4364. Vet Case Study. An old Shih Tzu shivers and stops eating on 10 Nov 22. Why?

 VET CASE STUDY: An old Shih Tzu shivers and stops eating on 10 Nov 22. Why?

Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow). 

  On 10 Nov 2022, this over 14-year-old Shih Tzu stopped eating and shivered. The video showed my physical examination procedures. Significant findings were enlargement of the prostate area and large swelling of one scrotal sac. 

  The dog did not show any sign of pain on abdominal palpation of the above-mentioned prostate area and scrotal sac. 

  More information is needed from abdominal X-rays which confirm several bladder stones. Kidney stones were present. The scrotal swelling could be testicular growth or torsion and the owner was advised to get his dog neutered. He did not accept my advice. 

  (Two weeks later, the scrotal swelling was much larger. Neuter showed testicular torsion of the enlarged testicle. The dog recovered from neuter and was normal for some months). 

  No urine test was done as urine was not collected. The tentative diagnosis was urinary tract infection due to urinary and bladder stones irritating the inside of the urinary system. There could be pain causing shivers. 

  In conclusion, X-rays and other laboratory tests are needed to confirm the tentative diagnosis via physical examination.

The dog recovered after a course of antibiotics and commenced eating. Two weeks later, the scrotal swelling had increased considerably. The owner accepted my advice to neuter the dog. The scrotal swelling was due to testicular torsion leading to large swelling of one testicle. The old dog lived a normal life for some months.

 

UPDATE:
 https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2024/11/4364-vet-case-study.html