Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Friends of ours have a dog that gave birth approximately 3 months ago. She is a coonhound. The puppies have all been weaned and given away. She is not gaining weight - she is quite sickly looking although she appears to be eating a decent amount of food. She drinks and is quite active but the owners say she hasn't been herself since she gave birth. Her ribs are showing which I know isn't necessarily a bad thing. They gave her a deworming pill thinking she may have gotten into something as they live in the country. She is not vaccinated and is approximately 1.5 years old. Does anyone know what could be wrong with her? Is she missing something physically in her diet? They won't take her to the vet. any suggestions?
Thank you!

They need to take her to the vet! Major things can go wrong with a female dog's body with the stress of pregnancy. One thing is hypothyroidism. There are lots more. She needs a check up and bloodwork.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

One round of deworming with a non-perscription wormer isn't going to get rid of worms. That may not even be the issue though. This dog really needs to see a vet. Sadly, no one here can accurately diagnose the problem with only verbal details. I feel sorry for this girl. She sounds like she needs help.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

I totally agree with you both! It is not up to me to get her to the vet - as I do not want to interfere. They are farm people that don't really believe in taking their animals to the vet. I feel so bad for the dog as you know I have 7 of my own and have been to the vet 3 times in the last week and a half - nothing major but things that needed attention (constipation and a minor injury). It is very difficult and I do bite my tongue - I tried to explain that the vet I go to is a no-nonsense farm vet that does not overcharge.

Unfortunately if the person isn't willing to listen to the advice that the dog needs vet care, then there's very little one can say or do to help this dog. Worming with Panacure may help, but the does would be a complete guess. Heartworm is a very real possibility for what you are describing as well and the treatment for that is not only expensive and painful, but often fatal under the best of care. If you could get them to surrender this dog to a shelter that could get it the proper care, that would help the dog- possibly depending on the shelter. It's sad, I understand farm mentality to a degree because I've lived in a rural area, but I don't understand not getting care when it's obviously needed. I wish I could help out more- sorry.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles