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Originally Posted by Kellbelle  Hubby picked up our two darling dogs from 3 weeks in the kennels today. Younger dog is skinny & the older dog is emaciated! Kennel attendants told us they had increased his rations because he was losing weight and both dogs were running non stop all the time & they were happy & well behaved.
Rang our vet clinic & the nurse told us we could bring him in first thing in morning. I asked if we could pay on the Wednesday (pay day) & she said we would have to pay at least half tomorrow so I had to make the appointment for Wednesday morning. Looking at my skin & bones GSP is breaking my heart! His ribs, back bone & hips are all sticking out. I don't know where to begin with feeding him.
I am so upset but not sure if he is terribly sick or he has not been fed properly by the kennels. My hubby had a big chat with the kennel who re-assured him. However, I have gotten home from work tonight & spun out. The Kennels appear to be a well run establishment but why didn't they call us? We spent $600 on kennel fees for the dogs ( same run). Thus no money until Wednesday pay day.
Last vet check up & innoculations were 2 weeks prior to going into the kennels. Last worming was 2 1/2 mths ago.
What could be wrong? Has anyone ever had/ heard of a similar experience? Maybe he has cancer? If he feeds okay (apparently he's feeding fine) it might be worms, but I am worried it could be something nasty. |
Be sure to get pictures of them immediately. Even if you never do anything with them, you'll at least have them if you need them.
Do you know if they were housed with other dogs? It's fairly common for alpha dogs to hog all the food in a group situation, but the kennel management should have been watching for that.
Were the dogs fed the same food they normally get? Some kennels try to cut costs by feeding cheap food that isn't very nutritious.
IMO, in order to run off that much weight, it would probably show on the paws. Are their pads worn or torn? How about their nails? An agitated dog could do a lot of pacing and running back and forth, but again, the kennel staff should have been aware of it.
And yes, why didn't they call you? Did your husband ask them that?
Whatever you do, document everything so you don't forget anything. Save all bills, and if you can, get your vet to put his diagnosis in writing.
I know this must be heartbreaking for you, and you probably feel guilty for having left them with people that care so little. BUT, you had no way of knowing, so don't blame yourself. Depending on the vet's diagnosis, do consider taking this to the Better Business Bureau, and possibly even court. Use this to educate others so their dogs don't suffer the same fate.
Please let us know what the vet says.
