Question:
My 9 year old female cocker has become alarmingly passive over the last week. She will just stand around with her head down for short periods of time (5 minutes +/- )before she starts to walk. When she does move, it is like she is doing so in slow motion. She does not verbalize any pain but she looks like she is in pain. I brought her to the vet 5 days ago. He gave her a pretty complete exam and found her anal sacs full, which is a constant problem with her. She seemed to perk up a little after they were emptied but she is right back to this extremely "submissive" looking behavior and stance. She still eats, hasn't been drinking all that much but still seems to perform all neccessary functions ok. What's my next step in figuring out what to do?

Answer:
Did the vet take blood to check for any kidney probs, thyroid dysfunction, etc? Is her vision okay? I had a cat who acted like that after she went blind overnight.

You know your dog best and know when something is wrong, so you might want to either take her back to your vet, or get a second opinion elsewhere.

Answer:
Hi kcs! Just wondering is your girl is spayed? Because I know that will take alot out of them going into heat especially if she's nine.
Is she eating and drinking enough yet or has that slowed down to?
Some one on a different thread said you can get their anal sacs removed. That might be an option if thats all it is and it keeps happening. Just thinking out loud.

Answer:
I'm sorry to hear that she's not feeling well.

Does she appear to be disoriented at all? If you look at her eyes when she does this are they clear and normal in appearance or do they look bulged or darting from side to side?

Try to note if there is any tilt to the body, weak on one side..even a head tilt. This can be signs of vestibular problems.

I wonder though if it could be arthritic in nature, are there problems climbing the stairs at all?

OH yes I was going to ask did the vet get a chance to see this at the office? If not and the problem persists it may be helpful to video tape it and take ur camera for the vet to see it the next visit.

Keep us posted .

Answer:
She is spayed. Vet did not take blood at our visit as she seemed to be feeling better when I had her in (of course!!) I have thought about videoing her behavior and bringing it back to vet. She does have a thyroid problem and takes .3 mg of soloxine daily. Vet suggested if problem persists, we might try giving her thyroid medication 2 times a day to see if she improves. I'm not sure I like experimenting with medication though. Her eyes look ok to me also. Thanks for all the replys!!

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