My 11-year-old basset hound moves slow and seems uncomfortable.

I am very sorry to hear about your Basset. These symptoms are very concerning and I would recommend an examination as soon as possible, he needs to be seen today if at all possible. Without a physical examination and laboratory testing it is very difficult for us to determine what could be causing his symptoms. One condition we worry about in middle aged dogs is a condition called Addison's disease https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951484 which can be life threatening if untreated. We would also worry about infections, liver or kidney disease, infiltrative intestinal disease, and more. The vet will likely recommend bloodwork and x-rays to determine what is causing your Bassett to be ill and help guide their treatment for him.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Sadie! The first thing I think of in Sadie's breed with symptoms of not wanting to move, crying when picked up and unwilling to jump up is neck or back pain. Neck or back pain in dogs can be from a strain or sprain or from IVDD (intervertebral disk disease) which is common in long bodied, short legged dogs. I'd have Sadie see today by your Vet since she is in pain. They can diagnose neck or back pain on physical exam. As long as she is moving her legs normally (not dragging a leg or walking drunk) they likely will start an anti-inflammatory, pain medications and possibly a muscle relaxant. Rest is required for 4-6 weeks, this means no running, jumping or stairs. She will feel better before her body is fully healed. I hope this helps and I wish Sadie a speedy recovery!

Poor Flash! It sounds like he could be painful. He could have injured himself when he slipped. It could be his back as Bassets are prone to disc issues with their long backs. Another source of pain is also possible. It would be best to have him seen by a vet for a physical exam to see if a source of pain can be located. Especially as it does not seem to be improving. Your vet can also prescribe some pain medication if needed to help him feel better. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor Misty, I understand this must be very concerning for you! I know you want to wait until tomorrow, and that could be absolutely fine and she may simply be taking a bit of an infection or general upset. However, with basset hounds and any sort of laboured breathing I always worry about a condition in their stomach called bloat or torsion, also referred to as GD or GDV. Unfortunately bassets are predisposed to this horrible condition and it is a medical emergency. I really hope this is not what is going on with Misty, but if it is she needs immediate treatment. You could watch her and see if she starts to settle, but if she is deteriorating​, becoming very lethargic, struggling to breathe or her belly is increasing in size I would go to the vet asap.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly neck or back pain though it could also be due to arthritis. It could still be pain associated with a leg even if nothing seems wrong with them. I recommend that you have Sausage evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Likely diagnostics include radiographs. Treatment would be based on findings. At the very least they can prescribe pain control medications to make Sausage feel better. In the meantime, reduce his activity as much as possible as that in itself can make a big difference. Good luck and have a good day!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Charlie. I am sorry to hear that he has been limping. He will need to see his veterinarian. He could have damaged a ligament in one of his knees, he may have developed arthritis or he could be experiencing a soft tissue injury such as a muscular strain. The examination will hopefully tell his veterinarian where he is painful and it can be decided of x-rays are needed. In the meantime, I would give him strict rest. No walks, avoid stairs as much as possible and do not allow him to run or play. This will allow his body some rest. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medication as these can be toxic to dogs or interfere with prescription pain medications. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pippin. It sounds like he is very sore. He will need to see a veterinarian to determine the source of his pain. It is common for small breed dogs to experience neck or back pain. These dogs will typically pant, shake and be reluctant to move. They can refuse to do stairs or jump on furniture. In severe cases, back pain can lead to weakness or paralysis. He should see his veterinarian soon. I hope this information helps!