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lovemydogs · Jul 20, 2011, 10:52 PM

I own a beautiful 3 year old min pin. I am super stressed because she has not had real food since Sunday, or water for that matter. She's quite lethargic and has lost so much weight. She tries to lap water but the poor thing can't hold it down and vomits that along with acid. She seems to have lost her will to live and doesn't even try to walk. We took her to the vet yesterday and they ran some tests. Initially the vet thought she might be hypo-glycemic, but she did not respond to the sugar paste. He's now running another blood test to see if she might have addison's disease (I hope this is the case as she can live a relatively normal life with medication). We'll find out the results tomorrow. Worst case scenario, he thinks she might have liver cancer, but needs to run more tests. My concern is, I am over $300 with vet visits, blood tests and meds so far and am running extremely low on money and I just don't think I can afford to take her in for another test. Is there anything I can do to make her better?

joypulv · Jul 21, 2011, 02:14 AM

I KNOW I speak for everyone here by saying that we all feel terrible. This site can have answers from anyone, not just a specialist in a field. A vet may answer, but most responses are from pet owners and maybe vet techs. When my last dog had cancer I too spent hundreds and he had to be put down anyway - another expense. It's just part of the burden of having the love of a wonderful being. You may have to make the decision sometime today how many more tests you can have done. Even a vet answering here isn't going to be able to do anything but guess, not having seen your dog and all the tests.

You say you have meds - are these pills that your dog is able to keep down? Have X rays been done? When you say no real food, what has she been able to eat? Does she vomit immediately after drinking, or some minutes?

Lethargy, unable to walk - don't forget that she can't tell you about pain and usually won't even make noises. Make her as comfortable as possible and handle her as little as possible, and let her be by your side at all times.

Aurora_Bell · Jul 21, 2011, 07:58 AM

Wow, I am so sorry you are going through this. I hope your vet comes back with something helpful. I understand the cost of vet bills, have you spoken about a payment plan? Some vets will offer a little relief to their long standing customers.

I can offer no help as far as diagnosing. But since he is not eating the main thing here to keep him well hydrated. Try offering Pedalyte. If he won't drink it on his own, get a small syringe and offer SMALL amounts more frequently. Has your vet recommended a meal plan or any way to help him stay hydrated? Have you tried a bland meal? Boiled rice and chicken are usually the go to for upset tummy's and diarrhea issues. Hopefully the other members will have so more words for you. Please keep us posted.