My 12 year old cocker spaniel was shaking 2 weeks ago when it was pretty cold outside. Because he had Erlikia earlier in the year and that was one of the symptoms we noticed I went ahead and took him to the vet to be safe. The fill in vet feld a possible tumor and took x rays. He told me Rocky had a tumor in his abdominal area and recommended taking him to a specialist to have an ultisound an biopsy done. After hearing the expense of it I knew I couldn't afford that, especially on a dog as old as this one. I asked what options I had. I was told they could do exploritory surgery for close to the same price or try prednisone. Sometimes Prednisone will shrink it depending on what it is. I chose option 3. I took him in for a follow up 3 days ago. In the meantime the dog had seemed to be better. That vet felt the same lump near his colon and looked at the xrays with another vet. These two vet's decided it is not a tumor, just where he may have to go to the bathroom. I was told to stop the prednisone, given some treats to help older dogs with their mobility, paid my bill and went on my way. Now today my dog has not left the porch, is breathing hevily, barely eating, having trouble walking, sitting, and standing. I tried treats, he will lick them but not eat them. He also had a lot of gook in both eyes. I don't know what to do, I can't afford to keep taking him to the vet. Could it be from stopping the prednisone suddenly (he was on it for 9 days), could it be an allergy to the dog treats they gave me, or could he be constipated and unable to use the bathroom. He seems to want to eat, but cant. please help me.
