Expert: Delores Beck - 2/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a small male parti-Cocker Spaniel that is 16.5 lbs and almost 2 years old. I just drove back from showing him at a Dog Show in Lakeland, FL. His handler mentioned to me that he wasn't his normal show quality self and thought he needed his tonsil removed (?).
This last weekend I noticed that he has been shivering and acting very lethargic all weekend. Has been eating, drinking and normal bowel movements. I though maybe he was shivering because he was cold (we had a cold spell here in florida). Monday morning I knew something wasn't right when he did not jump up onthe bed with me. He was shivering so bad, so I rushed him to my Vet. The vet said he was in great pain, and had to sedate him (put him under) in order to do an exam and X-rays. He did not have a fever or high temperature. The vet mentioned that his lymphoids were swollen (tonsils?), but made no recommendation to remove.
My dog was at the Vets all afternoon, during which they did not do any blood work at all. So when I went to pick him up late afternoon, they had no answers for me as to what was causing him the pain and discomfort. They only said that that nothing showed up on the X-rys regarding his back and they gave me some Prednisone and Antibiotics for him and told me to keep him in his crate (for less movement).
As of this morning he is still shivering and I do not know what is causing it. He is not whining or making any noise when I pick him up or move him. He is still eating, drinking and going out to pee, etc..but very lethargic.
Do you have any thoughts?
Have you had experiences with Cocker Spaniels with "tonsils" or "bad backs"?
Thank you for your time.


ANSWER: I can't believe they did no blood workup.  And nothing for pain.

If this were my dog I'd be taking him to the nearest ER.

I wish I had an answer for you but this sounds serious and, as I said, I'd be getting another opinion quickly.

Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Delores -
my Cocker Spaniel is not shivering anymore, but is very quiet and still. Very lethargic.
Still eating, drinking, etc...
I was waiting to hear back from my Vet today, but so far nothing, so I am going to call them right now regarding why they did not do the blood work, etc.
I will also get a second opinion and take him in to another vet tomorrow (is this too late?).
Any thoughts on the Tonsil in Cocker Spaniels?
Have you had any experience with Tonsil getting swollen an having to have them removed? Is this commom?
Also, is it common in young Cocker Spaniels to have any lower back problems?
Again, not sure what is causing the discomfort...
Vet yesterday thinks it could be his back... but why? He couldn't answer and nothing showed up on the X-ray.
Thank you again for answering back so quick and for your input.

ANSWER: Do you have an ER where you are?

Your vet is woefully inadequate.  I can only tell you what I'd do and what I'd think if the vet offered a steroid and antibiotics without a diagnosis and no bloodwork.

No, I've never heard of tonsils causing this and yes..of course it could be his back but nothing showed up.  Meanwhile the dog is in pain and no pain relief was offered.  I strongly suggest Tramadol which isn't an NSAID.

Swollen lymph nodes can signify many things...usually infection.

Kathy where are you in Florida?

It is a good sign he's still eating.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Delores -
I'm sorry for the confusion, but yes, my Vet did give pain medication to my dog. I did call them this afternoon and he mentioned that the reason he is so tired and quiet today is from the pain medication which will last 24-48 hours.
Yes, there is an ER near me.
The Vet suggested that I bring him in tomorrow for follow up. I live in Naples. This particular Vet does not want to remove the Tonsils; which I believe is part of the problem.
(swollen lymphoids).
I will get a second opinion to see what caused the pain and discomfort. I think he jumped off the bed wrong.
He is walking around and following me, but will not attempt to jump up at all (which I will not encourage!)
He doesn't seem to have any problems eating or swallowing his dry kibble. He hasn't been drinking too much water, but he never really drank alot to begin with. So, I am squirting water down his throat to keep him hydrated.
Thank you again for your help!


Answer
What pain med did he prescribe?  And yes, as with us, it will kind of conk him out.

Now..re keeping him hydrated..really important.  Homemade chicken broth (no sodium - no fat).

Simmer some boneless/skinless chicken in a LOT of water...strain the broth into a container through 2 layers of cloth (linen dish towel..anything)
and give him that.  I even dilute it with Spring water.  Serve this "warmish" and he'll drink it all.

It's encouraging that he's roaming around - eating - etc. but you're obviously just like me and worried to death :)

Honestly, I'd be at the ER with the appropriate specialist before I did anything drastic.  The swollen lymph nodes cannot be passed off as tonsil problems.

And what food do you use?  I have to ask because nutrition is my passion :)  But, if possible, do the homemade broth - it's essential he remains hydrated.  My own dogs LOVE this and will drink as much as I'll give them.
Delores