My 10-year-old cocker spaniel is gurgling and won't eat. What's wrong?

Hello. At this age, Shortie needs a good workup by your veterinarian. A cough can be from many causes including inflammation, bronchitis, pneumonia, tumors & heart disease. No appetite can also result from the above, but also from oral infections, liver, kidney or other endocrine diseases. So in order to help him, you need to know what is or is not going on with him. With a proper diagnosis, the appropriate treatment can be started to help Shortie feel much better. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Lulu. I recommend that she sees a veterinarian today. It does not sound like she is not feeling well. Small breed dogs are prone to neck and/or back pain which can be excruciatingly painful. It causes dogs to shake, pant, and not want to move. Most will hesitate to jump on furniture or be reluctant to do stairs. If this is the case, x-rays can be taken of the spine. Based on these results, medications are prescribed. In the meantime, keep her quiet and carry her if possible. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a tracheitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). Other possible differentials would include heart problems. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. X rays of her chest may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Poor Dagul! I am sorry that he doesn't feel well. Looking at the blood work his white blood count and kidney values are all elevated. The kidney values could be elevated simply due to dehydration but I cannot say for sure since I cannot see him myself. The white blood count being so high makes me concerned about a severe upper respiratory infection or even pneumonia. These blood results look like they were done in February so they really aren't very accurate now. I would strongly recommend have him seen again by your vet if possible and recheck the blood work. Your vet will be able to do a thorough exam and let you know whether or not he has a good chance of making it. Your vet may even recommend x-rays to ensure there is no tumors in the lungs causing issues as well. I am really concerned about him. I would also make sure he is continuing to eat and drink to help keep his hydration levels up. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon!

Oh that's not good that Toby isn't eating or acting like himself. He could be nauseous, eating something rotten, or could have dental problems causing the drooling and anorexia among other causes. The congestion could be caused by a respiratory disease, cardiac disease, or even cancer if it's spread to his lungs. I would monitor him tonight. Should he still not be eating in the morning, and is still drooling and sounding congested, I would have him seen by a vet for a health check.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear about Booda, she sounds very sick. Since she is vomiting, acting lethargic, not eating and having neurological signs, I would have her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Especially in an older Golden, cancer is a top differential for the cause of her clinical signs. Your veterinarian will want to do a complete physical exam, along with bloodwork and/or x-rays to look for evidence of disease. Because she is coughing, I'm afraid she may have cancer in her lungs, or less likely something like pneumonia. Unfortunately, you may have to consider thinking about her quality of life. Vomiting, coughing, not eating and being unresponsive to stimuli are not indicative of a good quality of life. I hope this is helpful, and I'm very sorry to hear about Booda.