Archie's stomach gets rock hard and it hurts!

[Dianna]

Archie was much better all day yesterday. In fact, he ate quite a bit and was really frisky. But last night was terrible. He woke me when I heard him howling like a wolf. I went running to the living room and saw him howling. My sheltie was 14 when he died, and he howled like that just a short time before leaving us. Also, Archie's stomach seemed really swollen.

On his walk this morning I noticed that he only pooped a very little bit and that was very watery. Maybe an obstruction?

I'm calling the vet this morning. I kept thinking that since it went away it was just something minor, but now I don't believe that. Thanks silly24 for your insight. I'll let you know.

 

[Gruntsmom]

Please let us know what the vet says about Archie. It sounds like something serious is going on with your poor boy. Sending lots of healing and hopeful vibes for him.

 

[winn dixie]

checking to see how archie is doing

 

[Murp.mm]

I just found this post. So sorry to hear about Archie. I hope he gets well real soon. Please keep us updated on how he's doing. Poor baby.

 

[ELubas]

How is Archie? Poor boy sounds very uncomfortable...

 

[Slobberchops]

Hope Archie is going to be ok,please keep us posted how he gets on at the vet?

 

[silly24boxer]

How is Archie!! Please let us know. I am thinking of him right now. Hoping all is well.

Dar and Gauge

 

[Dianna]

Archie's trip to the vet

Well, after more than 2 hours at the vet there seems to be some answers. His digestive system seems to be working in over-drive - the little "waves" that moves the food through the digestive system are too frequent. The vet is going to have a radiologist look at the 5 xrays he took yesterday to give his opinion. The vet did think at first that it was a sure sign of recurring bloat like mentioned earlier, so he was very concerned. The xrays showed that there wasn't any twisting of the stomach, so they really couldn't tell yesterday. He advised me to get him to the emergency vet the next time it occurs so an xray can be taken right at that time - that was the only way to know for sure.

The vet also questioned why we had Archie strictly on "people" food as this wasn't a well-balanced diet and could be contributing to his digestive problems. There is no good answer for that, just spoiled him. So he gave me 2 cans each of a Purina and Science Diet canned dog food that is made specially for dogs with digestive problems. Here's hoping Archie won't be stubbord and not eat them. I'm not too optimistic about that! In the meantime he's on an antacid.

Archie has a bit of a bacterial infection, the reason for the loose stools. So he's on antibiotics for that. No blockage thank goodness.

The xrays did show, unfortunately, that Archie's heart is huge! The vet is very concerned about that and is waiting to hear from the radiologist about the extent of the enlargement. Not good news, but we're not panicking yet.

Thanks everybody, for the positive thoughts. Archie is full of energy and loves life when he's not having these episodes. Hopefully we can get him fixed and I can have a bouncy, loving boxer for lots of years to come. I'll keep you posted.

 

[EAO76]

What type of “people” food does he typically eat?

 

[winn dixie]

I have been worried about archie...I am so glad the vet has seen him...sounds like you are on the right road to getting some answers..its just so hard when our babies are sick,sends healing vibes .....