[MariaMontez]

I really need help.I have no idea what to do next. My Shih Tzu is sick and we have tried everything. First, he got sick with a cough and was very lethargic. I brought him to the vet and he was put on antibiotics. Then, he had blood in his urine and they put him on more antibiotics for a bladder infection. During all of this, he started to eat less and less and finally quit eating or drinking at all. I brought him back to the vet who performed multiple blood tests, an ultrasound, and an x-ray of his back--as well as giving him fluids every two days. They found some disk degeneration, so took him off the antibiotics and gave him prednisone. The next day he was shaking and I brought him back; they didn't have any more ideas, so they referred me to a specialist clinic. There they ran more blood work, did another ultrasound, and an endoscopy. They found some gastric ulcers so gave me some medicine for that. They also put a feeding tube in his nose and took him off all antibiotics and prednisone. It has been two days and he is taking the medications and the food, but he still just lies there and won't eat a thing. They called back with the pathology results and everything is normal. He is the same; not eating, drinking, and very lethargic--doesn't even walk around unless he has to and then it is a few steps. They have no idea what is causing this. They said they would keep running tests, but I already have spent more than $2000 and I am afraid how much more this will cost; I know it will be thousands more; I love my dog so much, but the reality is, I don't know how much I can spend. Does anyone have any ideas of what it might be or suggestions on what might be causing this? (They have checked his gastro-intestinal tract pretty thoroughly.) I feel as if I am keeping him alive with the food, but we are doing nothing to cure him. I would appreciate any help at all. Thanks.

 

[Doglover65]

Where did you get your dog from if i may ask? Until then i cant really help you


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[MariaMontez]

I was given my dog when he was two. He is now almost 7. He is a pure-bred Shih Tzu; I believe that the breeder was in Minnesota, but I do not know anything more about them.

 

[spotted nikes]

What kind of food are you feeding? Pedigree and Iams both recently had recalls, and there are a lot of stories if you google Pedigree causing illness/death. Not feeding any chicken jerky from China, I hope? It's been linked to many dog deaths.

Have you tried boiling some boneless skinless chicken and white rice and offering him small frequent meals? Sometimes the warm chicken is more appealing, and it's easy on their stomach.

 

[MariaMontez]

I should have put that in my post; sorry. I tried boneless chicken, scrambled eggs, boiled hamburger and rice, canned dog food, chicken broth on his kibble, and his regular kibble (Natural Choice). He won't eat his treats, which he loved. He never did get a lot of human food, but liked cheese, toast, turkey, and carrots. He will not eat these either. He just turns away.

 

[spotted nikes]

Have you offered it to him by hand? Some dogs with neck/back injuries/arthritis hurt to bend over to eat. But they'll take food out of your hand or on a raised surface.

Any chance he has something caught in his throat or an obstruction? Is he peeing/pooping? Did the vet inspect his mouth?

 

[MariaMontez]

I have offered everything by hand also. The vet said no obstruction or mouth problems after she did the endoscopy. He is peeing. No poop, but is just getting the liquid food.