MY 5 YEAR OLD SPRINGER SPANIEL HAS BEEN SERIOUSLY LOSING WEIGHT SINCE CASTRATION HE WAS DONE ABOUT 8 WEEKS AGO HAS GONE FROM A HEALTHY LIVELY WORKING DOG TO A BAG OF BONES TOOK HIM BACK TO VETS WAS SOLD VAROUIS WORMING TABLETS HAVE BEEN OVER FEEDING HIM TO GET WEIGHT BACK DID IMPROVE SLIGHTLY BUT HAS NOW RELAPSED I AM VERY WORRIED AND WISH HAD NEVER HAD HIM DONE THE VET NOW RECKONS HE MAY NEED TESTOSTERONE INJECTIONS PLEASE HELP WHAT WENT FROM A ROUTINE PROCEEDURE NOW LOOKS LIKE HAS RUINED MY DOG THEY SEEM TO GIVE NO EXPLANATION

Was there a health reason for his castration, and if so has this been resolved or could this be a further symptom.

I would be looking at a complete set of blood tests to see what is going on.

No not for health reasons we have him and three bitches did not want any pups he has fathered two litters we kept a puppy bitch and did not want any accidents obviously with his own daughter she is almost 6 months

is there any possibility of a lurking infection? Have the vets done a thorough check of temperature etc? as the other poster said, blood tests would be a good idea. I think they would show if there was an infection too, (white blood cells or something? I'm no expert!) 
How is he in himself? does he seem unwell or is it just the weight loss?

I am feeding chicken breast and dry complete sensetive good dog food morning dinner time and night carefull not to overload him to soon but still his spine and hip bones have started to show am returning to vets this weekend am worried sick and not very happy with the vet dont know if it was a problem caused there, just would like to know some background on any problems some body may have experienced like this

he improved a little the first time tried building back up but is just a different dog holds himself as if uncomfortable have explained this to vet gave tape worm and all other worm tablets but have always wormed my dogs regulary any way but took advice still doing this monthly but never offered blood tests will ask for them this weekend am very dissastisfied but have to give them the chance if not will be seeking second vet

I would insist on  a second opinion, you need to rule out that there could be an infection (from the op) most castrated dogs gain in weight after the op but you need to investigate as this seems to have happened relatively quickly.  I would also be inclined to reject all the wormers etc that your vet is prescribing (unless worms have been found).  If your dog is losing weight he doesn't want his system bombarded with chemicals.

This is contra to what is normally expected because not only do dogs and bitches loose shape when neutered most will have a tendency to put weight on. So yes, agree with others would want full tests done and if needed a second opinion.

Just how much has he lost?

> have always wormed my dogs regulary any way but took advice still doing this monthly

I would not be worming any of my dogs monthly.  And, as to a poorly dog - no way!  :-(

I really wouldn't blame you for changing vets, but would want bloods done sooner rather than later, just to get some diagnosis, so treatment can start.  Poor lad.

I agree with the others that more investigations have to be done to find the cause of this weight loss. But in the meantime, if I want to put weight on my dogs, I feed them 3 or 4 times a day so as not to have to give enormous meals. You could try giving lamb instead of chicken breasts (more fat) or give the skin as well?

have returned to vets insisted on blood tests was not offered had to ask and dog does not look good just waiting to hear back today

Really hope that he comes through all of this ok.

Are we allowed to name and shame vets on this forum I wonder?

Certainly not - that would lead to instant legal action!

Any complaints should be addressed to the RCVS.

> that would lead to instant legal action!

  Don't want that.. Wasn't thinking before I posted, note to self think, think, think.

Thanks JG...