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Dog worse after vet visit, lethargic. Should I get a second opinion?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 28 days old | 37 lbs

Took dog to emergency vet. They said she "probably" has mastitis but weren't very informative. They did a subQ injection? For hydration and when she came back she was acting worse than before. They did blood work and gave us antibiotics but wanted to keep her overnight. Didn't trust them because they couldn't give me difinitive answers. This morning she's more lethargic, seems in pain and won't eat. Are the antibiotics enough? When should I seek further vet help?

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2 Answers

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Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on August 18th, 2017

I know it can be frustrating when the test we run do not always tell us an answer. In the picture her mammary glands are enlarged but this could be due to her being pregnant, having a false pregnancy or even infection in her uterus/ mammary glands. According to her blood work her white blood cells are elevated and she is anemic. I would make sure her uterus is healthy and she does not have any Gastrointestinal parasites. If she truly is 11 months old it is rare for a pyometra (pus filled uterus) to occur but she might of become pregnant/false pregnancy. I would recommend maybe taking her to another vet to get another opinion if she is feeling worse and seems to still be in pain.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 16th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor May! Yes, I would bring her to the Vet. I would want to be sure she doesn't have an infection in her uterus (pyometra) which requires an emergency spay. A pyometra is an emergency. Dogs with an infected uterus drink a lot, don't eat, vomit and are very sick. She should have X-rays of her belly (won't hurt any puppies), blood work and potentially an ultrasound. I wish May the very best!

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