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Herbie

I saw him yesterday morning he was fine but since yesterday afternoon his mood started changing. He was more calm and not wanting to play with my other puppy. He also started to mildly limp and looks a little weak to stand on his back legs. He walks very little and lays down as if he was tired and sleeps all day. I call him and just lays there.

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Lucas
Dog, Shih Tzu
2 months, Male
Issue details
Main concern
Behavior
Others
More calm than usual. He began to limp with hind leg and can barely stand. Barely wants to eat. He hasn't gone potty. Looks weak .
Multiple times a day
Duration
1 day(s)
Ongoing
Other issues
Loss of appetite
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Dr. Valliyatte
Dr.Tail Vet

It sounds like your Shih Tzu puppy is going through some troubling symptoms, and I understand your concern. When a puppy suddenly changes behavior, starts limping, shows weakness, or loses appetite, it can point to a variety of issues. Let's explore a few possibilities and what you can do to help:

Firstly, consider the possibility of an injury or strain. Puppies are quite active and can sometimes hurt themselves during play. Take a moment to gently examine his leg for any signs of swelling, redness, or pain when touched. If you notice anything unusual, it would be best to limit his movement and allow him some rest.

Another possibility is an infection or illness. Puppies, especially those who haven't completed their vaccination schedule, are vulnerable to infections. Keep an eye out for additional symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, which could indicate an underlying issue.

Nutritional deficiency might also be a factor. Ensure that your puppy is consuming a balanced diet suitable for his age. A loss of appetite can lead to weakness, so you might try offering him some enticing, easily digestible foods like boiled chicken or rice to encourage eating.

Dehydration is another concern. Make sure your puppy is drinking enough water, as dehydration can cause lethargy and weakness. You can check for dehydration by gently lifting the skin on the back of his neck; if it doesn't snap back quickly, he might be dehydrated.

Given the sudden onset of these symptoms and their impact on his well-being, I recommend keeping a close watch on him. If his condition doesn't improve or worsens, it would be wise to consult a veterinarian. They can conduct a thorough examination and provide the necessary treatment to ensure your puppy's health.

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for taking such good care of your puppy.

Herbie

He just went potty and his stool looks like there's white small rice like stuff in it.

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Dr. Valliyatte

It sounds like your puppy might be dealing with a tapeworm infestation, especially if you're noticing white, rice-like particles in his stool. These particles are actually tapeworm segments, which often resemble grains of rice and can appear in the stool or around the dog's anus. This could be contributing to the symptoms you're observing, such as lethargy and a loss of appetite, as parasites can significantly impact a puppy's health and energy levels.

Firstly, maintaining good hygiene is essential. Be sure to clean up any feces in your yard or home promptly to prevent reinfestation or spreading the parasites to other pets.

Secondly, keep a close eye on your puppy's behavior and appetite. If he continues to show signs of weakness or if his symptoms worsen, it’s important to seek professional help.

Additionally, ensure your puppy stays hydrated.

While these measures can help manage the situation temporarily, it's crucial to address the tapeworm infestation with the appropriate treatment. Tapeworms require specific deworming medication, which is best prescribed by a veterinarian. They can provide the right dosage and ensure your puppy is on the path to recovery.

Herbie

I took lucas to the vet on friday to get treated for the tapeworms and his stool looks clean now . Yesterday, he seemed better, but this morning, he looks weak and is limping. I saw he is not able to support himself on the left rear leg and hasn't been wanting to eat only dink water.

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Dr. Valliyatte

I'm sorry to hear that Lucas is still experiencing weakness and limping, especially after his treatment for tapeworms. It's concerning that he's not supporting himself on his left rear leg and has a decreased appetite, which suggests there might be another underlying issue that needs attention.

Firstly, it's possible that Lucas might have sustained an injury or strain, given his limping and inability to support himself on one leg. I recommend checking for any visible signs of injury, such as swelling, redness, or tenderness. If he seems to be in pain when you touch the leg, try to limit his movement and keep him comfortable.

Another possibility is an infection or inflammation, which can sometimes cause limping and weakness. Keep an eye out for any signs of fever or additional symptoms that might indicate an infection.

If his symptoms persist or worsen, please let me know again or contact the hospital again.