What happens if my skinny dog doesn't get proper vet treatment?

Wow, what a difficult situation for you to be in! While a medical condition can cause a dog to look this way, under medical treatment, it can improve. If you are very concerned, you can make an anonymous phone call to the SPCA or animal control, and they can come out and check up on the dog. That way, it can be found out if the dog is under veterinary care, or they can take the dog and put it into a safe and secure home.

Poor Abby. She does look very skinny, and it sounds like her ear has an aural hematoma. That's when there is fluid and blood build up between the layers of the ear. You need to take her into a vet first thing in the morning.

It sounds like she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause of her problems. It is very concerning that she is thin and weak and your vet can run some lab-work to screen for kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine diseases, etc. Your vet can also take x-rays, if needed, to look for any abnormalities that would cause decreased appetite and weight loss. She could also have a problem with her teeth and your vet can do a dental evaluation. She may need an antibiotic to treat a conjunctivitis. Please call a vet and schedule a check up.

Chronic diseases and cancer can cause a condition known as cachexia where they get very skinny; but they would also have other signs of disease. The hallmark of cachexia is muscle wasting; so if Val seems to have a lack of muscle on the upper legs and spine, then I would be worried that there is some chronic condition. If the legs look like they have good muscle and the spine is not obviously jutting out, then this is not cachexia and would not be a concern. I'm assuming the veterinarian had already ruled this out, so that's why they would not be too worried. If it's not cachexia, then it is probably a good thing that she is thin, because skinny dogs, on average, are healthier and live longer. If it is cachcexia, then I would have the bloodwork checked for any signs of disease or organ failure. I would also check for parasites, as this can cause weight loss over time. I hope that helps and all is well with Val.

I agree with your vet. Only someone who doesn't know the meaning of emaciated would call this dog emaciated. Yes, she is very lean, but she is well muscled (including the back area you mentioned), which indicates that she is getting adequate nutrition and is not suffering from an illness. Body condition scoring is not an exact science, because if you look at the guide you may call her a 3/9. This is because you can see her ribs. However, knowing how lean this dog is, I would put her more around a 4/9. No matter the score, she is in perfect condition - really, she's a great looking dog. I'll also note that studies have shown that dogs with these lower body condition scores tend to be healthier and live longer. The truth is that most people are used to seeing fat dogs (obesity is just as big of a problem with pet dogs in the U.S. as it is people) and will usually balk at the site of a 4/9, or even a 5/9 dog. I know you are and will continue to get comments from people who think that she is too skinny, but hopefully you are now armed with enough veterinary advice and knowledge that can help let the concerned person know that all is OK. I hope that helps and all is well with Dejah.

It is hard to know exactly what her condition is without examing her myself, but I can assure you that being in the vets is the best place for her, and will give her the best chance. There is nothing more you can do for, so try and get some rest. It doesnt sound like there is anything too life threatening, more like dehydration so hopefully she will be just fine.

If her ribs are really sticking out and there is no fat or muscle, then see your vet. There could be a medical cause for her condition. If your vet clears her, increase the amount of food offered until she is at an appropriate weight. Ask your vet how to perform a Body Condition Score (BCS) on your dog using the 9 point scale. Ideally, she should have a waist when looked at from above. Her ribs should be seen and easily felt under a layer of fat/muscle. From the side, her chest should tuck up into her abdomen.