Not eating and very weak.

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh, I am so sorry to hear that Princess is not doing well. The symptoms you have described really do have me concerned that something serious is going on.

While it is not possible for me to give you a diagnosis over the internet I can give you my thoughts on what could be going on.

The first thing that came to my mind is a serious kidney problem. Renal failure can cause vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite and the foul odor that is coming from her. One of the more common reasons for renal failure in a younger dog is indeed leptospirosis. While leptospirosis can be treated, if it gets to the state of causing renal failure and causing her to be this sick, her chances of treatment (even with intensive veterinary care) are not good.

Another possibility is if she has eaten something that is toxic to her kidneys. Again, if she is this sick then I am quite concerned for her.

The transmissible venereal tumor is not likely to be causing these symptoms that you have described.

It's also possible that she has pancreatitis. Unfortunately the treatments for pancreatitis require intravenous fluids which would have to be given at a veterinary clinic.

Another possibility is if she has eaten an object that is stuck in her stomach or intestines. If this is the case there is not much that you can do.

The green discharge from her eyes could be a sign of distemper virus. This is very serious and usually fatal.

Is there any way at all that you can get her off of the island and into a veterinary clinic? It really would be worthwhile to have her tested for leptospirosis as lepto is actually contagious to people. If she does have lepto she can be started on antibiotics and this may give her a chance (albeit a small one).

If there is no way that you can get her seen then one of the best things you can do for her is to try to keep her well hydrated. If you are able to buy unsweetened pedialyte (this is a solution that they make for children with diarrhea) then you can encourage her to drink this which will help with hydration and also help her kidneys.

Another thing that you can give her that won't hurt and may help her a little bit is famotidine (known as Pepcid). The dose to give to dogs is .5 mg per kg twice daily. It usually comes in a 10 mg tablet. I'm guessing, but from the picture she looks no more than 30 lbs. So, if this were the case she could have a half tablet twice daily. This will help with the stomach upset.

I wish I could offer you more help. It does sound like she is very unwell.


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Dr. Marie replied:

If this is lepto, antibiotics alone are not likely to be helpful. She'd really need IV fluids as well. Unfortunately I legally can't advise at all on medication dosages.

But, if you live in a remote place with no vet care, there may be vets just off of the island who you could phone who may have the legal right to prescribe or advise you on medication. I know that this is the case in some remote northern areas.