Dog is being treated for worms - generally how long to recover?

[Oonah]

We recently adopted a lab mix from a local no-kill. Long story short, we quickly learned she had tapeworm, whipworm and coxcydia, she became very dehydrated and is about 10lbs underweight (she was 49lbs vet said should be 60, she is visibly very thin...very prominent waistline, can feel the spine and ribs). She started treatment last Monday...iv's, Panacur, Albon and Simplicef for a skin infection. I had to start feeding her canned dog food b/c she wasn't eating, she ate the canned and she seemed to perk up a little after a few days on the meds. I thought we were on the right track, her stools are better; they were watery with blood when we brought her home, now no blood and they're well formed and less frequent, 2x per day. However, she has lost 5 lbs since starting treatment 6 days ago. Yesterday I started her on Satin Balls hopefully that will put some weight on her. She's drinking and while we do walk her several times a day we keep them short to save energy/calories.
We think she's about 4 years old. She lays around all day. I don't know if this is normal for her, but it seems like a 4 year old lab mix would have more energy than she does. Of course she's been sick so it's all just a wait and see I guess.
I've never dealt with worms...how long does it generally take to recover? I am just trying to get a sense of her real personality since she's been sick from day 1 with us.

[Girl In The Fire]

Recovering from worms doesn't take much time at all but it sounds as if there is a lot more going on with the dog. If she is emaciated and in poor health it could takes weeks even months before she is 100% healthy. Just take it slow and don't feed her too much. Her system may not be able to handle it and it can cause her to have diarrhea which is counter productive. Feed her small meals 3,4,5 times a day.

She is lethargic because she is so ill, once she is back at a healthy weight and healthier in general you will be able to get a better idea of what her temperament is like.


Just a side note... Any rescue or shelter that pawns off sick unhealthy dogs/animals onto people is so unethical The shelter/rescue/whatever needs to treat the dog themselves and make sure they are healthy before being adopted, not dump the problem off on some adopter.

[Ola_]

Originally Posted by Oonah

We recently adopted a lab mix from a local no-kill. Long story short, we quickly learned she had tapeworm, whipworm and coxcydia, she became very dehydrated and is about 10lbs underweight (she was 49lbs vet said should be 60, she is visibly very thin...very prominent waistline, can feel the spine and ribs).

It sounds like she has some health issues, but from your description she doesn't actually sound too thin to me, though of course you are a better judge since we can't see her in person. But do keep in mind that every dog should have a very clear waist and easy to feel ribs with very little pressure from your fingers. You shouldn't be able to see the ribs or spine though.

Just wanted to toss that in because I see way too many overweight labs and it's really hard on their joints. I would probably focus on feeding her quality food with a good amount of protein, not trying to fatten her up.

[Oonah]

Thank you both for the advice! I really appreciate it!

Originally Posted by Girl In The Fire

Just a side note... Any rescue or shelter that pawns off sick unhealthy dogs/animals onto people is so unethical The shelter/rescue/whatever needs to treat the dog themselves and make sure they are healthy before being adopted, not dump the problem off on some adopter.

I couldn't agree more. The rescue is trying to make things right, their in-house vet it taking care of her treatment, free of charge. Still I wonder, how did it get so bad, her file had no mention of any of her ailments...no one knew..how bad would it have gotten if we hadn't brought it to their attention. I don't know...I am TRYING to give them the benefit of the doubt but something is fishy.

Originally Posted by Ola_

It sounds like she has some health issues, but from your description she doesn't actually sound too thin to me, though of course you are a better judge since we can't see her in person. But do keep in mind that every dog should have a very clear waist and easy to feel ribs with very little pressure from your fingers. You shouldn't be able to see the ribs or spine though.

Just wanted to toss that in because I see way too many overweight labs and it's really hard on their joints. I would probably focus on feeding her quality food with a good amount of protein, not trying to fatten her up.

I totally understand, thank you for the reminder. Her spine and ribs are clearly visible. The shelter and our personal vet concur she should gain...they said that last week before she lost 5lbs. Getting her to eat has not been easy...she wouldn't touch the dry, ate canned for a few days then refused so satin balls last night and today.
I am pretty sure there's something else going on here too. I hope we can get to the bottom of it quickly! We are going in tomorrow to follow up.