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Canine health


Sent to Pet Experts July 06, 2006 1:05 a.m.
I am worried about my 6 yr. old, 100#, male Labrador retriever, Yoder. He seems to be accumulating various health problems and I suspect they may be related. Other than the physical symptoms described below he just doesn’t seem to be his “happy” self and sluggish.

As a young dog (1-3 yr.) he always had a beautiful, shiny coat and very white teeth (although he is a black lab). He does not leave our yard unless he is with us.

At about 4½ years of age I had observed that his hips seemed stiff. He only had occasional ear infections.

Approximately 1 year ago at age 5 he started on hypothyroid medicine (levothyroxine at 0.7 mg; 2 tablets daily) due to a dry coat with dandruff, excessive shedding and a severe ear infection although his blood test (for diagnosing hypothyroid) was around normal. The medicine was increased twice (up to 4 tablets daily) and then it was decreased. He is currently taking 3 tablets daily.

At 5½ he started getting various tumors of which 3 are fatty tissue and 3 are unknown at this time. Also, he has been panting a lot even while he is resting although our house is air-conditioned.

Now at 6 years old and within the last 3 months he has had 1) anal gland compaction (treated with antibiotics but I am not convinced that all is well down there yet); 2) inflammation at the base of his tail (it looked like it was broke but the vet said it was only muscular; no swimming or other known cause); 3) the desire to sleep on the cold tiles in our house. Now, as of this week, he is limping (front left ankle).

I hope to schedule his annual teeth cleaning soon and the vet suggested that we remove the tumors at the same time. I would like to have as much of these problems checked out while he is under anesthesia.

Note that the vet feels that he has a very high threshold for pain based on the examination of his anal gland infection. Sorry this was so “wordy” but I intend to give this history to the vet during the pre-surgery exam.

Your suggestions regarding a diagnosis as well as additional testing that I should ask for during surgery would be greatly appreciated.

Optional Information:
Age: 6; Male; Breed: Labrador retriever

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Answer
July 06, 2006 1:24 a.m. (19 minutes and 20 seconds later)
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PictureTheresa  -- The Voice for Your Pet -- 100% Positive Feedback on 802 Pet Accepts
Veterinary Technician for 15 years		6/25/2008 to 7/2/2008

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