[[email protected]]

*Please keep in mind I have already visited my vet, but for financial reasons, I cannot return for some time. I know seeking help from an actual veterinarian would be more beneficial, but because of my circumstances I am reaching out to the online community for advice.

I got my German Shepherd puppy about a month ago when he was 7 going on 8 weeks old. Before I got him he had already been given his first set of puppy shots (I'm not positive exactly what he was given).

A week after he came home, and only 2 days before he was scheduled for his first round of full on immunizations, he started vomiting, diarrhea, and had lethargy. This was probably about 1:30 at night that he vomited for the first time and he was in the vets office by about 8:30 the next morning.
He was tested and was positive for parvo. He was admitted into the hospital for a full day (approximately 10 am- 6 pm) with IV fluids, antibiotics, and careful monitoring. Halfway through his stay, his symptoms had stopped, and his energy had came back by the time I got him home.

He went through a few days of antibiotics, but his appetite wasn't effected at all. I keep food out for him at all times since he's a growing puppy and I couldn't keep that bowl full enough for him. But I noticed after about a week that he grew in size, but not in weight. And he had always been a laid back pup, but he wouldn't jump. He wouldn't run. He always justs trots around the house at a slow pace. A few days after that, he got even skinnier. His abdomen became sunken in, his ribs are visible, and he stomach sort of pulsates as he breathes.

I took him back to the vet, and upon arrival, they took his temp and he was at 105. After talking with the vet she explained that his weight loss could have been the result of a number of things, but to be safe, she drew up a list of tests she wanted to do. Unfortunately, the total cost for all of these tests was just shy of $1,000. I did, however, take another prescription of antibiotics, and requested a blood test so I could at least attempt to find out something.

The test came back on Sunday showing that his red blood cell count is low, his platelets are low, and his blood protein is low.

Today I noticed he has a little bit of discharge from his nose, but nothing too out of control. No other alarming symptoms like coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, spinning, or painful whining. His stool is a little loose on occasion, but its certainly not an every day thing, or even an every other day thing. He eats IAMS proactive puppy food, and I've been giving him water and pedialyte so he can avoid dehydration.

This is basically where I'm stuck. If anybody can give me some insight as to what's going on with my dog, I would REALLY appreciate it.

 

[IceSmoker]

I registered to say this and only this.

YOU ARE TO TELL US THE LOCATION OF THIS VET AND NEVER EVER EVER TAKE YOUR DOG THERE AGAIN.

Most countries have a sort of psuedo animal police/shelter run by the government. Just take him there and tell them what you just told us. They will treat him for free. Good luck I hope he gets better !!!!!!!!

EDIT: In my country it is called the "RSPCA" and they will show you respect for asking for their help before this becomes "animal abuse". They wont take him away from you if you are worried about that :S BUT if a neighbour saw him in your yard and VERY sick they would take him away...

 

[Willowy]

YOU ARE TO TELL US THE LOCATION OF THIS VET AND NEVER EVER EVER TAKE YOUR DOG THERE AGAIN.

Um, why? It sounds like the vet did all the right things. I see nothing negligent in her actions.

Most countries have a sort of psuedo animal police/shelter run by the government. Just take him there and tell them what you just told us. They will treat him for free.

Well, no, in the U.S. there are no government-run free vet clinics. City shelters are high-kill and do not provide vet care. In some areas there may be a charity vet clinic but definitely not run by the government.

OP--call around to all the rescues in the area and see if any know of an assistance program for vet care, or if they've experienced this before (having worked with so many dogs they may have seen it). I don't think there's anything you can do witthout testing to find out what's wrong.

Under normal circumstances I would want to test for pancreatic insufficiency. But I don't know if that causes those kinds of changes in the blood.

 

[[email protected]]

Just wanted to update:

Yesterday morning I read up on the benefits of a product called Nutri Cal, and decided to give it a try. I also purchased some homeopathic probiotics for digestive health since I've read those are VERY beneficial in digestive health. As of this afternoon, the pulsating in my dogs stomach has seemed to calm down to where its almost unnoticeable, and his energy seems to be up quite a bit today.

I'm going to continue using these products for the next several days and monitor his progress.

 

[spotted nikes]

I'd be concerned about Distemper. The high fever, runny nose, "pulsating stomach"...all point to that to me. Keep this dog away from other dogs. Do not let other puppies near where your dog has been. See a vet.

 

[Pawzk9]

I registered to say this and only this.

YOU ARE TO TELL US THE LOCATION OF THIS VET AND NEVER EVER EVER TAKE YOUR DOG THERE AGAIN.

Most countries have a sort of psuedo animal police/shelter run by the government. Just take him there and tell them what you just told us. They will treat him for free. Good luck I hope he gets better !!!!!!!!

EDIT: In my country it is called the "RSPCA" and they will show you respect for asking for their help before this becomes "animal abuse". They wont take him away from you if you are worried about that :S BUT if a neighbour saw him in your yard and VERY sick they would take him away...

? It sounds like the vet did the tests the owner could pay for. I hope the OP will hock something and go to the vet if the pup doesn't get better. In the US, shelter may take your dog if you can't afford treatment, but you sign away the right of ownership.