Gray spots on co9at and lethargic

[PAthena]

Rita suddenly is showing gray spots on her coat and she is very sluggish.
Any suggestions??
she is only 2 years old, weighs about 90 pounds.

[moondog]

Has she seen a vet for a thorough check-up? If so, what did the vet have to say? If not, that would be my first step. :)

[PAthena]

I called vet the other day and she simply replied that she just wasn't sure what it might be!! arghh--what now?? another vet or more research??

[Brooke&Ryan]

I'd be seeking another vet. Especially if my dog was exhibiting lethargy.

Good luck! & please keep us updated!

:)
Brooke

[Judi W]

Exactly where are these spots?

[PAthena]

lets call them gray patches. All over her coat. When I say lethargic-perhaps I should say 'sluggish'. She has her moments, but she sure doesn't have the stamina she should have. I will take her for a walk/run and not a vigorous one at that and she really drags her butt on the way back.

[Judi W]

The coat change might be vitaglio. It is considered an immune problem that causes the coat to lose pigment. There is no treatment.

As far as the sluggishness goes, that needs investigation. Few vets want to guess what something might be over the phone (and they should not). The first place to start would be a thyroid panel and blood run to see how the body functions are as well as a regular exam to listen to the heart, lungs, etc. I'm assuming that she is on heartworm prevention.

[Wookie'sMom]

I am totally not any kind of expert, but doesn't this sound like maybe a thyroid problem? That's what it sounds like to my very limited experience. Maybe you could mention it to your vet and see what they say?

[PAthena]

thanks--
yes, she is on heartworm medication and has actually had a recent physical exam. The vet at that time said she was great.
I have been referred to another vet by an acquaintance and intend to take her there. I'll keep ypu posted

[murdock maclean]

My rottie is 9 months and has hair tuffs comming out of his back legs you can pull them out and it is grey like dead hair i think its because i had him on ol roy maximum food now he has a grey patch under his collar? nice food for a pure bred dog huh? thats what the breeder fed her dogs ??? now i have him on iams which i heard is not much better.

[Judi W]

Most dogs have some skirting on the back legs and the hair comes out when the dog is changing coat. Guard hairs are broken off by the collar exposing the undercoat on the neck.

Feeding the cheapest food you can find is not healthy and you will of course see coat problems as well as the many problems that are not visible.

[murdock maclean]

Thanks Judy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 11