Question:
I have a 3yr old dog, Tucker - most closely resembles English Shepherd - who is sick. Usually he's very cheerful and wiggly/waggly. Yesterday he whimpered (!) and moved sluggishly upon greeting me. I gave him a thorough visual and tactile exam but could not discover any areas of injury. His nose is cold and slightly damp, his paws feel good, his ear temp is normal and eyes are clear. He ate and drank and did his business properly outside - seemed to have slight trouble with bowel movement. His breathing seems to be irregular - shallow.

Any idea what the trouble might be?

Answer:
Hi Cheryl,

Whimpering...huh.

Given the trouble with the BM it could be that he ate something he should not have eaten. OR what he ate didn't agree with him.

I'd keep an eye on him for the next couple of days. Hopefully it will pass.

If it doesn't, and especially if it gets worse....you should have him looked at.

Uncle fester

Answer:
Thanks for your input. It turns out that Tucker has a slight sprain and has to take it easy. Our guess he was playing a little too rough with my other dog. His attitude is much improved - he enjoys the extra attention.

I guess when something isn't right with my pets, my worrying gets a little out of control.

Answer: