Tucker is worrying me. He's just been "off" for a couple weeks. Early on I attributed it to his sore paw. The paw is doing much better but he's still not his normal playful self. Yesterday at the dog park he did not play at all. He stayed under the table right next to me, looking out at the activity. Then this morning he got into a fight with Bella--really shocked me. I didn't see the start, but I think she was just trying to get him to play. There was nothing high value like a bone involved. I put Tucker in his crate for a timeout--first time I've ever had to do that--and he didn't really fuss. He barked once, then lay down and rested. After a bit, I let him out, and he came right over to me and sat next to me on the couch, with his head in my lap.

I just got back from the vet who gave him a thorough hands-on exam. At first he detected tenderness in Tucker's shoulder joints, then a repeat exam was negative. But he said dogs can often mask pain when in the doctors office so he's not sure what to think.

We left it that I'm to wean him off the prednisone (was for the paw), he's running blood work (requested a thyroid panel), and we'll talk in few days to see if the limp returns, if his mood improves, etc. Tucker is to have no hard exercise--leash walking only--and is to be kept isolated from Bella. Am really not sure how to do the latter. Will need DDs help.

I have Bella scheduled to be spayed on Monday. I'm not sure if I should wait or proceed. It might be easier to keep them both quiet at one time, and do the leash-walking all next week. But it might also prove crazy to have two dogs under the weather at once. And my parents' home is being sold next week. I'll need to be there part of the time, packing up.

Does anyone have any ideas about what could be going on with Tucker? His appetite is fine. He's drinking a lot of water but then he usually does. I didn't specifically ask the doctor about diabetes, but I'm guessing that is one of the tests he's doing. Any ideas ???

__________________
Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

Awwww, poor Tucker! and poor you! That is a lot on your plate to handle with the spay and parents moving, too!
I hope he just perks up on his own and gets back to his normal bitey-face-lovin' self! ♥

__________________


4/1/2000 ~ 1/7/2011

Bailey Missing you Loving you Forever and ever.

This may sound a little crazy, but did you have the vet check his anal glands?

Did the doctor say that this could possibly be side effects from the steroids? I believe they do make them thirsty.

__________________

I think that's one reason he wants to wean him off them, and then see what he's like. The vet didn't check the glands, so I'll ask him about that when we talk later today or tomorrow. Thanks.

__________________
Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

Have you had him checked for a TBD? My other guess would be OCD on shoulders and/or elbows .He's about the same age as Jordan, not trying to scare you, but I would be concerned if this was happening to her. I know you are doing everything, having him to the vet, but you might want to consider a 2nd opinion if it doesn't resolve soon.

__________________

I don't have any advice but just wanted to say poor Tucker, and you! That's a lot to deal with especially this time of year. I hope everyone gets better fast. I don't know that I could handle two dogs down at once but then it might be easier?? I don't envy you ♥

__________________

Just a thought. . . prednisone can affect mood in humans. Might be that. Glad to hear you're weaning him off that.

__________________

Zoe, Rockwall Nantucket Breeze, BN, CGC, Delta therapy dog
Zeke, our introduction to the world of Golden Retrievers

What is TBD? Thanks--I might do the second opinion.

__________________
Kathleen, mom to one human, age 17, three canines, and a bunch of fish.

This might sound odd..... but could he be blue/depressed?

Is there something that he loves more than anything in the world? Maybe some downtime with you and cuddles and some extra yummy food and a movie might cheer him up.

I hope this gets resolved ASAP. It's never easy watching the babies (fur or not) going through stuff you cannot fix with the snap of your fingers. We're here any time. Day or night.

*hugs*

__________________

I just looked up the symptoms of prednisone, and it does sound like it could be the issue. Praying that that is the issue.

It really rots when a pet isn't feeling good and can't tell you what he is feeling, and you have to play all these guessing games.

__________________