Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 2, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for 10-year-old Chow Chow

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS): The dog's age, history of OCD behavior, barking at the sky, and recent onset of pee accidents inside are consistent with CDS, a common condition in older dogs that affects their cognitive function and behavior.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Gastrointestinal Disease (e.g., Inflammatory Bowel Disease): Weekly vomiting for 7 years suggests a chronic gastrointestinal issue that may be contributing to the dog's overall health problems.
  • Allergic Dermatitis or Skin Infection: Red, inflamed skin under the fur could be due to allergies or a skin infection, which is common in dogs, especially those with thick coats like Chow Chows.
  • Arthritis: Stiffness when getting up, although not severe enough to prevent walking or running, could indicate early signs of arthritis, a common condition in older dogs.
  • Dental Disease: While not directly mentioned, dental issues could contribute to vomiting and should be considered, especially given the dog's age.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Hypothyroidism: This condition can cause skin problems, weight gain, and stiffness, among other symptoms. Although not directly indicated, it's a critical diagnosis to rule out due to its potential impact on the dog's quality of life.
  • Cushing's Disease: Another hormonal disorder that could explain some of the dog's symptoms, such as skin changes and potential increased thirst and urination, leading to accidents in the house.
  • Neoplasia (Cancer): The possible lump on the neck is a red flag for cancer, which is a significant concern in older dogs and could also explain some of the other symptoms if the cancer has metastasized or is affecting various bodily systems.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Neurodegenerative Diseases (e.g., Degenerative Myelopathy): While less likely, these conditions could explain some of the dog's neurological symptoms, such as barking at the sky or OCD behavior, especially if they are progressive.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis could potentially explain a combination of the dog's symptoms, including skin issues, stiffness, and possibly even gastrointestinal problems, although they are less common in dogs.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.