Senior chihuahua: throat lump, drooling, coughing, struggling to walk?

Question

I have a 13 yr old chihuahua, she is spayed. She did have blood work and a heartworm test in Nov which were fine. She has lost all her teeth but is still eating and drinking fine and hasn't seemed to lose her appetite. She has lost muscle mass. She has thick, clear drool, a solid lump on one side of her throat, no longer barks, seems her back legs don't move as swiftly as her front and she does wheeze and cough at times through the day. She still goes out to use the bathroom and enjoys going out. Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) | Female | spayed | 13 years and 5 months old | 4.24 lbs

Stacey Anstaett, DVM · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear that Bella isn't feeling well! Did all of this start between November and now? If so, please take her to you vet for an exam. I am worried that she has a tumor that may be affecting either the back of her throat, her neck (the lump you are describing). Its also possible that she has cancer elsewhere, such as in her spinal cord if her gait has changed significantly (though this could be due to disc disease or other causes of spinal cord compression.) Take her back to your vet for an exam. It sounds like her overall quality of life is still good... however, your vet may be able to identify ways to help you keep her feeling good for longer. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Senior chihuahua: throat lump, drooling, coughing, struggling to walk?

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