Sudden change in bark?

zakatak

New member
Hi there,

Long time, no post although I do still read! :blush:

Dudley is doing awesome! He just celebrated his 4th birthday in March (seriously). I can't believe how fast the years are flying by! :(

This question is in regards to his younger brother, Demo, our 95 pound German Shepherd (2 years old). Demo is a great dog and only barks when someone is in the driveway coming to our house. Other than that, you never hear him bark.

This past Sunday, I was coming home and heard him from outside (he was in, I was entering) and it sounded like he was barking with his toy in his mouth (kind of muffled) and then it ended with a high squeak. I didn't think too much of it because I thought he had his toy in his mouth. But then he did it a few more times and I saw that he had nothing in his mouth!

His bark is hoarser, a bit raspy and with squeaks. He is still only barking if someone comes in the driveway (maybe once a day or so).

He has an appointment with the vet tomorrow afternoon at 2:45pm to check things out. Any ideas?

He was kenneled two weeks ago, was fine before last Sunday and the kennel never said anything about excessive barking. He has been there multiple times with no problems ever in the past.

Thanks for any ideas or thoughts, stories, etc...

Karen
 

wrknnwf

Active member
There are several maladies that include a change in voice as a symptom. Thyroid problems, certain neuropathies. Does he have any other symptoms? Hope the vet can find out.
 

Lori

New member
LP was my first thought too. I hope not. You did mention he was kenneled. Could something have happened there? Was he wearing a collar and it got pulled on and possibly damaged his trachea?
 

R Taft

Active member
Hopefully Kennel cough..........I really hope that is the problem.

There are several problems that cause it, like LP, thyroid, Cancer. But the Kennel history makes it likely.

Mind you one more.......GDS, in our Kennel were notorious for bark/howling sadly, missing their owners. that would be even better. hoarse from being loud at the kennel.

Good luck with your vet appointment
 

zakatak

New member
Thank you very much!

Demo has no other symptoms - no cough, no runny nose, no fever. He is eating and drinking fine. Acting normal as is Dudley.

His barking was normal for a week after I picked him up.

I'll update again after the vet visit.

Thanks again, Karen.
 

zakatak

New member
Update: The vet examined Demo and believes that this may just be some inflammation of his vocal cords. He has lost 6 pounds in the last 4 weeks although this could be from the kennel (?). He is starting him on some steroids and will recheck next week.

He believes that this should resolve within 48 hours on steroids if it is just a simple inflammation from the kennel. No Kennel Cough. No other signs of virus or bacteria.

Karen
 

zakatak

New member
I talked to the kennel last night and they were also concerned. They took a look at his run record and it said he ate all his meals with no issues (they are fed separately). They were both "talkative" but there were no notes of excessive barking or howling, etc... She said that nothing on the notes would indicate an issue now.

I am upping his food to 3 cups 2x/day instead of his usual 2.5 cups 2x/day. This way, he will either put back on some weight in a week or if he stays the same or loses, we know something is really up.

Karen
 

zakatak

New member
Monday Update: Demo has not improved at all on the steroids. Vet will re-examine his plan and I'll update when I know more.
 
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