Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered
My dog is about 2 and about a week ago he started acting really lethargic and it seemed like it was hard for him to walk. He's still acting this way and now he's not eating or going to the bathroom, he's also been wheezing slightly, starting to lose hair, and has this big, squishy lump(not hard like a tumor or something would normally be) forming on his neck and I have no idea what's happening to him. I'm getting him to my local vet as soon as possible, but any insight would be appreciated.
1 Answer
Published on February 4th, 2019
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I am sorry Champ isn't feeling well. Lethargy, trouble walking, not eating/pooping are all signs of weakness and being generally unwell. This can be due to many causes however for a dog that is 2 years old I would be concerned about things such as fungal disease, parasite disease, heartworm, Addison's disease, or sometimes it can be more simple like an abscess. The wheezing is concerning that he has trouble in his lungs or heart, so heartworm is a concern. The squishy lump could be an abscess (pus filled pocket) and this could cause all the signs you are seeing as well. Either way, I recommend you get him to a vet right away, even a simple thing such as an abscess, which is fixed fairly easily, can be fatal if not treated in time. Best of luck with Champ! I hope he feels better soon!
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