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My 13y.o. German Shepard/black Lab mix is very lethargic ...

Sent to Pet Experts April 30 2006 at 3:44 PM
   

My 13y.o. German Shepard/black Lab mix is very lethargic (normally peppy) and her gums and tongue are not pink at all. She has been drinking water and does not appear to be dehydrated (no skin turgor). She seem to not want to get up and go outside at all and is eating very little. I just am wondering if I need to take her into the emergency vet immediately or can it wait until my normal vet is open. This has been going on since last night. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Optional Information:
Age: >12; Female; Breed: Dog German Shepard/ Black Lab

Already Tried:
Giving her water and letting her rest./p>

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Info Request
April 30 2006 at 3:46 PM (2 minutes and 24 seconds later)
         
REPLIED to Info RequestCheck Mark
What color are the gums and tongue?
Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
April 30 2006 at 3:50 PM (3 minutes and 46 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: They are pale, whitish and tongue is very light pink. Her tongue is normally really red.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 30 2006 at 3:53 PM (3 minutes and 15 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

The gums should be a healthy pink color. When you press them with your finger, they should lighten up and then go back to normal within seconds.

You worry when the tongue turns white or grey. This indicates that there is decreased bloodflow. This can be caused by stroke, heart conditions, or even heat related issues.

I would definitely go ahead and give the vet a call now to see if they want you to bring her in.

Let me know if you want to discuss this more.

Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
April 30 2006 at 4:02 PM (8 minutes and 44 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: She does have hip dysplasia and I was originally thinking that it was her hips that are bothering her but she walks a few steps then stops to take a break. I too thought of the heat issue as I live in Phoenix but she hasn't gone outside except for when I made her go to the bathroom. Our house is a cool 75 degrees right now. The only reason that I have had any hesitation in taking her in is because the emergency vet's office is not our normal vet. We have taken another dog there in the past for a different problem and they didn't do much but say follow up the next day with the normal vet. I am sorry that I sound like a freak but we lost our Great Dane in August to lymphoma...
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
April 30 2006 at 4:19 PM (17 minutes and 17 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: Do you still think that I should take her to the ER?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 30 2006 at 6:30 PM (2 hours and 10 minutes and 23 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
What did you decide to do? Do you still need help with this?
Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
Reply
April 30 2006 at 7:47 PM (1 hour and 17 minutes and 38 seconds later)
         
Reply to Tammy Falkner's Post: We took her to the vet. Her spleen ruptured and we had to put her to sleep.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
April 30 2006 at 8:04 PM (16 minutes and 29 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am to hear about your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

If you are not familiar with the story of the rainbow bridge, you can read it at the website www.petloss.com. They also have some information about pet loss and grieving.

Again, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

Tammy F. -- Pet Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 5067 Pet Accepts
15+ years-Pet care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior training, Rescue
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