1st time dog owner - any thoughts?

[Carol B & Pilot]

My family and I are enjoying being first time dog owners. We have a 9 mo male goldendoodle, it's been wonderful.  I had him neutered on the 9th, and he was doing fine - wound looks good, energy, eating normal...  On the 18th he ate 1/2 his breakfast, and refused food since.  I'm having a hard time getting him to drink more too.  He's eaten a couple of favorite biscuits (lamb/rice), and I made him rice with broth, and put some broth in his water.  He's lethargic and doesn;t want to go out.  Of course, since he's not eating much, he not pooping much, but doesn't seem to be a problem there (we know when his stomach is upset, from 1 end or the other...).  I'm wondering, is this reduced testosterone from the neutering? A secondary infection? Doesn't seem to be in pain anywhere...I'm taking him to the vet tomorrow morning unless there is a complete turn-around tonight.  Any insight/thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks

[Sheila & Finnley]

First of all WELCOME Pilot is adorable.

 

I would keep trying to get some fluids into him. You don't want him to get dehydrated. I definitely don't know about reduced testosterone, but I would be thinking possibly a secondary infection somewhere. I would take his temperature to see if that shows anything. A fever for a dog is when his temp is over 102.5.

Good luck and let us know how pilot is.

[Carol and Banjo]

I'm sorry he's not feeling well Carol.  I wish I could offer some helpful insight.   I doubt it's a testosterone thing.   I'm thinking possilbe infection.  A trip to the vet is in order for certain.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is not related to testosterone, and it's doubtful that it's even related to the neuter at all, dogs usually recover very quickly from neuter surgery, and you would most likely see an infection at the site if there was one.  Loss of appetite and lethargy, especially in a puppy, are signs of something wrong. If this weren't a Sunday, I'd say to bring him right in to the vet today.

As it is, I would watch him closely, try to keep him from becoming dehydrated, and get him in to the vet tomorrow a.m. unless there is a dramatic improvement. I hope there is.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree with Karen.  If he hasn't eaten since Friday morning and you're having trouble getting fluids into him he may already be dehydrated and that could be what's causing the lethargy.  Check his gums to see if they look pale.  Also, you may be able to detect dehydration by gently lifting the skin on the back of your dog’s neck or between the shoulder blades. It should immediately return to a normal position. If he is lacking in fluids, the lifted skin may not quickly return to normal.  I would get some Pedialyte which they now also make into popsicles and try really hard to get that into him.  Depending on what these little "tests" show and whether or not you can get fluids into him, I might be tempted to take him to the emergency vet clinic tonight.  Please keep us posted and I'll be hoping that this is not serious.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with the ER tonight. I was not realizing he hadn't eaten anything in two days.

You can also check for dehydration by touching his gums; they should be slippery. If they are dry or "tacky" or your finger doesn't glide easily over them, he's dehydrated.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It is possible though that it's an internal infection from where they tied off the spermatic cord or something.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

So sorry Pilot isn't feeling well. I agree with the others that it is time to get him checked by a vet and that it is doubtful that it  is related to the surgery. Please let us know what you find out~

BTW Pilot is a doll!!!

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

You can go to the local pharmacy and see if the will give you a large syringe without a needle or even the local pet supply store might have them.  Put water in it and kindof squirt gently in the back of his mouth under his tongue to try to get fluids into him...

Please keep us posted!

[Pam & Trixie]

What the others have said. I do hope you can get him to drink some fluids.
I too would bring him to the ER today if things dont change soon.
I hope everything checks out for something minor...let us know how he is doing...

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't think this is hormonal. Does he show any signs of infection at the site? I would have the vet check him out.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Carol ~ I just saw your post.  Could your doodle have swallowed something foreign?  He may have a blockage. If he is lethargic, you need to get him to a vet asap!  I had a standard poodle that swallowed a small round piece and it blocked the opening between his stomach and intestines.  He would not eat or drink and was lethargic.  They were able to remove it without actual surgery.  I am not trying to scare you, but lethargy plus not eating or drinking, is not something to fool around with.  I do hope this is not the case with your sweet doodle.  Please keep us posted.

 

[Carol B & Pilot]

I don't think so,he's still pooping. When he's gotten into something he shouldn't he's had diarrhea and vomited. That's not going on here. I think he's figured out a way for me to offer tastier things than usual.