Dog

My 12 1/2 year old GSP is listless, not eating, not pooping like normal just small amounts very soft and with much effort, is peeing and drinking some; but not acting anything like himself. Wants to be in kennel and not at all interested in being out of kennel. I offered some canned food, but he ignored it. Just way different from his normal self. I do not know what to do to help him and would appreciate help.

[tonyb286]

Hi. This could be something very simple like a bit of a tummy bug. He may have eaten something that has upset his stomach, and nothing more. Dogs naturally know how to deal with this - by not eating (in other words, by takling something into their gut that they know will just upset it all over again). This is an instinctive response. I wouldn't try forcing your dog to eat today. Leave him 24hrs without food (but make sure he has access to water). Then prepare his normal meal tomorrow and see if he eats it. If he does, all well and good.

However, his age, not eating, being listless and not acting like himself, could indicate something more if it carries on much longer than a day or so. This could possibly be related to a kidney or liver problem, or equally some gastrointestinal issue. If the symptoms persist beyond tomorrow, get him to the vet and ask for bloodwork to be done. If it is something with his kidneys, the bloodwork should help the diagnosis (or rule it out hopefully).

If possible, obtain a sample of both his poop and urine, collected in separate clean jars, and take these with you to the vet. The vet can undertake tests on these samples to check for bacterial organisms and other gastric related problems.

Please come back and let us know how you get on. Tony

[Ghilly]

How long has this behavior been going on?  If, as Tony said, it has only been today, then withhold all food for 24 hours (but make sure he has plenty of fresh water) and see how he does tomorrow with a small bit of his food.  If, on the other hand, this has already been going on for a couple of days, then a visit to the doctor is in order and, in fact, I would even suggest the emergency vet depending on the length of time he has been exhibiting these signs of illness.  At his age you cannot be too careful.  German Shorthaired Pointers are considered a large breed and 12 is considered elderly, so please don't wait too long to see what's what, get him to the vet ASAP so that whatever it is can be treated and gotten rid of.

Please post back.

Ghilly

[mary607]

i agree with ghilly saying "German Shorthaired Pointers are considered a large breed and 12 is considered elderly, so please don't wait too long to see what's what, get him to the vet ASAP so that whatever it is can be treated and gotten rid of. " he should go to vet ..... sounds like it could any problem really... could be as small as a stomach problem or as serious as cancer or liver... so i wouldnt wait. please keep us updated. hope he is ok!! ----- german shorthaired pointers are great dogs! i had one growing up, so fun :)

[cjc123]

First, thank you everyone for your help. Your advise was greatly appreciated. Now on to the update: Took the boy to the Dr. this am (Monday). Dr. (whom has been his Dr since puppy hood) immediately knew he was not himself. After blood tests and x-rays he has been diagnosed with an enlarged prostrate and dehydration. The first course of action suggested and taken was to have him stay overnight with an IV and antibiotics. We are hopeful this will wipe out the infection and shrink the prostrate. After 24 hours we will reevaluate him and see what our next choices are. Again I want to thank everyone for their help and suggestions. cjc and dog

[Ghilly]

I'm very glad to hear that he has been to the vet and things are being taken care of.  Fingers crossed that you got to it in time and the antibiotics and IV fluids will do the trick.  Please keep us up to date.

Ghilly

[tonyb286]

Well done for getting him to the vet first thing ... and thank goodness you did. I really hope he perks up and the fluids and meds do what they are meant to do. Fingers crossed for your guy. Tony