Senior dog losing weight, drinking lots, leg spasms, and chewing paws?

Question

My dog, Dora, is about 12 years old. We understand she's about at the end of her lifespan, but lately theres been some unforeseen issues. She recently lost weight rapidy - so much so that you can feel every bone in her body from her hips to her spine - even though shes still eating and drinking a lot of water. Her back legs seem to spasm uncontrollably, and shes been chewing and licking on her paws (front and back) to the point where theyre bright red, scabbed over, and dont have any fur. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

Drinking a lot of water and losing weight is very concerning and indicates an underlying medical condition. There are many possibilities: * cancer * Cushing's disease * Diabetes * kidney disease * etc.... The weakness and spasms in the back legs is probably due to arthritis, however, she could be just weak from whatever underlying disease is going on. The chewing and licking of the paws could be due to her being generally uncomfortable (displacement behavior), allergies, bacterial infection of the skin, etc. She really needs an examination by your veterinarian to get to the bottom of what is going on.

Senior dog losing weight, drinking lots, leg spasms, and chewing paws?

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