[attitude]

My 9 year old beautiful Attie is not eating and very lethargic. This has been a gradual progression since March. I first noticed that she was eating her dry food with less enthusiasm and more "mouthy" when eating. Later I started to notice she was less energetic and becoming that more quickly than what I would think of as normal aging process. Of course, this was attributed by all as getting older and (she had a pad injury) feeling "sorry" for herself--even on my first vet visit in March. In April, a blood work-up, exam, urinalysis were done. Blood work-up flagged low thyroid function, so thyroid was rechecked and confirmed low. She was put on thyroid replacement and told to be rechecked in 60 days.

Medical history: In late 2003, Attie was diagnosed with Horner's Syndrome. I was very concerned and 3 months later went to another vet for a second opinion. Both vets told me that this was a result of some unknown neurological damage (illness or injury), it may or may not go away on it's own, but if it were a result of tumors or serious illness that we would be seeing some other clinical signs at this point. The appearance of Att's face has stayed since that time. Other than the facial damage, Att was the picture of health certainly not looking her age.

In the past 60 days while waiting to retest thyroid, she continued to eat more irregularly and less, becoming more lethargic. During this time we were back to the vet twice for checks and a chest x-ray which was fine. Physical exams were all normal for her age. (There are 3 vets at this hospital and all have been consulted.)

Results just came back and thyroid levels are now normal. The vet is saying he just doesn't know--that the thyroid problem is secondary to something else. They are telling me that she does have arthritis as her rear knees are thick--although I have never really noticed any obvious movement problems. They have continued her thyroid replacement meds and have prescribed rimydal which I'm not sure is for any general pain or if they think arthritis is affecting her. The only thing they say they would do next is a stomach x-ray but do not seem to be pushing that.

Att's interest in food continues to decline--the last couple days she will hardly take anything. Her activity level is low and I do notice more panting that I think is normal. Heat and humidity levels are very high here right now, so I do know how much that attributes. She is drinking. She certainly is certainly is not invalid yet--two days ago chased a cat to the barn (at a trot), and ran a little yeserday; but her normal wandering is not there. I know this can not continue.

I am so frustrated in the wait for the thyroid treatment which I lost confidence in as her appetite continued to decrease. Maybe her vet was being overly optimistic about the thyroid (and arthritis) and I'm am just not hearing what they are trying to tell me?????????????? They did say that Att being a heavily muscled dog and previously being 5-10# overweight, could go quite a while without eating!*!*!*!

I am beside myself with her declining condition and not knowing. Funds are limited. But if I thought there was any help for her, I would find a way. However, I (have to remind myself) to be relunctant to put her through a very serious surgery without some hopeful assurance of a positive outcome. I am in Iowa; there is a university teaching hospital here.

I have been lurking on this board since I found you all 3 months ago when this began. I know there is some experience and expertise here. At this point, other than my own peace of mind, do I go for another opinion. And, if not, . . . how can I make her more comfortable.

Hoping for responses; I know this is long, but I need some level-heads--mine is not right now.