Good evening to you all.  It's been some time since I posted on the forum but am now in a bit of a panic and would like any advice you can give.

About four months ago our GSD started to lose weight.  I took him to our vet who was not too concerned as Foggy also has hip dysplasia, so he said it was best for him if his weight was kept on the lighter side.

However, on Saturday I took him for a general check up and vaccination and expressed my concern on his weight loss.    He had blood tests and his albumin is found to be low, which indicates he is losing protein either through his urine or his gut.

The vet has advised we need to take urine and poo samples to determine how the protein is being lost.

My question is...... does anyone else have this problem with their dog?  Our vet has been very good and explained what can be done to help increase the protein but I would like re-assurance from someone who has the same problem as my first instinct is to worry like mad!

I should also mention that Foggy doesn't seem to be able to tolerate dry kibble as it upsets his tum so he is fed on Naturediet which seems to agree with him.

Thanks very much.  Apologies if the post seems a bit garbled, just trying to give you the relevant bits of info without waffling on too much.

Hi chalkley,

There's a huge number of differing reasons which could produce the test results you describe - I know it's easier said than done, but the best thing to do now is wait for your vet's appraisal ;)

Unfortunately shepherds are well known in the veterinary profession for a multitude of ailments which cause weight loss etc but on the plus side of that is the fact that there has been much research done in that area.

Good luck and please keep us posted when you've heard further.

Best wishes, Teri :)

Thanks for your reply Teri.  Fortunately I have a good relationship with my vet and I trust her.  She hasn't let me down in the past.  I will let you know what happens once we have the results from the samples.  Hopefully everything will be controllable.

Everything crossed here for you and Foggy too - stay positive if you can.

Good Luck, Teri :)

I think Foggy is enjoying the increased intake of chicken at the moment so he seems happy enough.  There is quite alot of information on the internet which helps my understanding a bit more.  Our other GSD, Mia, has a cut paw at the moment so it's been frequent trips to the vet for her too.  Hate to see either of them in a poorly way.  They're fine about it all, it's me that's not very good in these situations!