Weight problem

Question
Hi there

I have a 4 year old German shepherd that has hip displacia and cannot pick up weight.  Our previous GS had a enzyme problem, could this be the same and how can I tell or help her to pick up weight.  She is so thin that I can see her back bone !  I do feed her one of the top brands so that she can get the best out of her food, but this does not seem to be enough. Please advise ?

Answer
Hi Belinda,  There could be a couple of things wrong.  She really needs blood work to rule them out.  One is a possible thyroid problem which is common in GSDs, as well as diabetes.  Did you meet her parents?  If so, were they thin?  Some american lineage GSDs have a predisposition to being very lean.  I personally would start with a complete blood workup to rule out anything physiological.  Hope this helps,

Dawn