An old dog is lethargic after boarding for 3 days
Channel: Dr David Sing
Date: 2014-01-10

The 10-year-old 26-kg golden retriever, female, spayed, was boarded for 3 days.

Within 7 days after boarding, the dog was lethargic and not eating much. Drank a lot and stool were soft and loose. Examination revealed slight anterior abdominal pain. A blood test is in progress. After an IV drip and medication including Vit K1 8 ml, baytril and a spasmogesic 2.5 ml, the dog was vigorous and even bit her tongue when walked some 6 hours later.

"Most likely a viral and/or bacterial infection at the boarding kennel," I said "Blood tests will let us know if the blood system, kidneys and liver are affected. The blood test showed a high total white cell count of 26 (normal is 5.5-17) and a high neutrophil count suggestive of blood-bone bacterial infection. One of the two liver disorder enzymes (not the ALT) was high too but this could be due to bacteraemia, the bacterial infections of the blood sysgtem.

I have treated this dog as a puppy. She had open pyometra earlier as she was not spayed young..

I advise vaccination yearly for boarding dogs. Some boarding kennels in Singapore mandate that kennel cough vaccination be done earlier to prevent complaints of "the dog was not coughing before boarding" and blame falls on the kennel operator. This dog is home-based and rarely mix with other dogs and so has no immunity to the various bacteria present in kennels.  

On Jan 11, 2014, I phoned the wife. The dog had recovered her appetite and interest in living. "Is there anything to be done?" she asked. "Give good food. Continue with the antibiotics for the 10 days and if the dog is active and eating, she is back to normal," I advised. Older dogs living in the hygienic homes will not be immune to the various bacterial and viral infections in boarding kennels, grooming shops and vet clinics. lt is important to get them vaccinated yearly but most Singapore owners do not bother after puppyhood vaccinations. Early prompt veterinary treatment saved this dog's life.