Lack of Energy

[Kysha]

Owen (4 year old neutered male) is acting very lethargic lately. I have not changed his food (been on BARF since the winter). The only thing new that I added this week to the veggie mush was Apple Cider Vinegar and he has refused to eat his veggies. I don't think a week of little to no veggies would be the cause - do you? I have been giving him some pumpkin that he likes at least!

This all started about two weeks ago. The weather here is VERY hot and humid and Owen (as almost all boxers) don't do well in the heat, especially the humidity. I am not truely convinced that this is weather related. Tegan (7 year old female) doesn't like the heat either, but she is acting normally. The house has central air and he is still very lethargic inside...

This peeked last night when we went to an agility trial and he literally WALKED the entire course. This is so not like him - he is usually FULL of energy and I am racing to keep up with him. Owen LOVES agility and I just didn't see that 'sparkle' in his eye.

On our morning walks (off leash) he hardly goes faster than a trot and he used to RUN the entire time. On our on leash walks he drags behind and shows no real interest in being there.

He continues to eat normal amounts, although he eats MUCH slower that he used to and has left a fiew pieces of chicken in his bowl a couple of time (which Tegan eagerly cleans up :D ).

His water intake has been less than usual - but I think that's becuase he's not doing as much.

Owen has not gone to his toy box in quite a while to get a toy and play with it... If you know Owen - he ALWAYS has a toy with him and is always playing with something.

As I write this all out I am thinking that there is definatley something wrong.

Does this sound like anything that you guys have gone through? Anybody have and thoughts or comments?

I think a trip to the vet is in order, but I always like to go in educated with the possibilities of what could be the matter with him. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Worried.

 

[myrocky]

:( I hate when the babies get sick. I honestly do not know what the problem could be but agree that he should see a vet (preferably a holistic one ) . I hope he starts feeling well soon! Sending lots of healing vibes you way.


Andie

 

[Tink]

Poor Owen. I know how you feel about going in to the vet armed with possibilities. Same with my son and his pediatrician. I feel silly saying, "he's just acting sick." I hope you get to the root of this. When the weather got hot here Luke acted the same way. No energy, all the rest that you described, but he did eat less too, even skipped a few breakfasts and I had to coax him out to potty. It passed after a week. I figure either his body was just taking time to adjust to the new weather or he did have a little bug and he got over it.
Get better soon Owen.... mommy is worried!

 

[Kysha]

Thanks everyone for their help. I am calling this afternoon for an appointment with our vet. I too hate going in with only "he's a little off". I wish they could talk sometime. I too need to learn to relax a bit

I will let you all know how it goes.

 

[Kysha]

Owen seems to be back to normal - energy wise. The humidity has broke a little here and I think it's just the weather that hit him really hard.

But now there is something new - he's not eating his veggies or offal. I will post about this in the BARF section to get more info...

 

[matilda8255]

I would take him to the vet just to be safe. My dogs do get more mellow durring the summer and their appetite may decrease if it is very hot but I would still head to the vet. Glad to hear he is feeling better.

Stephanie

 

[basak]

It could really be only related to weather. Krose does nothing during the day basically. Skips breakfast most mornings, eats his dinner and he is monster again
Hot weather and humidity effects them very much. I know it does effect Krose very very much

 

[Kysha]

Well I finally got a vet appointment!

The weather here has been much cooler and I thought Owen was improving, but a agility class last night he still showed NO interest at all about being there.

The vet heard a grade 3 heart murmer (on a scale of 6). They have NEVER heard this in him before today. They took some blood and urine, and this is what they found:
- Owen is anemic. He has a low red blood cell count. This is probably the reason he has no energy and it could be the underlining cause of his murmer. They have suggested we do a new cell injection, and then put him onto a good quality multi vitamin for dogs.

- The urine test came back a little low on the Specific Gravity rating. They want to run this test again with morning pee - we will do that next week.

- The creatin (sp?) enzyme level from his kidneys are slightly elevated. We are going to keep an eye on this and treat the anemia first and then retest everything in 4 weeks.

Does anyone have experience with any of the above?

As for his heart we are scheduled to have an ultrasound within the next two weeks to get a more detailed idea of what's going on there. So I will have more info on this.

Owen and Tegan have both been on the the BARF diet since November. Is there anything that I should be adding to his diet to help him out. I am seriously considering putting them back on their premium kibble because they never had this trouble before...

I was an absolute basket case at the vets office and I am still very worried about the poor little guy. I am glad however to know what's going on inside.

 

[myrocky]

Hugs to you and Owen! Did you see a conventional or holistic vet? I think the opinions on murmurs vary with each vet. I think the only way to get an accurate reading instead of a guestimate is to see a cardiologist. A holistic vet would be able to help you in the area of anemia and diet. I think they are certain leafys to avoid when this happens and certain veggies to make sure they get. Also talk to them about your concern with the diet and your thoughts on going back to kibble. They will be able to help you figure out which road is best.

In Vollard's book she suggests making sure the animal gets plenty of raw liver when they are anemic. I know you said Owen refused it but maybe he wants a different kind? Keep us posted.


Andie

 

[matilda8255]

I think the only way to get an accurate reading instead of a guestimate is to see a cardiologist

YES!!! Please have the testing done with a cardiologist. I don't even want to tell you how many vets have given Molly a different murmur grade. The only way to be 100% positive is to see a cardiologist. Do not waste your money doing it through the regular vet. I hope Owen is feeling better real soon!!

Stephanie

PS..Why don't you try giving Owen the dehydrated beef liver snacks? The are wonderful for anemic dogs. You can get them at all the major pet stores. Check the label to make sure the one's you purchase are only beef liver I think one brand is called Gibson.

PPS..the symptoms you are describing are similar to onion and garlic poisoning. You aren't giving him any onion or too much garlic are you?? Just a thought.