| Low Protein, Loss of Appetite, Weakness. 12 yo Aussie
Hello everyone,
We have a almost 12 year old Australian Shepherd recently diagnosed with low protein, low appetite, enlarged/swollen abdomen, and weakness in the hind quarters.
We have done extensive blood testing on our Aussie.
Initially the problem was a change in eating pattern and that his hind legs appeared to be getting weaker. Not that he was limping or had trouble walking, but rather he was having trouble jumping on couches and standing on his hind legs only.
Other than that, he has slowly become lethargic and does not eat properly. His eating started by going from eating most of his food at once to taking 24 hours to finish it. At this point, his eating has changed to the point where he will no longer eat dry dog food. He will only eat canned food or hamburger and rice. He has been fed high quality Pro-Plan or Purina-One throughout his life.
He also lost some weight, but it was not obvious until he began to feel bony because his abdominal region felt normal despite his loosing muscle and fat tissue throughout his body.
With full blood testing, fecal testing, rectal exam, and heart worm testing completed; the only tests that were abnormal were his protein levels that were low.
We are considering a costly ultrasound, but before making that decision, I am curious what things may cause low protein and his symptoms without otherwise impacting the detailed blood and waste/urine testing??
Has anybody seen anything similar? What are the prognoses and treatments? I know there are several possible causes but I would so much like to know what to prepare myself for. The doctor was reluctant to say anything because she wanted to discuss with the internal specialist first.
We am extremely worried any any help would be much appreciated!
Thanks, | 
