I have an 8 year old austailian shepard,lab mix. A little over a month ago he decided to stop eating. We have given him the same food forever. At first didn't even realize it, until I notice him losing weight. Thought maybe something was wrong with food so I changed it and nothing tried wet food he tried it but still nothing took him to the vet they ran tests but every thing came up OK except calcium was high. He has lost over 20 lbs. don't know what to do, don't have the money for expencive testing. Any info would be appreciated.

p.s. he will eat some people food though. Very confused

kvail, I am sure that labman and others will stop by to weigh in on this.

In the meantime, what do you mean that you don't have the money for expensive testing? Did the vet recommend that more tests be run because he/she suspected it might be something else that didn't show up on the initial tests? Or suggested more tests because he/she was just baffled and thought extra tests might show something? Please answer these questions. If your vet feels that there is a cause, and suspects something but you are hesitating because you do not have the money, do not negate this. Speak to the vet about setting up a payment schedule. If it means you have to tighten your financial belt a bit for the next few months, so be it. It sounds like you have love for your dog due to your desire to figure out what is wrong. I am on a fixed income. Personally, I myself go without the extra little things if my dog is ill. If the vet tells me that more tests need to be run, I do it because I know him and trust his judgement.

I am afraid I don't have much more than Ruby. You can look at my sticky, https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post254171 but it says little except your dogs needs medical attention, not tempting with rich food. There are some here that may be able to suggest possible problems, but your vet still needs to identify the specific problem your dogs has, and prescribe the correct treatment.

K, I know you said they ran a lot of tests but did they thoroughly look inside of his mouth? Check yourself-look for anything that may be lodged. Also, has he ever had a dentistry performed under sedation? He could be not eating simply because his mouth hurts. Are gums very red? I do not know where you live but is he on a monthly dewormer for hooks, rounds, whips as well as heartworms? Make sure a stool test and heartworm test. Ask for payment plan, if they will not oblige, call everyone in the phone book! These 2 tests should be fairly cheap.

Anyone know anything about liver cancer in dogs (symptoms or any info)

kvail, is this what the vet told you is the problem with your dog? Please let us know.

In the meantime, here is an article written by a vet that is written in a way for most of us pet owners to understand. Scroll down, there is a pretty thorough list of symptoms.

Liver Disease Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Bloodwork would show an elevation of liver enzymes quickly, even if dog is asymptomatic. Bile would make dog have nausea so would not eat as well, lose wt. What's up?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kvail

i have an 8 year old austailian shepard,lab mix. a little over a month ago he decided to stop eating. we have given him the same food forever. at first didnt even realize it, until i notice him losing weight. thought maybe something was wrong with food so i changed it and nothing tried wet food he tried it but still nothing took him to the vet they ran tests but every thing came up ok except calcium was high. he has lost over 20 lbs. dont know what to do, dont have the money for expencive testing. any info would be appreciated.

p.s. he will eat some people food though. very confused

---

As a dog owner of 7 I have been through many medical issues with my animals. I recently took my Husky to the vet for a mass I found on her. My vet had run bloodwork and had told me that if the calcium levels were high in my dog it could indicate some kind of cancer. Ask your vet if there is a simple test or x-ray that can be performed to rule out such a scenario and also ask your vet about possible working out a payment plan. Good vets are willing to work with you financially. Hope that this helps in some way.

Sincerely,
Adoredevotion

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kvail

i have an 8 year old austailian shepard,lab mix. a little over a month ago he decided to stop eating. we have given him the same food forever. at first didnt even realize it, until i notice him losing weight. thought maybe something was wrong with food so i changed it and nothing tried wet food he tried it but still nothing took him to the vet they ran tests but every thing came up ok except calcium was high. he has lost over 20 lbs. dont know what to do, dont have the money for expencive testing. any info would be appreciated.

p.s. he will eat some people food though. very confused

---

Just to let every one know my dog did not get any better in all he went from almost 80 lbs down to 40 . Had him put to sleep on Friday may 11. Thanks for all the concerns

I am very sorry to hear that. It would be a very rare case for anybody on the internet to be able to help with a medical problem. Still, you had to try. Little more I could say.

kvail, I ditto labman's sentiments. I am so sorry for your loss.