My senior dog is very sick and won't eat. What can I do without a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! To be able to help your pup, it is crucial to find out why he is not eating and most importantly why he is anemic. This may be due to an immune mediated condition or an infection of some kind. For this reason, I recommend that they proceed with diagnostics such as infectious disease testing and abdominal ultrasound to look for possible reasons. Therapy would be dependent on findings. Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry that Syzu is so sick! I am most concerned for the PCV of 10, that is a severe anemia. Causes of anemia are blood loss, destruction of the red blood cells (immune or infectious) or bone marrow disease. Even though he is only 3 1/2 cancer is still possible. I would have X-rays done, a slide agglutination ran, infectious disease testing and an ultrasound. Not eating for 3 weeks is very serious and he is likely very debilitated. I hope you get answers and I hope this helps. I wish Syzu the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be the time for your veterinarian to check in with an internal medicine specialist as this is a bit more complex than typical. Possibilities include an immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in which case other immunosuppressive drugs can be used with prednisone or possibly an infectious disease. They would be able to recommend further but reaching out to a specialist would be an option for further tests/recommendations. Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know for sure just based on a description. This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as soon as possible as his weight loss and blood loss are quite concerning. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Moji continues to be anemic, he may need a blood transfusion. This could be due to his immune system destroying his red blood cells in a condition known as Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA). Treatment for IMHA typically entails suppressing the immune system along with treating any potential infectious causes. It sounds as if the veterinarian working on Moji is treating him appropriately. Unfortunately, treating anemia can be a waiting game. Blood values need to be monitored every 2-3 days in the initial period and if the red blood cells continue to decline, he will need to be hospitalized for further treatment and closer monitoring. I hope Moji gets better soon. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

I am so sorry to hear that your dog is so unwell. From what you are describing it sounds possible that he could have ingested a toxin, have a urinary tract infection, an infection of the prepuce, or an issue with his kidneys. Because he is so lethargic and not eating I would suggest a trip to the veterinarian as soon as possible to a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you can collect a urine sample to bring in that would be helpful. In the meantime you can try the following at home; Keep up fluids with; Pedialyte flavourless mixed with water 50/50 Low sodium chicken broth Encourage eating; Chicken boneless and cooked Low fat ground beef cooked Best of luck and ask any further questions you have here, we are here to support you. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm so sorry to hear Samson is so sick! I'd recommend taking him to see a veterinarian right away so they can help you decide if he is suffering. All of the signs you've described make me concerned for blood loss, organ failure, or cancer so I think it's very important Samson see a veterinarian. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.