Why has my dog lost 10 kilograms?

Our question this week was:

My dog has lost 10 kilos since October and he is really tired and depressed all the time he has no life in him and his appetite has gone. He drinks well and will eat our food but will not touch his own. The vet has done a blood test and liver and kidneys are good and no diabetes. Please help I'm worried sick.

Joanne Morrissey

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. I'm worried to. Ten kilograms (20 pounds) is a huge amount of weight to to loose and in combination with being tired, depressed, and a diminished appetite is abnormal.

I think that there is probably something very wrong with your dog, it is just a matter of finding out what it is. According to the data you entered – your dog is a 9-year-old mixed breed dog. I don't know what he weighs but if he LOST 20 pounds, he must be a big dog and in his senior years.

It sounds like your veterinarian ruled-out a couple of problems with the blood test.

I'd recommend taking him back for more tests. I don't want to worry you more but to most vets – that diagnosis that we would worry about most is "cancer". Abdominal x-rays, chest x-rays and possibly an ultrasound would be additional tests that your vet may want to do.


Best of luck!

Dr. Jon


P.S. – Do you have any great pet tips? I love learning from pet owners and have been looking for some pet tips. I might try to share some of these with other PetPlace users! Send me your pet tips!





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