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I just saved a 4 year old Mal who looks and acts more like 10 yrs. old. His nails where growing into his pads and he's 95 lbs, about 15 overweight.

I've got his nails cut and him updated on all his shots. The problem is, he just like to sit around inside. I've got him on a strict diet and I'm hoping that by walking him a lot he'll get his energy back up and act his age. I have set to get him to run, I've only managed a semi waddle.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated. I can honestly say that the last 3 days have been the happiest this dog has ever been. His spirits have already lifted, but he's not completely there.

Thanks

Extra weight really takes it's toll on a dog. Getting taht off will help. Also though look at other issues and see if they need resolving: bad teeth, hip dysplasia, ear infections, bad skin- all those "minor" thinks can really drain a dog as well.
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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 www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

So far his teeth look good and the only ear issue was from flys and the vet said some neosporin would take care of that. I am worried about his hips but the vet didn't seem concerned. He was also trampled by a horse some 8 months ago and had full x rays done. The vet supposedly said he was fine, no broken bones and no hip issues. Think I'll focus on his weight via food and excersize and see where he ends up.

Congratulations on your new addition! What a lucky boy.

In addition to Chelle's excellent ideas, what about the possibility of arthritis? I know he's young, but although nothing was broken in the horse incident, it's possible that enough damage was caused to his joints to cause some early arthritis. You also mentioned that his nails were terribly long and curling... he might be getting used to walking on his "new" feet. And my last thought is that maybe he is in a happy bubble and doesn't want it to burst. =)

What did you name him? Please let us know how he is doing.

PHLogan

Thanks guys! Well I got a call from the Vet yesterday, they said his thyroid levels were low. .5 on a scale of 1-5 normal. So he's going on meds. The vet said this will help him lose some weight, gain some energy as-well-as help hit top coat to grow back. I sure hope it works.

He just seems to waddle and when he lays down he elevates his back right paw. It looks like the pad is ripped and healed but is now 2 pads instead of one. I'm wondering if this is the cause of his unwillingness to walk for very long. He's going back to the vet in 3 weeks to check that the meds are right and we'll get his back paw looked at.

btw his name is Smokey Bear and he seems to be in heaven with all the love and attention he's getting. I'm just hoping I'll be able to take him out backpacking when he gets back into shape!

When I started reading this thread, I immediately thought low thyroid, and then I saw that your veterinarian caught it. Good man! You will need to do follow-up blood testing to keep the medication right, and it tends to need to be increased over time. Typically, the thyroid deteriorates and more supplement is needed to replace what it is no longer making.

This condition is VERY manageable with just blood testing and giving the pills. The effects on the dog's physical and even mental condition are like a miracle. You will be amazed. The thyroid supplement medication is not dangerous at all.
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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

Thanks for the word of encouragement! I'm really hoping he stops acting and looking like 10 and back to a youthful 4-5 where the vet pegged him.

I also noticed this morning that there is a lump of sorts on his rear. It's not there as much when he is standing. It feels like a fatty clump. I'm a little worried this my be a tumor but at 4-5 I'm not so sure. Supposedly this is also the place the horse came down on him when he was trampled. I'm hoping it's just some scar tissue.

Congrats on your new addition. Given the already excellent advise that you received I had nothing to add until you mentioned the low thyroid. I have a Shiba Inu who acted exactly as you described being that of a 10 year old. He went from a normal acting dog to one that could barely walk around the block. Once we got the report back his thyroid condition has been controlled through medication and he is once again a normal acting dog. Good luck with Smokey Bear and keep us apprised of his progress!
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.