Lathargic Dog

Question
Hello.  Blu is my Catahoula Leopard dog.  He will be 4 this year and is in what appears to be good health.  He weighs about 65lbs.  This past Sunday 2/20 I noticed that his head felt very hot.  Like he was running a temp.  I decided to keep an eye on it.  By Monday morning he was no longer hot, so I didn't think much of it.  Suddenly today 2/22 his behavior has changed.  He is very lathargic.  Usually he follows us from room to room and has a lot of engery.  Now all he wants to do is lay in his kennel.  When you try to call him out he won't even raise his head.  I have gone in and laid down with him and he rolls over for me to pet his belly.  My biggest concern is today when he goes to sit down he whimpers.  And when he sleeps he does grunt/groan, but he is doing it a lot more often and it seems as if he cannot get comfortable.  I have felt both of his hind legs and around his rump.  He doesn't whimper to the touch and I can't tell if it is hurting him.  My fear is there is something going on internally.  Are there certain things I should be looking for?  I cannot thank you enough for your time...  It is really wonderful to have a site like this.
Naomi

Answer
Hi Naomi!  I would definitely suggest an immediate vet visit for Blu.
The list of possibilities of what may be ailing him is very broad, from the symptoms you have described.  Since he was hot to the touch and is lethargic, that would indicate that there may be an infection going on.  Since he is grunting and whimpering when sitting or sleeping, this would definitely indicate discomfort.  This could be an abdominal upset, bloat, an intestinal infection, ect.  Your best bet would be to have your veterinarian look at him as soon as possible.  Blu is fairly young in age and should bounce back quickly from whatever is ailing him with the proper treatment.  Getting him to your veterinarian promptly will ensure that the treatment he may require to get well is given before he becomes any sicker.
I wish I could be of more help.  Please let me know how Blu does and give him tons of hugs and kisses for me!
Hilary