My puppy is really sick! :(

by Marko
(Serbia)

Well my puppy is really hurt. He has swollen neck, back and some other parts i haven't spotted. He also has a fever, 39.1, he doesn't eat. He barely takes some milk from my hand. He can't stand up, and barely sleeps. He just lies down all day and night and moans periodically.

I took him to the vet but our vets are a little stupid. They just gave him infusion and some medications and told me if he doesn't get better by tomorrow that they will put him to sleep. Of course i am refusing that without a proper diagnose.

The puppy is like 5 weeks old and i really want to help him and make him feel better.

Does anyone have any clue whats wrong with him and what should i do?






Hi Marko
I'm so sorry to hear about what is happening with your puppy, that must be so upsetting for you and miserable for him.

I'm not a veterinarian so it's impossible for me to know what's wrong, but as you don't mention vomiting or diarrhea so Parvovirus may not be to blame - it often is what causes severe illness in young, unvaccinated puppies.

The swelling is most likely due to infection, and if your vet isn't able to make a diagnosis then a broad-spectrum antibiotic would be a fairly safe treatment and in my personal opinion couldn't hurt (but remember I'm NOT a vet, so this is purely a personal opinion not a professional one!).

If the swelling is severe around the face and neck, it's possible he has something called Juvenile Pyoderma (or 'puppy strangles') which is an auto-immune condition. The swelling is caused by severely enlarged lymph nodes.

Treatment for this is also antibiotics PLUS corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) to reduce the swelling. This is something I'd discuss with your vet as if they want to euthanize your puppy because they don't know what's wrong, if I were you I'd be pushing for any possible treatment first - as it seems you are.

I really wish I could help more but it's impossible for me from this distance. If you're not happy with your veterinarian, don't be afraid to seek a second opinion and find someone who is willing/able to make an accurate diagnosis and help your little pup.

Meanwhile fluids are very important and he needs to be drinking or he will get dehydrated. Try to give him fluids, use a small dropper or syringe if necessary to dribble it into his mouth. Your vet can also give him an IV for fluids and nutrition which he probably needs.

I wish you the very best of luck and hope that you are able to find out what's wrong and that your pup recovers.