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Shihtzu 8yo kyphotic and shaking for past 4 days, elevated liver enzymes, low food/water intake, no flinching on abdo palpation, always been sedentary doesn’t play aggressively with toys or go up/down stairs. Vet claims shoulder muscle pain but it no one is convinced. Hydromorphone 2mg injection no improvement, is on prednisone and methocarbamol. Meloxicam discontinued. Previous surgical procedures she was very tolerant of pain never showed signs of shaking crying. Differential diag?

Shihtzu 8yo kyphotic and shaking for past 4 days, elevated liver enzymes, low food/water intake, no flinching on abdo palpation, always been sedentary doesn’t play aggressively with toys or go up/down stairs. Vet claims shoulder muscle pain but it no one is convinced. Hydromorphone 2mg injection no improvement, is on prednisone and methocarbamol. Meloxicam discontinued. Previous surgical procedures she was very tolerant of pain never showed signs of shaking crying. Differential diag?

Updated On November 18th, 2019

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

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If the kyphosis is new, I would be concerned the symptoms are related. since Nutmeg is not responding to treatment, I recommend to preform further diagnostics. Based upon your description, I would be concerned Nutmeg has abdominal pain, spinal pain or perhaps pressure on her internal organs. Top differentials include: pancreatitis hepatitis (many potential causes) foreign object in gastrointestinal tract intervertebral disc disease or injury internal abscess fluid in abdomen tumor/cancer in abdomen Some potential diagnostics including imaging (ultrasound would be preferred over x-rays), bloodwork and a blood test specifically for the pancreatic enzymes like a CPL. I hope this gets figured out quickly and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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