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Why is my senior dog lethargic, not eating, vomiting, diarrhea?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 14 years old | 15 lbs

My 14 yr old jrt isnt hasnt eaten much for 2 weeks. She started with vomitting and has been passing mustard yellow, mostly liquid stools for over 2 weeks. Her weight has gone from 10kg to 7kg. She also seems lethargic. She has had blood tests last week which are normal. She is also on vetroyl for cushings the vet has reduced dosage from 70 ro 30 since we went back about the lack of appetite and stool problem. Vet says electorlyte reults are normal which doesnt indicate addisons.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 31st, 2017

That is very concerning that she is not eating, vomiting, and losing weight. If blood work is normal than your vet could do x-rays and/or an abdominal ultrasound to look for abnormalities. Your vet could also do an ACTH stim test to make sure she is on the correct dose of vetoryl. Your vet could also treat with an anti-nausea medication called Cerenia and an antibiotic called Metronidazole to see if that helps with the vomiting and diarrha. Hope she feels better soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on June 24th, 2018
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) may be needed.
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 23rd, 2016
Unfortunately those symptoms are quite severe and they could be caused by more than one disease, for this reason it's not possible to treat her without at least having her checked by a vet, and she will probably need a blood test as well. If money is an issue please contact a dog charity in your area of living, thy should be able to help.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on July 24th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Loss of appetite can be observed with many conditions such as gastroenteritis, dietary indiscretion, kidney disease, pancreatitis, among many other possibilities. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as soon as possible as I am afraid that she could be getting dehydrated. They would be able to check for these possibilities and others depending on the findings on exam. Treatment would be based on findings. Good luck and have a great day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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