catusannie

I'm Afraid

Posted on 08/21/09, 09:24 am

I have a dog that has been losing weight, but seems to be in good health otherwise. She is an 11-year-old boxer mastiff mix. Her litter mate is not losing weight in fact is on the pudgy side. It has been suggested that she has worms. I got a box of wormer thinking I would try that before going to the expense of a visit to the vet (that expense is NOT in the budget). But now I'm afraid to give it to her. If she doesn't have worms, can it make her sick? Advice please. Thank you.

• Reply #1 08/21/09  4:19pm
  
  htag
  I'd start with baseline bloodwork for thyroid issues before I'd try Deworming meds. This could be the reason that things are so different with the weight between dogs also. While you are having the thyroid checked, you may as well have the dog checked for worms at the same time. This will give you better piece of mind in the end, and will probably have a safer outcome for the pup. Keep us posted.
• Reply #2 08/22/09  8:39pm
  
  leileismom
  I would have to agree, she really needs to be seen and properly diagnosed by a vet. It is not a good idea to start guessing and try home treatments that not only may not work, but might actually make things worse. Only a vet can properly diagnose her. While home wormers may not make her sick, they may not treat the worms she has, if she even HAS worms. Some worms can only be eradicated by veterinarian prescriptions, not by over the counter remedies. Like already mentioned, she may have something more serious than worms. Sudden weight loss is a serious condition that needs to be addressed by a vet. Please find some way to get her there ASAP. Good luck. Peace
  -------------------------------
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• Reply #3 08/24/09  12:14pm
  
  catusannie
  Thank you for your advice. She's never been as heavy as her sister. She has hip displaysia in both hips and had surgery for it. I was thinking that they are both getting old. They are very large dogs and 11 years old. So I thought that may be a reason. The weight loss has been gradual not sudden. I did give her the worm medicine, but I don't think it will do anything. I appreciate your advice and will get her in as soon as I can.
• Reply #4 09/08/09  5:58pm
  
  Kahlua13
  Did you get your dog to the vet? Was just wondering how you made out. My dog was a little over 12 and began to lose weight. it turned out to be very serious (her kidneys were failing.) I don't want to upset you, but there are so many reasons for weight loss, that I agree with everyone else. Your best option is to take her to the vet. Good luck! Let us know how you make out!

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