I have a 3 year old Boxer. She has always been happy and very healthy. I went to work full-time in June at a nursing home. She has slowly been losing weight ever since.
The last couple of weeks has been a downward spiral. The vet has checked everything, and all her organs are functioning perfectly. Her coat and teeth are healthy. Ultrasound shows no cancer. She has no worms or parasites.
At first I thought it was separation anxiety. She has lost 12 pounds, and looks like a skeleton. She refuses all food. She is lethargic. She has no personality. She has lost all life in her. She no longer sits with me and she does not sleep with me any more.
For a split second I thought maybe she is sensing a sickness in me. But then I realized she could be smelling the sick residents on my clothes and thinking that I'm sick. I have cried and cried. The doctor assures me that she is fine. Should I put her on Prozac? She is completely wasting away. My heart is broken.
By Michele W.
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This is NOT normal for a 3 year old Boxer! I raised AKC Boxers in the US for more than 40 years and the only time I've seen anything like this with any of my darlings was in cancer, or in extreme grief.
Does someone come in to walk her when you're at work? The carer could be feeding (which would explain the lack of loss of condition) OR the carer could be treating the dog with less love than the dog feels deserved - Boxers have a very strong sense of fair play and will let you know if they feel they're not being treated with the amount of respect they deserve!
Have there been other changes (children grown and moved out, divorce or break-up of a long relationship, death of another animal in the home)? Boxers will grieve terribly in these situations.
First thing to do is find a canine vet - yes, they do specialise - for a second opinion. I find it really hard to believe a dog (any breed) with these symptoms to be in the good condition your current vet is claiming - you write this has been going on for nearly six months and no dog could go that long with those symptoms without having some fairly serious condition problems.
If a second opinion is the same as the first, it's time for some changes! Can you afford doggie day care, can you find a trustworthy neighbour or relative to care for her while you're at work, have you considered a companion for your Boxer?
Please update, I can't bear thinking about this poor Boxer - clearly something is very wrong and I hope you find the reason and solution very soon!
Good advice from Sunnie. I would have the dog checked again by a Vet, probably an internist at a Veterinary Referral center. Your Vet can refer you or you can just call yourself. These Vets are specialists. They may cost a bit more, but most offer Care Credit which is credit without any interest rates. You can pay over time. Whatever is troubling your dog may have progressed over the time since you have had her evaluated. That is pretty common. Whatever you do have the dog examined by a 2nd vet and have blood work done at the very least. Be strong. I think you will find your answer.
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