Not sure what is wrong

[ls6663]

I have an eleven year old cocker spaniel who last tuesday was just fine, then on Wednesday he wouldn't get up and just acted funny.  Took him to the vet that day and they did a blood work up ( which was fine) and gave him a shot of antibiotic and an antiinflammatory.  Said his heart sounded good, but he might have a virus or hurt himself someway.  Well five days have passed, and this whole weekend he was pretty much imobile.  He would not eat, not even his favorite things and when he did finally drink some water he would drink in large quantiy.  When he walks its almost like a drunk type of walk, breathing seems labored and he can't wait to lay down.  In 6 days he is a complety different dog.  Talked to vet today and he thinks it may be muscular related and gave a rimadyl pill an hour ago and vet said of its this I will know within 24-48 hours. He has been on steriods for at least six years due to chronic ear infections, just not sure what to do or think at this point, he is my little baby and I don't want him to suffer.  Any ideas??

[Jaybay]

I have to say I'm a bit alarmed.  I'm also not getting a feeling of confidence in what your vet has to say.  If this were my dog, I'd be getting a second opinion immediately.  Please post back and let us know what happens.  I really hope it's not serious, but I suspect it's more than a muscular or skeletal injury.

[ginger899]

If I were you I would take your dog to a different vet, and get them to check for Addison's disease. I am not saying what is wrong IS Addison's, it may not be, but sometimes that is not automatically tested for in ordinary bloodwork. For instance, when my dog had her blood tested, the test for Addison's was a separate thing.
I agree with Jaybay. It seems your vet is using guesses, and a lot of trial and error about what's wrong here.

[ls6663]

Soooooo very sadly I have to say that I had to have my little baby put to sleep tonight.  The vet I first saw, I think was, in his stupid, but caring  mind, giving me hope.  And in my heart and soul, I knew when this first happened, it was not good, but I convinced myself to try anything because he could have just hurt himself or has a viral infection because at first you do not want to believe it is something more serious.  He had not eaten in 3 days and when I came home tonight he was just laying there like he had been for the last 6 days.  Had to  carry him out to do his job and he just laid in the grass, staring out into space.  Vet thinks either a heart issue or some sort of cancer.  Gums were white looking and cold to touch, tongue had a bluish tint,  which he said was a circulatory problem.  Wanted to let you kind and caring people know what had transpired an to thank you for taking the time to respond.  God bless, Lisa

[ginger899]

Lisa, I am so very sorry. But it does sound like you did the right thing for him. He was very sick. May you find some comfort in this sad time, and have happy memories of him. What you had to do is one of the most difficult things in the world.
God bless you too.

[Jaybay]

I'm so sorry about the very sad ending.  Something was obviously very wrong and perhaps nothing could have been done by the time symptoms appeared.  You did the right and humane thing, difficult as it is.  :-(

[chasha33]

I am so very sorry,I do admire your love and compassion for your fur baby.He knows how much you truely loved him.May God Bless You and help you through this difficult time.You will be in my Prayers