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Rat Terrier question

Sent to Dog Experts July 09 03:32 PM

I have a 4-yr-old Rat Terrier. She is an inside/outside dog. On July 6, 2005 she began favoring her right hind leg and was very lethargic. On July 8, I called the vet who suggested giving her baby aspirin twice daily and monitoring her behavior. July 9, the dog is having difficulty using her hind legs, extremely lethargic, shaking, does not eat, will drink if taken to water dish. She feels warm to the touch. Her bowels seem to be o.k. and she is urinating with no apparent problems. What could be wrong and what should I do. My vet is closed until Monday; however, if this is serious, I may need to locate an animal hospital.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
July 9 3:42 PM (9 minutes and 55 seconds later)
         
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Shaking is often a response to pain so I think that there is more going on here than your original vet realized. I suggest that you return to the vet and get some help.

I do think that you need to see the vet this weekend and find an after hours vet to help you. The neurological symtpoms worry me, as does the lethargy and lack of appetite.

The most common cause of lethargy and loss of appetite is a parasite problem.

Since you are seeing shaking and and a lack of motion, you should be concerned that there is a back or spinal injury.

Let me know if you have more questions about this.

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Tammy F. -- Dog Care Expert -- 99% Positive Feedback on 2270 Dog Accepts
15+ years -Dog care, Veterinary shelter medicine and infectious disease, Behavior assessment, Rescue
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