Why is my dog lethargic and losing weight if blood tests are normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Papillon | Female | spayed | 11 years and 11 months old | 9.8 lbs
my dog has become lethargic and lost weight but her blood tests show all is normal what should I do
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 4th, 2019
The best next steps would be more tests to help get to the bottom of her symptoms. Typically we start with xrays and ultrasound if bloodwork is normal. Mainly looking for any cause as lethargy and weight loss are non specific. If nothing is found on imaging then loss of nutrition via the GI tract is possible and so sometimes additonal testing is needed to assess this. If your family vet is stumped, some pets get referred to see a specialist (a veterinary internist) for additional help in diagnosis. Additionally medications can be tried to help with any nausea/stimulate the appetite but if an underlying cause can be found and treated that will always be better. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 13th, 2018
Ash is experiencing very general symptoms of disease, these symptoms could fit almost any internal condition, maybe she is suffering from nausea due to a gastrointestinal disease and maybe she is in pain, from the symptoms described it's very hard to know. i would recommend taking her to the vet as soon as possible in order to get her checked, if he doesn't show any other obvious symptoms during the examination, a blood test and possibly an ultrasound will be needed in order to try and find out what is wrong with her.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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