Sick Or Just Normal 9-Year-Old?

[Guest djenkins99]

I would greatly appreciate advice about my 9-year-old greyhound Allison. For the past several weeks she has been very lethargic, only wants to go outside to relieve herself and then come back in. Her appetite is also off, and she's had several accidents in the house, very unusual.

 

I took her to the vet, temperature normal, but she's gained 6-7 pounds since October (now at 69 lbs). Suspecting a spleen tumor, they took an x-ray of her abdomen. The vet thought that the intestines looked pushed into her lower abdomen, also suggesting a tumor. Several days later they did an ultrasound of all abdominal organs, and everything checked out normal, with the exception of a slightly enlarged spleen, which the vet attributed to the effect of the anesthesia they administered. Blood tests also came back normal, as is stool. The vet also found a little gum disease; she still has all her teeth. She doesn't appear to be in any discomfort, sleeps normally, and once every few days or so is even playful. Toward the end of winter she was limping on her left front side, with no outward manifestation of injury or foot problem, but eventually that got better. I'm used to walking her 1 mile or more at least once a day, so the lethargy and unwillingness to walk is very abnormal.

 

At this point it's difficult for me to know whether she's sick or just getting old. What is the normal activity profile of a 9-year-old greyhound? I realize I'm asking for a generalization, but would still appreciate opinions. She's my first dog since childhood, so I have no basis for comparison. She's also a really great dog, never leaves my side.

[Guest SusanP]

It does not sound normal to me. Did they check her thyroid and send the results to a lab for a full panel? I would keep pushing til you get an answer.

[Guest PhillyPups]

 

Sharing my home with an 11 and 12 year old, it does not sound normal to me. They do nap more, but their bursts of energy are amazing. Just get a treat and watch em wake up.

 

If there is teeth/gum infection that should be dealt with, as it can cause a lot of other problems .

 

Please keep us posted.

[galgrey]

I don't feel this is normal for a healthy nine year old dog and plenty of greyhounds are healthy and active at age nine. The lethargy, change in appetite, and the accidents in the house suggest a problem/problems the tests and exams have yet to uncover in my opinion. What is your vet saying at this point? Since you're still concerned, have you considered taking her records to another vet to get a second opinion? Is there a vet in your area that specializes in older dogs?

 

Please keep us posted. Sending good thoughts.

[Guest Ola]

I have an 11 year old grey and this type of behaviour would be very abnormal for him.

[MP_the4pack]

Not normal. Both my 12 yr olds were very active just weeks before they passed. My 14.5 yr old, while she does sleep a lot more, has a very good appetite and still goes outside and trots the perimeter and tosses stuffies and looks forward to her walks with enthusiasm.

[SAVED2]

I would cut the walks down to half , you dont see older people out walking , you know they have bad days too.

[Guest djenkins99]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'll call the vet tomorrow and see what he suggests to try next. For sure we need to get the gum problem solved. And there's another vet I know who specializes in older dogs.

[Newgreymom]

I would definitely have her thyroid checked. Have them send the bloodwork to Michigan State. It is one of the top places to have the thyroid panel tested. Let us know how she is...

[RobinM]

I agree not normal. My almost 11 year old is just as active as the 3 year old. Hope she is OK.

[Guest Energy11]

Nine is not old, really. Staggerlee, almost 10, has slowed down a bit, but not really lethargic. ALL bloodwork normal for him.

 

I, too, would start with the thyroid, and go from there. Maybe the gums are worse than you think, and she hurts??

 

Hard to say, but, no ... nine is not that old. Sending you lots of love, hugs and many prayers!

[Guest djenkins99]

I had to go out of town for a few days, my wife & daughter are taking care of her. We'll definitely have her thyroid checked. One of us will call the vet tomorrow.