I respect the advice of ShopForum members and know you are well researched - - -

This is a (approximately) 1989 Beagle.
Well, somewhere between 12 and 15 years old - my Mom's dog - which I now have for nursing back to health.

Usually is very active and healthy. He went out with me while I was doing some field mowing work and ran off. Probably with some other dogs since it is hunting season. Anyway, he got lost and was gone over two very cold nights. When he got back, he was sick and stiff-muscled.

He ate at first, but developed a tough breathing problem (like a badly swollen throat) and stopped eating. I have him inside the house in a warm room and his breathing problem has cleared up.

He drinks plenty of water and is not dehydrated. He gets up and walks around - took a good walk outside this afternoon.

Won't eat.

I have force-fed a little salted chicken-noodle soup broth and some gravy from canned dog food. Sometimes that has had the tendency to upset his stomach and he later throws up (much later, maybe five to eight hours).

Does not have a bloated stomach that I can tell.

Has not eaten anything that was not force-fed for nearly a week.

How serious is this? Any recommendations for anything good to force down him? He seems to be making good progress but I know he has GOT to have nourishment....

I'm also interested in any good canine health-care web sites you can recommend....

Thanks,

Ken300D

Get him to a vet!!

Also check www.dogbreedinfo.com. Maybe something in the FAQ you can use.

My sister in law has a dog with some kind of enzyme deficiency. She just wouldn't eat for some reason so off to the vet they went. You probably should see the vet. Especially since it's a 1989.

Kuan

Yeah, take him to a vet.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Certainly due for that 100,000 mile service interval. The dog seems absolutely fine this evening - it just doesn't want to contemplate the idea of eating. Thanks for the advice.

Ken300D

At your earliest possible convenience, take him to a vet....

__________________
...Tracy

'00 ML320 "Casper"
'92 400E "Stella"

DITTO....Get him to a vet.

Try pouring a raw scrambled egg (with or without milk mixed in) poured over bread (torn into bite size pieces). Sprinkle with sugar if needed. At 12 - 15 years old I wouldn't worry about his cholesterol at this point. A sudden change in habits warrents a visit to the vet... ASAP.

Dogs LOVE to eat! If a dog isn't eating, it's because it's painful to do so.

Irritation in the throat canal, a painful infection, dental problems (not unlikely for an older dog) could contribute.

But I agree with the others...prompt professional medical attention is needed here!

__________________
2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

It's been posted, but I'll post it again. VET....... NOW!!!!

Thanks for all the support everyone. Even though the dog is not mine I spent a lot of time with him over a long period of time.

Unfortunately the old boy had more serious problems than I envisioned, and he had to be put to sleep. Beyond just being out in the cold, he had a cracked rib and lung issues. The vet thought perhaps he had been bitten (crushed) by a big dog. I think he was either kicked or hit by a car.

Ken300D

Sorry to hear about the sad news.

__________________
Afshin

Current:
02 C32 AMG

Previous:
92 500E
84 190E 2.3 5 Spd

ohhh, crap... SORRY!

__________________
1985 190D 2.2l Sold-to Brother-in-law
1996 Mustang 3.8l -"thinks it's a sports car"
1988 Grand Wagoneer - Sold (good home)
1995 Grand Cherokee Ltd -"What was I thinking??!!"

Ken, you are a good person to be there and help.

The world needs more like you.

__________________
Tim
300CE
280SE 4.5
Sandals (size 11)