Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 8/8/2008

Question
Hi there.. My roomate owns a boxer/bulldog cross, about 5 yrs old named Riley. Lately her health seems to be deteriorating and the vet says nothing is wrong with her except for a heart murmur. Blood tests were taken and came back ok. She looks very thin (you can see her spine and hip bones), she sheds a lot (though no patchiness), she is shaky and lies down far too much. When she gets up she limps and her back end seems stiff. She was rescued from a shelter over a year ago so it could be that she's older than we think. Any thoughts on what could be wrong and how we might get her weight back up? Thank you very much.
Jen

Answer
Jen -

Her weight loss may be due to her heart condition.  Perhaps she is a little older than you were originally told and her stiffness is due to arthritis.  Ask her veterinarian about supplement that may help her to be more comfortable.

Talk with your vet about her diet. He/she may know about a diet that can help her to gain weight.  I recommend having an ultrasound done of the heart. An ultrasound will give a better picture of the heart murmur - it will also let you know if she will require medication.