Lethargic male dog

[Lenuan]

Hi
My six year old cavapoo has changed his entire behaviour overnight. He is sleeping most of the day and doesn’t seem to be interested in his usual habits. He normally follows me from room to room and just be with me. Now he’s asleep on the sofa all day. He isnt keen to go out for walks and when we do go he is slower at walking and looks around to go home again. He is eating drinking and everything else seems ok. This has been for almost a week and am wondering if this is just an age thing. Thanks

 

[JudyN]

No, it doesn't sound like age. You really need to take him to your vet for a thorough check-over.

Has anything at all changed in his life, or has he had any experiences that might be stressful? Even seemingly insignificant changes or events can have an effect.

 

[Lenuan]

Thanks for your reply. Nothing has changed. He has some health issues so we are very careful and monitor his food exercise etc. He has recently been castrated though. Could this have an impact on his lethargy? All the advice online points to the opposite. Thanks

 

[Hemlock]

How recently? Could he having some post-op pain? Another possibility is prostate problems, which I'm told is excruciatingly painful. You vet can check and treat if so.

 

[Flobo]

Also, as well as all the above to consider, sometimes the anaesthetic can knock them for 6 and take a week or more to fully recover from. Some dogs are definitely more sensitive to it...

 

[Lenuan]

Thanks for your replies. He has issues with his prostrate and biopsies were taken from the top and returned inconclusive. They attempted to take biopsie form below but were unable to. The ultrasound and further x rays showed a black shadow at the bottom. He was castrated to shrink the prostrate to enable further investigations. I just feel that his whole character has changed and he’s an old man now.

 

[JudyN]

How long ago was he castrated?

 

[Lenuan]

Just over four weeks ago.

 

[JudyN]

Did he get over the op and return to his normal self before going downhill? But really, the vet needs to be your first port of call.

 

[Lenuan]

Yea he bounced back really quickly and now this past week he’s changed completely.

 

[Hemlock]

How difficult for you. I hope your vet can give you and him some help soon.