Our much loved 8 year old staffie has been gradually going off his food over the last 8 or 10 weeks until we are now in a crisis situation with a very real risk of losing him.
Vet's visits have included results from full blood work and x-rays, none of which show anything sinister or obviously likely to cause this almost complete lack of appetite.
The only suggestion from the vet has been that x-ray evidence of a bending in the upper spine is leading to a condition not unlike human spondilitis that could conceivably give sufficient pain to discourage eating.
As the intake of any type of food (and we have tried lots of differing sorts and flavours) has shrunk to mere survival level it has become virtually impossible to administer tablets.
We would be very grateful for any suggestions, help and advice that anyone can offer.

I guess that the first question is is the dog insured? in which case it may be worth asking for a second opinion/referal to vet school.

Other than that it may be worth trying a dog physio or holistic vet, certainly if it is in pain due to muscle spasm some manipulation/massage may help.

Is you dog feeling very sorry for itself? To gradually go off of its food would indicate that it has been feeling worse and worse - poor darling.

My thoughts are with you , it is so difficult when they cannot tell you what is wrong.

Hi Robin,

Sorry to hear about your boy - it must be very worrying and distressing for you :(  I'd ask for a specialist referral asap - a suggested diagnosis that is only being treated by tablets and improvements haven't been seen is not good enough IMO.  I'd also ask for his meds in liquid form where possible due to the difficulty of giving him pills - most drugs have a liquid suspension form or suitable alternative :)

You may also wish to ask your vet for a convalescence liquid diet - this is a powdered diet which contains every life essential nutrient for very poorly dogs that have for whatever reason (although most commonly surgical) a problem or disinterest in eating food.  The amount he should have will be calculated for you and the instructions indicate how much water is added per sachet.  This can be made into a thin or thick soup like consistency that is easier for a poorly dog to lap up - particularly when they may be nauseous.  In severely weakened cases it can be syringe fed and even for tube feeding (as an in-patient).

I really hope you can have him seen urgently by someone who is more able to pin point a definite problem therefore move in the direction of a cure for that problem if at all possible.  I pray that you will have a positive update for us.  Try and stay positive, although I'm sure it's not easy, but our dogs do pick up on our own emotional state and often respond just to please us.  Best wishes, and gentle hugs to your special boy.  Teri    

Update on condition of our Staffie with exteme loss of appetite.
Firstly, thanks for the advice and good wishes, very thoughtful and much appreciated.
A second opinion was sought from the other vet in town who agreed with the first vet insomuch that there was no evidence in x-ray or blood work to suggest a reason for this condition. However, she did administer a steroid injection which after 3 days has given a marked increase in his interest in food!
We are now feeding 4/5 times a day, little and often because of his weakened state and obviously shrunken intake ability. His desire for interaction with other dogs has not left him and he still enjoys regular, albeit very slow, outings on our village common.
He does not appear to be in any pain although he is often restless, possibly because of discomfort caused by his weight loss.
I hesitate to tempt fate by claiming improvement but both his extended and immediate family now have a tiny glimmer of hope!

Hi Robin,

Thanks for the update - glad to hear that there are obvious signs of improvement :)
I know you will still be anxious about him but he's at least moving in the right direction and getting some much needed nutrition.  I assume he's been given a Prednisilone injection?   Pred generally makes a huge difference to appetite and the effects can last for several weeks or even months depending on the period and volume of dosage.  

Always try and keep that "glimmer of hope" - even on rough days, it can make all the difference.  Will be thinking of you and sending healing thoughts.  Keep us posted!  regards, Teri :)

Thanks for the update. We still all have our fingers and paws crossed.

Tragically, our dearly loved Tas went into a gradual decline over the weekend and is now waiting for us on the Rainbow Bridge. He is now away from the bewilderment that must surely have been his lot over recent times.
Although this has happened to us before it is no less upsetting now and will take time to overcome. We need time to grieve before adopting another. Possibly in a little while when we can devote all our time to another character as all such Staffies are.

So sorry to hear about your loss. :-( My thoughts and kind wishes are with you at this very sad time. xx

So sorry to hear of your loss.

So sorry to hear about your beloved Tas, as you say the last few weeks must have been very confusing for him.  You did all you could for him - hope this helps you come to terms with your loss.
xx

Sorry to hear of your loss.
xx

I'm so sorry to read your post Robin :(  Tas was clearly in a fragile state and you will know that he's in a better place than we are right now - healthy, happy and playing with our other special friends.

Thinking of you, God Bless, Teri xxx

sorry for your loss... thoughts are with you....xxxxxx

I am so sorry for your loss, but he was loved very much and you did all you could for him.
Run free Tas, your pain is gone.

Im so sorry poor little boy :(

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Poor you, lots of sympathy.

Sorry for your loss
{{{hugs}}}

I am so sorry to hear about Tas. You did everything you could for him .

Lucy
xx