[polov]

My twelve-year-old German Shepherd has been laying all day, with his head down. He has attempted to rise once when I pleaded enough, but he never made it on all fours and sort of "stumbled down" again. He won't eat (his appetite is usually a big one) and has almost forcefully sipped some water when I offered it to him directly to his mouth.
I'm afraid... he has NEVER acted like this before! What's going on and what action to take?

[cherylmartin]

I hope you have already taken him to the vet.

[polov]

I called my vet and he informed me that he was all booked for the next three days. He explained this condition just has to do with age and there's nothing that can be done but allow him to rest.
But his breathing is so hard, as if he's struggling. I can't just NOT do anything.

[Corky/Max]

Yes--Get to the vet NOW! This could be many different things wrong! Time may be important!

[Corky/Max]

Originally Posted by polov

I called my vet and he informed me that he was all booked for the next three days. He explained this condition just has to do with age and there's nothing that can be done but allow him to rest.
But his breathing is so hard, as if he's struggling. I can't just NOT do anything.

So call a different vet---Your vet sounds like an uncaring vet and to say that it has to do with old age esp. without seeing the dog is just plain stupidity!!! tHIS COULD BE A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH!!! I'd consider this an emergency!

[polov]

Thank you. I'm sorry if I seem scatter-brained, I'm just really nervous. My dog is usually so happy and energetic and now he can barely pick his head up from the ground

[cherylmartin]

I pray for the best but its imperative that you call an emergency vet

[Lara's mom]

Your dog absolutely needs to be seen by a vet NOW.

[Lunareclipse]

Take your dog to the vet. I called my vet when my saint bernard started having cluster seizures. He said that he was booked and couldn't see my dog. So I called around and took her to a new vet that will see her anytime I needed them to. I am quite happy with the new vet.

[MrAndrew]

Any updates? My advice for pet owners dealing with mysterious symptoms of illness, go to a vet. Go right now, go as soon as you notice something amiss. If your regular vet isn't available, choose another. There's bound to be an emergency vet somewhere in your area. Your dog is part of the family, treat him like one. You wouldn't wait 3 days if your son wasn't eating, drinking or moving, would you?