HiI have a 4 yr old GP...

Question
Hi

I have a 4 yr old GP who has recently lost weight, his movements are slow and his hind legs seem weak.  His fur feels rough and You can very easily pull hair out of him.  His stool is not in little pellets like before.  It is not watery but it is soft and not shaped and it seems to be sticking in his rectum alot.  (I hope that makes sense.)  I notice that his top and bottom teeth are uneven and it seems like they are not sharp and it is hard for him to tear pieces of food like he did before. I cut up food and he eats enough fresh stuff but he is not eating alot hay or pellets as before. I have been giving him vitamin drops. If it is his teeth creating a problem is there something I can do at home. I don't have a lot of resource to take him to a vet right now.  I don't want to lose him and will take him I just want to try all at home first.  He won't chew lava stones, wood, etc.  never has.  He chews the metal on his water bottle to keep his teeth short.


Answer
Hi Janet

If the problem is the teeth, which sounds possible, you can buy a file especially for treating the teeth at home. Personally, I would get an expert to do this, but I understand your situation.

Based on the other symptoms you describe, it is also possible that your pet has a vitmain deficiency of some sort. Try getting him to eat some orange pieces.

I hope that helps a bit.

Andy