Lethargic and not drinking, need advice!!

[Jade010103]

I haven't been on here for awhile but I really need some advice. I've tried searching previous forums but didn't find anything. My boxer Jade (5 yrs old) has been lethargic all day and I haven't noticed her drink anything either. She didn't eat breakfast (which isn't uncommon) but she didn't want to eat dinner either so I cooked up a little hamburger and added it to a little bit of her kibble and she slowly ate that. She hasn't vomitted at all. She's only been out to go potty 3 times all day (pooped twice). I took her temp. earlier and that was normal at 101.3. She has layed around all day and when we do get her up she moves slow with her head down and stubby tail down tight and she almost looks like she's dizzy or something for how slow she moves. She also doesn't want to leave my side once she is up and it takes a few minutes to get her to lay back down, she just sits frozen like she can't move. I've felt her all over and she doesn't have pain anywhere. Her gums are pink and she doesn't seem to be dehydrated, I lifted her skin and it bounced right back. I can't sleep because I'm so nervous and I'm not sure if I should be taking her to the ER vet or if I can just wait until morning to call her regular vet. I'd really appreciate some advice!!

 

[EAO76]

From the symptoms it could be anything. From the way you describe her posture I would guess neck or spine pain…or it could be her stomach bothering her. If you are confident in your regular vet and if she seems stable I would just make her comfortable until morning (just a few hours now). And then take her in as soon as they open. Is she breathing ok?

 

[Jade010103]

She is breathing ok, I did notice that when she does get up her heart races. She's going to the vet shortly to get checked out.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Please let us know what happens. Good luck, here's hoping it's something simple.

 

[Gruntsmom]

I hope Jade is OK and send lots of healing vibes. Please let us know how she is.

 

[Murp.mm]

Oh poor Jade. Hoping she is OK. Pls. keep us updated. Sending loads of healing vibes her way.

 

[joeys mom]

I hope all is ok with Jade! Please let us know what the vet said. Sending lots of healing vibes.

 

[Jade010103]

When I called the vet this morning they were only open until noon and completely booked but they are so wonderful, the tech talked to the doctor and they said that they would fit her in since she wasn't doing so well and didn't want me to have to take her to the ER.

By the time we got there she was running a fever a 103.5 and when the doctor lifted her head back she cried so they did a lymes disease test because my golden was diagnosed with that earlier in the summer and she had the symptoms, but that came back negative. Then they did a CBC and took x-rays of her neck and spine. Her blood work came back fine so they are still not sure why she is running a fever but the x-rays showed the reason she's so stiff and in pain. She has spondylosis - arthritis of the spine. They gave her a Rimadyl injection in the office and sent me home with some to continue to give her. Since they still aren't sure why she has a fever she gave me Doxycycline just incase the lymes test was a false negative. After we got home I raised her water bowl off the floor and she has now drank a couple times and then she ate some food. She's still laying around but that is what she is suppose to do now and now that her pain is better she is at least getting up every once in awhile. I'll just be watching her like a hawk now making sure her fever goes down and that she doesn't try to run around and play with my golden. She has so many people that adore her so she'll be getting extra spoiled too. Thanks so much for all the healing vibes! My dogs are like more kids to me and it's so nice to have a place to go and get support.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

I would encourage you to do a search on this site regarding Rimadyl. Most vets prescribe it for pain however, personally, it is a medication I refuse to give to any dog.

Glad there was a diagnosis though and that she is doing a little better this afternoon.

 

[Jade010103]

I will definately do a search regarding the Rimadyl, thanks for the advice! I am also considering talking to a vet that does chiropratic work, I know nothing about that but I'm willing to try if it could help.