Why are my German Shepherds vomiting, diarrhea, and limping?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry that Gem isn't feeling well! From what I am understanding is that Gem has been on and off limping on different legs at different times. There are few things that could be going on: Panosteitis or Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy, both occur in young, rapidly growing dogs. I see Panosteitis a lot in German Shepherds. Both are diagnosed on X-rays and physical exam. Another possibility is lyme disease. I recommend taking Gem in to your Vet when she is actively limping. Have her tested for lyme and some X-rays done. Since we can not examine Gem, we are not allowed to prescribe medications or provide doses of human medications. Human medications are not recommended for dogs. Dogs metabolize drugs differently then people and the medication may interfere with what your Vet prescribes based on their diagnosis. I hope this helps and you get to the bottom of Gem's limping!

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor guy! Causes of vomiting are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, dietary indiscretion, foreign body, food allergy/intolerance, new food/treat.human food, intestinal disease (inflammatory bowel disease) or pancreatic disease. I am in agreement with you about your dog. German Shepherds, at least in the US have a lot of intestinal and pancreatic disease, specifically Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). Sometimes they have both conditions. Symptoms of IBD are weight loss with or with out vomiting or diarrhea. Signs of EPI are weight loss and diarrhea. I recommend deworming him 3 weeks apart with Drontal plus to cover parasites: https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1459 Then I would start him on a prescription hydrolyzed diet, you will need a prescription from a Vet. I like Royal Canin Ultimino or HP or Purina HA: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/royal-canin-veterinary-diet-hydrolyzed-protein-adult-dry-dog-food If there is no improvement in weight or vomiting in 2 months then consider a trial of pancreazyme (supplement for EPI), again you will need a Vet to prescribe it for you: https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11245 I know there isn't a Vet close by but I highly encourage you to find one and have them examine your dog. It is best to figure out what is wrong with someone who can help you along the way. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

Hello thank you for using PetCoach. A GI issue is always possible, however, I think his symptoms are more related to the lameness. I think you should have him to your vet to check his leg even if it seems like his not limping anymore. If the lameness is subtle now you may not be noticing it. Any pain/stress could cause lethargy and soft stool. While waiting for an appointment you can always start him on a probiotic to help support his GI tract. I suggest this one: ( https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/223965_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=111441 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like we may have two separate problems- a skin problem and a GI problem. The skin itching could be related to food but is more likely related to environmental allergies (which can develope at any age). Another possibility is that it’s actually pain- she is the right age for arthritis and other problems. This may be especially true if it’s over a joint. A foreign body like a thorn stuck in the skin is also possible. For the vomiting, there are many many possibilities. Acid reflux is more common with age. A trial of small frequent meals and Pepcid AC (famotidine) can help. Other possibilities include long-term foreign material (cloth or object swallowed long ago), organ disease (kidney disease, pancreatitis) cancer, and more. Abdominal xrays, full blood work, abdominal ultrasound, and sometimes even an upper GI scope or exploratory surgery may be needed to figure it out. This is a complicated and involved case and we could definitely talk more about it via text or call if you’d like. I believe there is a link below if you’d like a more in dept consultation. Best wishes to you and Hope!

Well without seeing Mailo, or the bloodwork, or other tests that have been done, it's really hard to know what is going on. A consult with one of our experts would be great because you could upload blood work, radiographs, or other diagnostics that have been done to give us a better picture of what is making Mailo lame. I will suggest that perhaps he needs X-rays of his lame leg if this hasn't been done, because young GSDs get some developmental bone disorders that present as intermittent lameness that responds to anti-inflammatories. These diseases are very treatable and easy to diagnose with X-rays, so that'd be a place to start.

Limping itself is an indication of pain, so Koda has likely been in pain for the last two weeks. Please have him seen by your vet to help determine the cause of the limping. It could be a muscular issue, joint problem, infection, or a fracture. Pain medications meant for humans can be very dangerous (and even deadly) for dogs, so I do not recommend giving any to your pup without consulting with your vet. Your veterinarian can prescribe safe medication to help with Koda’s condition if necessary. Dry heaving in a large barrel-chested dog such as Koda is concerning as well, as it can sometimes be an indication of bloat. Bloat, although relatively rare, can occur in any dog, although large deep chested dogs tend to be affected by it more frequently. A distended abdomen, retching without production of vomit, salivation, pale gums, and labored breathing can be signs of bloat, and if you notice these signs you should rush Koda to the vet immediately.

Oh no! It sounds like Lela is painful on her right hind leg and needs to be evaluated for an injury or wound. The vomiting and diarrhea could be related to what is going on with her leg or could be caused by something else. I would recommend you take her in to your vet to be evaluated. She may need anti-inflammatories or pain medication for her leg as well as anti-nausea medication and diarrhea medication for her intestinal tract. With vomiting and diarrhea I also get very concerned about dehydration, so she may need some fluid treatment as well to get her feeling better. Good luck! I hope Lela is feeling more like herself soon!