Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/24/2008

Question
Our year old beagle had a massive poop attack during the night.  We awoke to find the living room rug hit with 10 or more piles of poop some quite watery.  This was a highly unusual occurance since he has been house trained for some time. Also he is limping on his right hind leg and is very lethargic.  He found a copperhead snake in the yard the day before and was relatively close, though we did not see the snake strike and he has no puncture wounds.  He just is not using the leg.  There has not seemed to be anymore bouts with poop since the power poop. What could it be?

Answer
Tiffany -

Take your dog to the veterinarian.  The excessive poop and the limping are reasons to have him seen by a doctor.

Are you sure that he was not bitten by the snake? Let your vet know  that he had contact with the snake;  he/she may suggest bloodwork.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM