Maltese not eating

[antonc117]

Hi, my parents own a 10 year old, male Maltese.  He grew up being hand fed soft food.  I know that is bad, but it is a long story...  He has always been a very picky eater.   The vet said that he had thyroid problems, so he is on thyroid meds.  

For the last three months, he has been eating less and less.  He has recently almost stopped eating and has lost a lot of fur and weight.  He is almost fur and bones now.  His energy level remains very good though.  I am very sad and worried.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

[antonc117]

The vet said that he is malnutritioned so he is losing fur.  Didn't seem like there was anything that they could visibly see was wrong with him other than being incredibly thin.    He also said that it was good that he still had a lot of energy.

We are waiting for the results of the blood tests.  Thanks for keeping us in mind!

[Misfits4Me]

Any news on your fur-brother?  I've been wondering all day about him.....Please, post again...Karla

[Misfits4Me]

Oh, thank goodness...Thank you so much for posting....Please, keep us updated....Karla

[antonc117]

Our current vet told us that the last vet that we went to actually prescribed 10x the required dosage for his weight.  It was causing him to have very loose stool.  After the new vet changed the dosage, he got much better.  But, this was 6 to 8 months ago.

He has really bad teeth and already had many teeth removed a few years ago.

Yes.  They are taking him to see the vet today.  Thank you for the response.

[Misfits4Me]

Yes, your parents have a medical emergency on their hands. Has his Thyroid been rechecked to see if he needs a different dose?  Levels can change and the meds. need adjusting. The hair falling out may be nothing but malnourishment, however could be something worse. Please, take him to have a Senior Panel blood workup.  I personally have no problem with hand fed soft food, but because of this, could he have severe peridontal disease and is NOT ABLE to eat? Teeth problems are very, very painful and he cannot tell you he hurts. Please, get him some help....He is suffering!!!!!!     Karla  

[kwyjibo]

Well I'm no expert, and I'm struggling with eating issues with my 6 mos old puppy so I don't want to do for her what I'm suggesting to you:  what about feeding him really REALLY yummy human food like cooked chicken, or beef, vegetables, gravy, a bit of mashed potatoes, hamburger, eggs, cheese, etc etc etc?  This is not smth I want to start for my puppy at the ripe old age of 6 mos, but if she were 10 years old, was dropping weight and was almost fur and bones, I would consider it.

If he will eat it.