Hi everyone. My name is Rob and I am hoping someone out there might be able to help. Our 8-yr old lab Rafa stopped eating a few weeks ago. We don't know why. The only two things that occurred in the weeks proceeding this issue were a teeth cleaning and a visit to a dog park for the first time, but it was probably 2 weeks after both that Rafa stopped eating. And unlike our Dachsund mix, Rafa does not feel compelled to eat weird things. We have had a barrage of extensive tests performed: blood work, cat scan, MRI, scope, and all that they showed was a slightly inflamed stomach lining. No obstructions or masses, thank god. Our vet is stumped, however. He has been taking prednisone and an antacid, which has helped - he's eating small meals and drinking plenty of water, but his energy is low. I'd say he's maybe 50% of his former self. We also obtained an appetite stimulant and administered his first dose via syringe the day before yesterday. That seemed to help; he has eaten more than usual. But we don't see that as being a sustainable solution by any means. The only thing to add, for what it's worth, is that this guy is a very sensitive dog. A sideways look or pulling something out of a drawer that looks like medicine will send him ears-down to lie behind a chair (when he was feeling great). He's always been that way despite being treated like gold. So perhaps he may be amplifying any discomfort he's experiencing. If anyone can help, my wife Pam and I would really appreciate it. And I promise to circle back when we find a solution - for others who may experience this in the future. Thank you!!!! p.s. I tried to add a photo of our guy but I don't understand how to do it via a URL link.
Hi Rob, Pam, and Rafa, welcome to the forum That does sound very worrying for you. I'm afraid I don't have any experience to offer, but I hope you get to the bottom of it and Rafa's appetite is restored soon.
