IBD? Digestive Issue? Unsure...

[laser692]

I have a 5 year old boxer that is currently have some sort of health issue. He had pancreatis about 3 years ago for about 10 days and we managed to escape that in one piece. But ever since, his stomach has been extremely sensitive. He often will eat good for a few days then skip a day or two. he may eat half his food one day and none the next. Then two days later, he may eat it all. Occassionally I hear his stomach rumble so I know something is going on inside. We've just gotten used to it and assume that his digestive system is not the best. He has been on Science Diet sensitive stomach food since his bout with pancreatis.

The current problem seems to be some sort of gas/stomach problem. One night he started pacing and could not get comfortable. Minor panting so I took him outside. We ended up going outside several times that night. Bowel movements looked fairly normal considering the circumstances. he did throw up his food from that night. Now when we go outside I can hear him pass gas as he gets in a position for a bowel movement. He hasn't eaten any food in the last 2 days (other than a couple of small bites of treats) but this gas seems to be fairly strong.

You can tell he is not feeling great but is acting fairly normal. I really don't know what to do here. My guess is that something is going on with his stomach and that the gas is causing discomfort. Has anyone had similar circumstances? Is this some sort of digestive attack? Should I try Pepto Bismol tablets? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Laser

 

[laser692]

In Addition

I also noticed that his testicles are enlarged or inflamed. The whole sac. Would this be a sign of something? Infection? Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[kippster]

The only advice I can give it to go to the vet sounds like he is holding fluid and that is not good. Especially if his testicles are swollen, is he peeing? I would call the vet.

 

[gmacleod]

Actually, I'd pass on the pepto and get him to a vet. Not eating and having difficulty eliminating could be a blockage of some sort, inflamed testicles as well would lead me to suspect that he's got something quite serious going on there. I don't think it's the sort of situation where home remedies or internet advice are really appropriate. That's a dog that needs to be seen in the flesh by a medical professional.

I hope it is not something serious, but I suspect it may be. Please get him along to a vet, and do let us know how things turn out.

One question though - is he neutered or intact?

 

[laser692]

Follow Up

Ran ole Bailey to the vet and this is where we stand. She ran bloodwork and performed several tests on him. All bloodwork and tests came back normal. She gave 2 options for the swelling. One, twisted tesitcle which she said she was 99% sure it was not. Two, possibly fungal bacteria. She gave him a couple of shots just in case it was a regular infection. She was not able to tie together the swelling and stomach issues. He did act better the day of and after the initial visit though still had swelling.

The next day we called back and decided to go ahead and have him neutered. We were given the option of ultrasound and further tests. Since he needed to be nuetered anyway, we went this route instead. Not only was it needed, but much cheaper than an ER ultrasound and tests on a Sunday. This way she was able to kill 3 birds with one stone. Neuter, check for twisting and take the testicles and have them tested for fungal bacteria all at her clinic.

He was neutered today and we will be waiting 2-3 days on the fungal bacteria results.

My question is does anyone have any experience with fungal bacteria? i could not find any information on this subject on the internet, at least not in the form she described it. She said this resides in the testicles and affects the organs.

And I had intended to take him to the vet regardless. I was not hoping to find a cure on this board. But I know I have a good chance of finding others with similar stories which is always good. My dog had pancreatitis 3 years ago and I spent over $2,000 to save him. It's frustrating when you go to the vet and they say I don't know or not sure. Hopefully well know within a couple of days where we stand. In the meantime, he is acting fairly well considering the surgery.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Lighthill]

Stomache issues here too.

I'm feeling your pain. I was at the vet last night because Sebastian wouldn't eat and was very lathargic, etc. They took an x-ray and thought they saw some suspicious gas patterns. They sent us to the 24 hour ER and that vet thought things looked pretty normal. They ran bloodwork and that came back in the normal ranges as well. He's on antibiotic in case he picked up a cold at the dog park and he's on a bland diet for a couple of days, my sweetie is staying home to watch him. Sending healing vibes for all the boxers out there!

 

[Angie K]

Belly Aches

I also have a sensitive stomach baby. She had Pancreatitis about 1yr ago. We got past it with neausa meds and bland diet for about 3wks then gradually back to kibble. Well since then she has had bouts off and on. She will be good for 2 wks then she'll start with throwing up all of her supper an hour after she eats. I have changed her food to Solid Gold because it is low fat and got her low fat natural treats thinking this would help. It has a little but we still have bouts of sick stomach. Pepto was recommended by the vet and helps if I can get it in her. She will take any other meds but pepto pills (even small pieces) she spits out and the liquid is everywhere. I think I'd have to put 10 droppers full of liquid for her to even get enough in her. Anyone have another suggestion for over the counter stomach meds that they have had experience with that would help. I can then ask the vet if she could take it along with her other meds for her heart problem. Thanks so much for any info.

 

[adeinert]

Hi Angie!
As you know, Desi is on ton of meds for IBD and has suffered chronic pancreatitis. I have to give him his tummy pills (he's had pepto, prilosec, and zantac) by pushing it down the back of his throat. Unfortunately, it's the only way to get it in pre-meal when he can't eat anything. (Desi gets Carafate an hour before his meal on an empty stomach, then the Zantac thirty minutes later so no treat with it.)
Have you tried peanut butter with it smooshed inbetween some kibble? Cheese? Squooshed in a piece of a gooshy treat like a liver treat or soft treat?
When this all first began, Desi actually ATE his pills. Big pills, little pills, yucky, yucky tasting pills. The angel would actually just eat the pills with nothing else. Those days are gone. He gets liquid in a syringe, pills, and injections. He puts up with it, head down and patient but doesn't like it.

Is it the little pepcid AC or the big Pepcid complete? Desi still eats his cherry flavored completes like a charm, hehehehe Hey, as sick as he is, let me brag that he eats his pills! hehehehehe