back into the vet this weekend for blood work and a urinalysis. There's something causing her weight loss and diarrhea, and it could be a digestive issue. I think at this point, further testing is needed. I hope this helps!

It sounds like she is strained to defecate, likely due to loose stools. Has she been vaccinated? Has she been dewormed or had a negative fecal exam for parasites? If she was eating I wouldn’t be as concerned, but with the poor appetite I am very concerned. Parvovirus or intestinal parasites are high on my list of concerns. Please have her seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon.

It sounds as Diamond is suffering from a gastrointestinal condition, possibly an infection. it could also be due to ingestion of a foreign body material. i would recommend taking her to the vet the first chance you get, she will need to be checked first, if the vet thinks it's a simple gastrointestinal infection she will need an anti nausea injection, antibiotics and a special food for a few days in order to get better. if the vet thinks it is more serious she will need a blood test and possibly an ultrasound in order to find out what is wrong.