[herwitsend]

My 4 year old boy, Boomer, has me really worried.  We have a vet appointment tomorrow, but the closer it gets, the more nervous I feel.

About a month ago, we noticed that he was looking a little bit skinny.  He usually drops a little weight in the summer when he spends all his time outdoors running around, but this is unusual in the middle of winter.  We started giving him a little bit more food every day and thought he would put the weight back on.  Well, he didn't.  About a week later, he wouldnt sit for his treat.  He has never done this, he sits when he sees the treat container.  I realized pretty quickly that he wasn't sitting because it hurt him.  He was dancing around trying to figure out a way to tuck his butt down to get the treat... so sad!  Over the next couple of days we noticed this and him periodically limping or having trouble getting on the couch or getting up from lying down (it always seems to be his hind legs that are affected).  He seems sad and just not himself at times, but other times he acts normal (just really skinny).

This past week, he has begun to look so skinny it is like those dogs on the rescue shows who are taken from their owners.  His ribs are all showing and his hip bones are sticking out.  He seems to be eating okay (and we are feeding him extra).   I did an internet search of his symptoms and cancer was in every listing!  I am so scared to take him in tomorrow.  I feel like I am losing my dog!  

 

[HannaBanana]

I am sorry your dog is not feeling well, but dont jump to any conclusions until you see the vet and get it checked out.   Go in with an open mind I am sure whatever it is you and the vet will get down to whatever needs to be done to get him healthy.    Good Luck tomorrow and keep us posted!

 

[sharonL]

Certainly it is easy to tend to think worst case, but as HannaB said keep an open mind and try not to stress until you know what is going on.  Your boxer baby can sense and pick up on your feelings and vibes too...stay positive!   The thin situation and the hip situation are probably not related.  He could have some hip issues or arthritis and also picked up a worm or bacteria....all of which can be treated without great issues!

Good luck and let us know!

 

[samsonsmom]

The internet is a great thing, but sometimes I think it scares the bejeeezus out of us with too much information.....Weight loss is never a good thing, especially that radical, so it is best to get it checked...The hips or back legs, does sounds like arthritis or possibly Hip Dysplasia...Your vet is the best person to give you some answers...Hoping everything is allright and it's nothing serious with Boomer

 

[Barbs2Ks]

I agree with the others, wait to see what the vet says.  Sending positive thoughts your way.

 

[herwitsend]

Well he has a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left hind knee and his right is partially torn.     He will need surgery, but the vet also did bloodwork  because she is "very concerned" about the weight loss.  The last time he was weighed, he was 72# (lean and muscular).  Today, he was 58#.  My stomach did a flip when I saw the number.  He really IS so skinny.  We should know something tomorrow or monday, but the vet did say the big concern is cancer (she did a fecal that was totally normal).

So, best case, we are facing surgery.  Worst case, we are facing cancer.  

 

[maplesfolks]

oh my poor baby, i hope it's not cancer good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Guest]

maybe the weight loss is due to depression from the pain?  I know when I hurt I feel depressed and when I'm depressed I lose weight...So sorry to hear about the torn ALS

 

[Barbs2Ks]

I am hoping it is not cancer, let us know the results.