Just a sore puppy or time to worry?

[Binny P]

Sorry for the many posts. This one is not parasite related, however. 

Our poor boy seems to be moving very slowly this morning and doesn't really want to move. Normally, my partner and the pup get up first. When he hears me getting up about 30 minutes to an hour later, he is generally really excited -- I like to believe it because he loves me best, but really it is because it means that breakfast is about to happen. Then we go out to potty, get in the car, and drive to the office. Normally I take him out once or twice before noon and then my partner will come take him for an hour so lunch adventure. 

This morning, he was pretty sedate when I came downstairs. At the office, he has been laying on the floor and napping (not particularly unusual, though even calmer and quieter than usual) but hasn't seemed to want to go outside at all. When my partner showed up, we could barely get him to stand up to get his leash on. I basically had to lift him to his feet to put his harness on.

He isn't limping at all or showing any obvious signs of discomfort, other than seeming to struggle a bit to get up (like an old man dog almost!). He ate his breakfast and has been drinking, and he pooped before we left the house. He peed a bit when my partner arrived, which again isn't super unusual -- he can do a bit of excitement peeing -- be even then, it didn't seem quite usual. It was after he had already gone back and laid down on his bed (which normally he doesn't do -- normally he wants to say hello and get lots of love). 

He walked quite a bit yesterday, but nothing particularly out of the ordinary happened -- it wasn't the most he has ever walked - and he wasn't any more zoomie than usual at night, maybe even a little less.

Is he just a little sore? Should we take him to the vet? I'm so worried about my poor buddy! 

[Binny P]

I'm really worried. My partner carried him to the park, where he peed, then took him and sat on the patio of a local place. He will lift his head and give a few tail thumps for people, but just really lethargic. He got back to the office and pup immediately laid down, not interested in having any water. I sat down on the floor and he wouldn't even get up to come over to me. Lifted his head up and looked (yes, I am personifying) like he wanted to, but then just put his head back down. I'm really scared something is wrong. :( :( :( 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

He's not sore. It takes a whole lot more than some extra walking to have any kind of physical effect on a healthy puppy. 

Unexplained lethargy is a red flag, especially in a puppy. I personally would take him to the vet, or at least keep a very close eye on him, and if he doesn't improve, take him tomorrow. If he gets worse, take him in immediately. 

[Binny P]

Thank you. He just threw up all of his breakfast. My poor guy! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I had not seen your updated posts before replying, but now that I have, I'd say you should take him to the vet now. 

[Binny P]

Okay. We are just about to head over there. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Please update us when you have a chance. Hope it's nothing serious. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Please let us know what the vet says.

[Binny P]

Update:  Our poor little guy is staying overnight. They are not sure what is wrong. They did an ultrasound and ruled out an intestinal blockage. He has acute pain in his lower left abdomen but they aren't sure why. He is cryptorchid and they were unable to locate the undescended testicle so have hypothesized that it may be twisted. They are going to monitor overnight and do another ultrasound in the morning. 

I am beside myself and just absolutely heartsick that he is in pain and terrified of All The Terrible Things. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Aw, poor little guy. I'm glad you brought him in, it sounds like he is good hands. I hope they figure out what's wrong and it's an easy fix. Try to get some rest.  

[Stacy]

Poor little guy. Testicular torsion is acutely painful (I only reference what I've been told by boys with the condition.) But if that's what is wrong it's an easy fix. And hopefully your little one wouldn't be sad that he couldn't have babies so no long lasting effects. 

Wishing him lots of good things!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry.  I am glad you took him in for a diagnosis.  I am keeping my paws crossed for a complete diagnosis and speedy recovery.

[Leslie J]

I hope your little guy is feeling better this morning!