Under Weight GSD

Question
I have a 7 year old male German Shepherd (Sammy), who has been consistently dropping weight for the last 4 years. Starting at 85 lbs is now down to 66 lbs. We have been to three vets (including Angel Memorial in Boston) to try and find the problem. They've found nothing. They've tested everything liver, kidney, pancreas, etc. Knowing that GSD's are prone to pancreas problems I've actually had this test done twice. This is horrifying for me, I'm watching my dog starve to death before my eyes, even though he eats twice as much food as my 90 lb Akita each day. The poor thing is always hungry, which makes him do bad things. Which I never reprimand him for, because I understand he's hungry. I believe it is also affecting his sleep, or should I say lack of sleep. He never stops moving. He is constantly moving, moving, pacing, pacing. I wake up in the middle of the night to hear him pacing the house. It makes me cry. Do you have any thoughts?

Thanks. Dawn

Answer
Dawn,  I am very sorry to hear about your boy. He clearly has issues with his digestive system and is not getting or maintaining the nutrients he needs or has issues with an organ affecting his ability to utilize nutrients and this is affecting not only his physical health but also his emotional health.

1.  Are you feeding your dog a premium dog food or premium raw diet that provides all the appropriate nutrients he needs?

2.  Have You ever fed your dog enzymes with his food.  Enzymes come in a powder form, sprinkling a little on the food has been known to help in similar situations.  Available at pet stores.  Sometimes dogs can't absorb the nutrients in their food so even though they eat will not get what they need without the enzymes.  Adding enzymes can help some situations.

3.  I can't help but think something has been missed regardless of the tests that were done.  Has Your Dog been tested for Parasites, worms, etc, which could be contributing to the issues your dog is having?

4.  Don't stop looking until you find an answer.  You are doing the right thing by inquiring where you can.  Since Your Vet has not provided you answers, get bolder and ask more professionals.  Keep a Journal or diary of your dog's symptoms and reactions.  I can help locate a cause.  When did it start, etc...

5.  I recommend checking with a Veterinary School or College near you who may be willing to use your case to teach students.  They may be more willing and/or determined to find the cause of your boy's illness.  I would really press any vet you speak to for better answers than you have been getting.  Having them say we did a test but we are not helping your dog is not acceptable to me.

6.  You may also want to check with a vet at a local rescue shelter who might show more care and concern and compassion for your dog pro bono (Latin for without a fee).

7.  There is also a vet responding to questions at All Experts under the Dog Category who would be better qualified than I to respond to your question.  I did attempt to ask him your question but he only accepts 2 questions daily and is apparently maxed for the day.

I truly hope these suggestions help.

Sincerely,

Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com