My dog has loss of appetite

[Maxpax]

My golden retriever of 12 years has recently formed a lack of appetite. He will ask for his dinner but when you put his bowl down he will take a mouthful then turn his nose up. Some days he will eat, some days he wont and sometimes he will be sick and bring his dinner up. Also we have noticed that when he lays down his shoulder starts to spasm as if he has a trapped nerve? He isnt very good at getting up and down now and his rear legs have collapsed from under him. Is this all linked? Is it just old age or something else?

[sincia5]

Billy has been to the vet twice and returns back next Tuesday, he has had an x-ray etc. Jody, my daughter tells me he is alot better than the other day but my first seeing of him I told her he feels cold on his head and his nose appears pink not the reddy colour bull terriers have. I was very concerned for him and got on the pc as soon as I got home, hence finding this site. Jody tells me he is not passing water yet he is drinking, he has protein in his water and the vet told them she believes he has a bile infection, he has lost weight but his stomach is still extended, he is just not the Billy I know and love he is on antibiotics and something else, so we are now hoping he improves.
Thanks for taking the interest. Cyn

[zoe114]

You might want to call the emergency vet's to ask them what they think is going on. My Mom had a dog that this happened to and I think she ended up giving her asprin ( this is not usually recommended), then she started cooking hanburger patties, carrots, and gave this to her dog for over 3 years. The vet gave her some medication but it always seemed to hurt the dog. But her dog passed from old age, but happy and healthy up to about a week before she passed.
Goldens are known for having back pain as they get older. He might have a sliped disk or something and needs some pain medications.
I hope it is nothing too nad and that your dog lives a few more happy and healthy years.    

[ginger899]

He sounds as though he is sick. It would be best to take him to the vet for a thorough check.
I am afraid I can't tell you exactly what is wrong. This could be severe arthritis, or it could be a number of other things.
Pain will cause a dog to lose appetite. Also if he cannot walk very well, and get out to do his business very easily, he may be constipated. That won't help.

Whatever this is, he needs a diagnosis, and hopefully, some treatment immediately, that may help him to feel better.
I do hope he is OK.
Let us know, if you have the time, how he is doing.