Poor appetite, periodic lameness, poor growth, and developing a pot belly can be symptoms of?

The symptoms of poor appetite, periodic lameness, poor growth, and the development of a pot belly are strongly indicative of internal parasites. Internal parasites, particularly in young animals, can lead to malnutrition because they compete for nutrients within the host's digestive system. As these parasites consume the host's food resources, animals can exhibit signs of poor appetite and stunted growth.

The presence of a pot belly often results from the inflammation or obstruction caused by a heavy parasitic load, as the intestines may become distended. Additionally, periodic lameness can occur if parasites lead to systemic issues that affect the overall health of the animal, including joint and muscle discomfort due to weakness or nutrient deficiency related to the parasite burden.

While food allergies, digestive disorders, and vitamin deficiencies can present with some overlapping symptoms, they generally would not encompass the full spectrum observed in this question as effectively as internal parasites. For instance, food allergies primarily manifest as skin problems or specific gastrointestinal issues, whereas digestive disorders might present differently based on their nature but typically would not include lameness or a pot belly without additional complicating factors.