My 13 wk. old German Shepherd is not eating well and looks thin. Our vet has done 2 fecals and they have been negative. 2 weeks ago at his last visit our puppy was running a slight fever he had been lethargic and was on antibiotics (amox) for 14 days and got better. He is growing and has energy, but just won't eat like we think he should be.
I don't know what could be the cause and our vet doesn't seem real concerned. He just says that he thinner than he would like to see him. (he weighs 29 lbs as of this past Friday and he is 13 weeks old) He has a hollow look between his back bone and rib area.

Thanks! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Julissa,

Ask a different vet for a second opinion.

What are you feeding your pup?

 Quote:

My 13 wk. old German Shepherd is not eating well and looks thin. Our vet has done 2 fecals and they have been negative. 2 weeks ago at his last visit our puppy was running a slight fever he had been lethargic and was on antibiotics (amox) for 14 days and got better. He is growing and has energy, but just won't eat like we think he should be.
I don't know what could be the cause and our vet doesn't seem real concerned. He just says that he thinner than he would like to see him. (he weighs 29 lbs as of this past Friday and he is 13 weeks old) He has a hollow look between his back bone and rib area......

Had he been vaccinated around when this started?

Has the vet done blood work?

Have lepto and parvo been ruled out?

The fever and lethargy would (I think) be bothering me more than the thinness, except that loss of appetite can also be a symptom of disorders that can't be ruled out with a fecal analysis only. These symptoms can be indicative of serious illnesses.

I hope some of the forum members who have worked in vet's offices will jump in here. My own opinion is that I would not be satisfied with what sounds like the vet's no-diagnosis unconcern. Are you thinking of getting a second opinion?

I would ask what he's eating, except that there's more going on here than just not liking his food, I think.

I'm not a health professional.

My puppy was eating well when we purchased him (at 7 weeks) as a matter of fact we started him on a raw diet and he ate vigirously. His lack of appetite did start after his vaccinations(we requested only the neccessary ones)and has continued up until this time. I should say there are days when I think that he is on his way and then back to not eating well again.
Our vet said that he does not have Parvo. His stools are fine, he does not vomit , he has a shinny coat, clear eyes, and since the antibiotics lots of energy.
In regard to the slight fever and lethargicness (at 10 weeks) our vet suggested that he may have cought something from another dog since we were taking him out to socialize quite often. He thought it there may have been a possibility of worms and gave him 2 doses of Drontal.
We no longer take him out to public places that have other dogs until he is through with his puppy shots.

He ate well this evening (chicken thighs etc.) We really hope that it is nothing serious, but will be requesting blood work as well as a second opinion.

My GSD pup done the same thing. Took him to the vet he said he could not fine any thing wrong with him. Gave him a B12 shot,And nutri-cal 2 times a day with in 2 days he was eating fine. He weighed 22lb. at 9 weeks in 3 weeks he weighed 35lb. has not quite eating since. He is doing great now. Good luck with the Pup