Pepsi has lost her zest for life

[kathydickens]

Pepsi, a beagle, is 11 and just wants to lie around and sleep. She has always been very active, and a two or three hour walk was commonplace for her. Now, I can't even get her to walk around the block. The vet cannot find any arthritis, but she seems to be favouring the one leg, as the other back leg's muscle has atrophied slightly, and she seems to struggle up stairs, preferring to zig zag up them, instead of going in a straight line. She seemed to "age" very fast after June 2003, when I lost my other dog, Tiffany, 12, to cancer. Pepsi showed signs of depression, and even though I got Luke, 9, in October, she never seemed to get back her vitality. She eats Iams for Mature dogs. Should I try supplements?
Kathy
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[Logan]

Welcome to Pet Talk, Kathy and Pepsi. Sorry you didn't join us under a more happy occasion. I think it is not uncommon for older dogs to slow down a bit, but it sounds like Pepsi is depressed or feels bad.

I have no idea how to answer your question on the supplements. I wonder if a second opinion would be in order? I do hope you can get some spunk back in Pepsi! I'm sure someone else will have a better idea for you.

Logan

[lv4dogs]

Supplements may help, but before you add them I would reccomend an x-ray of the legs just to be sure. Does the vet have any idea why the muscle has atrophied?
I would also have a geriatric blood panel run on her.

After that & the results are fine then I would consider a couple supplements.

[tatsxxx11]

Welcome to Pet Talk Kathy, Pepsi and Luke...As Logan says, I wish it were under happier circumstances. It's expected that our seniors will slow down as they enter there golden years. Many dogs at age 12 have great difficulty doing stairs, no longer have the energy for long walks, etc. A thorough physical exam should help to rule out a host of physical causes for her lethargy and mobility problems. I request a routine blood chemistry and complete blood count yearly once my kids reach senior status. Amazing that she doesn't suffer from arthirits though I'm sure the muscle atrophy in her one leg is keeping her from being as acitve as she once was and may be causing her pain. I would discuss with your vet all the options available, such as dietary supplements, glucosamine/chondrotin, pain medications etc. I have a dear, dear, senior Beagle friend named Gus, who at age 15 is still active and enjoying life. A daily buffered aspirin helps greatly in easing his aches and pains. Perhaps you could discuss that option as well. I'm sure the loss of Tiffany has also greatly affected Pepsi emotionally:( Hopefully with a bit more time, Luke will help to lift her spirits. It's hard getting older:( Please check back with us and let us know how she's doing. You're a dear soul for giving these deserving seniors such a wonderful, caring, loving home:) Hugs to you Pepsi and Luke!:) Sandra

[KYS]

Welcome to Pet Talk.
Keep us update on Pepsi please.
A vet visit and a blood work up would not hurt.

We had a senior lab/GSD that had one leg atropy, but
she still had a great quality of life even though
she had slowed down and arthritis had kicked in.
(we think the atropy on her leg was caused by a tick
bite, but we are not sure)

Welcome again and sending hugs to Pepsi and and Luke.

[dragondawg]

that older dogs slow down because of age alone. They slow down because there is a metabolic or disease problem.

Do get a blood panel run. Have the serum calcium and lactic acid levels checked. If the Vet can not come up with a diagnosis, then ask for a referral to a specialist.

Since your dog has the first signs of cachexia, you should consider switching to a performance high protein/high fat dog food.

[anna_66]

I also have a senior dog who is almost 13.

Needless to say he has slowed down quite a bit, but at times he still has a little bounce in his walk:)
I think you've gotten some good advice here and I would check with the vet just to make sure that Pepsi is ok.

Please keep us updated!

[tatsxxx11]

Been wondering how Pepsi is doing...hope your girl's been able to put a little fizz back in her days:) Check in when you :)

[LorraineO]

Welcome to Pet Talk... I ditto what others have said,,, hopefully Pepsi will find her fizz soon again....

[anna_66]

Any news on Pepsi? I hope she's doing alright.