Jason Shipley Webboard User Reg: 05-13-2005
Posts: 220
Loc: northern Illinois
Offline
My 2 1/2 year old Shepherd has lost 14 pounds over the last few months. He has gone from a trim 80 pounds to a skinny 66. His energy level has not changed, he is a high drive active dog. I feed Innova EVO and he gets 4 cups a day. We do a couple of short walks durring the day and 45 min to an hour of frisbee. His stools have been solid and other than the weight loss there has been no other problems. Anyone hve any Ideas on what may be going on?
Are you doing the same amount of exercise? How long have you been feeding the Evo? The same thing happened to Caleb, (who is very large as you know) when he was away for a few months. I think it was the level of exercise combined with the lack of carbs that contributed. Evo is so protein-rich that it's like putting a dog on the Atkin's diet. What were you feeding before and when did you switch? I remember Alex being very solid, not at all fat. Caleb lost 10lbs during this period I'm referring to, but he was a little skinnier to begin with. If there are no other symptoms, I'd be inclined to think it's protein/exercise related...but that does seem like a lot of weight to drop, and that's more Evo than Caleb was eating at 92lbs. I'd be very curious to know what you were feeding him before the Evo.
Jason Shipley Webboard User Reg: 05-13-2005
Posts: 220
Loc: northern Illinois
Offline
He was on Evo for the first 8-9 months that I had him we then swiched to O&M for like 6 months and I've had him back on EVO for the last 2 months. His excercise really hasn't changed very much, if anything I would guess that he's getting less excercise. He is still solid but really is looking to thin. I'm debating weather to take him to the vet. He really was looking good at 80 lbs and I would like to get him back up to that.
Jason Shipley Webboard User Reg: 05-13-2005
Posts: 220
Loc: northern Illinois
Offline
HE was gaining on the EVO then steady on the O&M. I've moved into a condo and he no longer lives with the husky. My parrents have the husky and he still runs a few times a week at the dog park with her. I really think that the excercise level is about the same. He will drive me nuts if I don't get him run enough. I'm wondering if he has picked up a parasite or something but I would think that that would result in a lower energy level and loose stools.
Yeah, you would think so. Hmm. I guess this is why I'm not a vet <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. Is he eating the same amount of Evo as before or the same amount of Evo now as O&M? What I mean is, maybe he's losing weight because the Evo is lacking "bulk" that O&M has, even at the same amount of cups per day. However, if you were feeding the same amount of Evo before, that doesn't hold water either. Ok, I'm out. Good luck. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
My friend had a GSD with a pancreatic enzyme disorder that was diagnosed around 2. I guess it is not unheard of in the breed. The dog (without meds) could not process its food correctly so it lost a tremendous amount of weight. I would consider taking your guy to the vet to see if this could be at the heart of the problem or if there is some other medical cause for the weight loss.
Would probably do full bloodwork CBC/SMA plus check thyroid levels. There could be a number of things going on. Also, bring a stool sample to check for parasites or worms. Usually with sudden weight loss like that, going to the vet is your best bet. Rather spend the money at the vet now and be be safe than hold off and be sorry.
Just thought about the thyroid thing; could hyperthyroidism be causing an increase in energy and maybe it's not just the condo living?? Let us know what the vet says. Good luck.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Sudden Weight loss
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic.jpg)
.jpg)
