Asked on the Dog Forum by Dan on 1/12/02, 8:14 am
Q: weight gain
I have an eight month old Weimeriener that is not putting on weight as she should.
Although she eats regularly, and shows no signs outwardly of any problems, she will not gain weight.
I had her checked at my vet who suspected nuitrition as the problem. She has been tested for worms and parycites, and there were none. To be sure that was not an issue, she was given medication to elliminate any that may not have shown up.
She is extremely energetic and has a great disposition. However, her rib cage is thin somewhat like that of a Greyhound. I have given her viatamin suppliments, along with the best food I could find to no avail.
If the energy level was not so high, I would be more sure of an internal problem.
Has anyone ever heard of such a condition, and if so what should I do?
Answered by Karen Peak on 1/12/02, 10:38 am
A: weight gain
First, adolescence is a time of odd growth patterns. Has the vet run any bloods to rule out things like thyroid (though thyroid issues in dogs is generally hypo which causes weigth gain and not hyper...) or other imbalance? If not, I would do that. But it could also be quite normal for her and part of her growth pattern. heck, I am looking at an adolescent dog who my vet says is fine weight-wise but he is filling out odd and looks chunky. He will settle down. I can feel ribs, see waist, but the way he is bulking and his coat is coming in, he LOOKS fat until you get your hands on him. Just odd growth.
Feed your dog a high performance diet. Especially if she is very active. One of the easiest to get is Nutro Max dog food. I have had great luck with that and my dogs over the years and when I have had to change, I have ended up going right back to the food. Now, there is a great food out there that many people suggested to me - Innova. However, I had troubles with weight loss in my dogs with it. I did some checking and others have had similar problems. One woman contacted the company that makes it and they had no idea why this was happening. So, just because a food is great, does not mean it is right for all dogs. Switch brands and give it a few months and see if that helps as well.
But I would now have a full blood panel run first and look there. Also, xrays to check for something internal may not hurt either.
Answered by helen on 1/12/02, 4:51 pm
A: weight gain
I would have her checked for a tape worm. These worms can live inside an animals intestines and they consume almost all the food this dog eats, and she gets very little nuriousment. Check with your vet for a testing procedure.
These worms also get larger as they continue to eat more.
GOOD LUCK
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