Question:
Hi, my name is Debby and I have just found this site while looking for help in determining what could be wrong with my Irish Setter.

I have only had him about 2 months .. he was found by a friend, so I don't know too much about him. I've taken him to my vet to have his shots (just in case he hasn't had any) and to get an exam. The vet says he seems healthy, weighing 65lbs and based on the condition of his retinas and teeth, he estimates the dog to be about 5yrs old.

As I said, I know nothing about him, other than he is a very sweet, well mannered dog. He seems to have been abused in some way, in that sudden movements around his face, make him cringe and sink to the floor. He is very lethargic, sleeps constantly. In fact, he can barely keep his eyes open, even when you are talking to him and sometimes it seems as if he's squinting. If his head is not leaning on an object, or person, he has a hard time holding it up. It's as if he is perpetually exhausted and can't stay awake. Within the past two weeks, he has begun to have a discharge from his eyes.

For a dog his size, he is thin and does not eat the amount of food one would think of a dog his size. You can feel every rib, vertebre and hip bones. His coat and teeth, however, look fine.

I've been trying to find a sight where I can find these symptoms I've described to see if I can get an idea of what this could be. I was thinking maybe Lyme disease, but like I explained ... he grimaces and cringes when you put your hand up to pet his head. Sometimes he falls to the floor too. I wonder if he has been hit very hard or often on the head and face and has some type of cranial or neurological problems now.

Any suggestions?

Answer:
Welcome to the board!

A dog who who is very thin and not gaining weight, cannot hold his head up, and sometimes falls to the floor needs to go back to the vet ASAP. It could one of many things - even cancer. What does the vet say about these severe symptoms?

Internet sites can be helpful for many things, but NOT for a dog as seriously ill as this one sounds.

Answer:
Welcome!!
I agree with Lucky, take him back to the vet!
It could also be something very simple like an infection of some sort that a malnourished dog cannot fight off.
What are you feeding him now that he's not eating as much as he should be?
He should be eating more than the normal once or twice a day and boiled chicken and rice seem to be a favorite here for pups that don't want to eat!

Answer: