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Why is my senior dog rapidly losing weight and struggling to walk?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | 17 years and 5 months old | 25 lbs

My dog has lost a lot of weight in 3 weeks and is now struggling to walk... she is a 17 year old jack russel nearly blind and deaf. Sge does have lumps on her but has had these for four years. Help :(

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 25th, 2018

So sorry Poppy is having this problem. There are many possible causes including kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine diseases, cancer, musculoskeletal issues, infections, etc. The only way to know the cause is to have a vet do a workup with blood work and x-rays. If she has had the lumps for many years then they are likely not related to the problem but your vet could aspirate them to confirm. Please call your vet and have her seen as soon as possible.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on August 23rd, 2017
Hi there and thank you for your question about Lucy. Lumps and bumps in older pets are not uncommon. Sometimes these are fatty tumors that generally do not cause a problem and are not cause for concern, but it's always good to have a veterinarian check these just to be sure. Loss of control of the bowels is also not uncommon in older pets just like it's not that uncommon in older people! However the disoriented walking and the weight loss is a concern that should be addressed by a veterinarian soon. Disorientated walking could be due to osteoarthritis or a neurological disorder causing her not to understand where her limbs are in space. Sometimes disorientation can be a sign of canine cognitive dysfunction (canine dementia). Weight loss could be because she is eating less due to pain from arthritis or it could be due to organ dysfunction or neoplasia (cancer). My best advice for you and Lucy would be to visit a veterinarian so you can discuss Lucy's history and current issues in detail and get a diagnosis so you and your veterinarian can decide how best to care for lucy going forward. There may be some medications your vet can Rx that could be helpful to her. I hope this has helped and I also love Jack Russells. They are one of my favorite breeds! Best wishes and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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