Need advice - overwhelmed. (Long)

[TX-Derrick]

AS I stated in my post I'd also add in SAM-e, milk thistle, and vitamin E for the liver. Not wanting to eat is very typical clinical signs of full blown liver disease, problem is they need to eat to help regenerate the lvier but because it isn't functioning properly they don't want to eat, you can see how this could be a vicious cycle. Simple proteins are best for the liver (NO BEEF it produces too much ammonia), chicken, turkey, eggs, soy milk (plain not the stuff with sugar in it), cottage cheese, yogurt (plain not with sugar).

Good luck.

Thanks very much. I will also add those.

 

[bunkermom]

Ok-as a vet tech, I have a few questions, sorry if you answered them previously.

Did you veterinarian check a fecal sample? In house or send out to a lab? Metronidazole is an antibiotic but is also an anti-diarrheal, which means the stools should be improving, atleast somewhat. Also, take all kibble away from her. You are defeating the purpose of chicken/rice or oatmeal by allowing her access to other types of foods. The goal is to give her system a break and allow only easily digestible foods. I do agree with Cami, stop feeding her for 24 hours...PERIOD. Nothing. No treats, no food...water only. If she still vomits, no food OR water for 24 hours. If she is still vomiting after that-directly to the vet for an IV catheter and fluids and anti-nausea meds.

Back to the fecal: some parasites are not easy to pick up on routine in house screening. He should seen a sample out to a lab to identify exactly what you are dealing with so it can be treated with appropriate meds.

Leaking urine seems to fall in with a bladder infection, but you said that was cleared up? What did he prescribe for that? How long was she on the medication?

Thyro-tabs are actually levothyroxine....which is exactly what soloxine is. Generic yes, but it is the same medicine. I would not freak about that too much. I know a ton of pets who have done just fine with Thyro-tabs, the point is that they are balanced over time...and it mostly depends on how they metabolize as well. It is going to take a while to regulate it, so dont panic.

I hope she is doing better, I will keep checking for updates.

Autumn

 

[TX-Derrick]

Well - she's now through with the antibiotic. But her stomach is a mess. Hasn't eaten a decent meal in days. I put chicken in front of her nose and the smell of it caused her to vomit some bile. At this point we just want something in her stomach. I gave her some centrine this morning, and decided to at least see if she would eat a piece of bread. She sems really hungry. She gobbled the bread up. We are leaving it at that for now to see how it sits. Any other bland food ideas to get something in her stomach? This will be her third day without a decent meal. Currently she is rejecting pumpkin, oatmeal, boiled chicken, and rice. What about bananas? Anything else?

 

[Boomer Dog]

Have you considered taking her to a Vet. of Internal Medicine? Just a thought. It's a little bit more expensive but I think you might get better results if she doesn't get back on the right track soon. Most of the time you have to have your regular Vet refer you over. Maybe ask about it next time you two talk. Not that your Vet isn't capable, but an Internist should be able to shed more light on the issue if needed. I met with one to help with Kaia's kidney disease diagnosis and it was very helpful...even for my regular Vet regarding a few points. I liken it to when your general practicioner refers you to a specialist. I had sinus issues and was referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist. Again just what popped into my mind. Let us know how everything is working out. Hopefully she is better already!

Ryan

 

[TX-Derrick]

Thanks again to everyone for the advice. Just an update here. She is doing much better. Another blood sample sent to the lab a few days ago show her liver and thyroid levels back to normal, but her pancreas is still off. We did decide to get a referral to an internist because she still has a ways to go to get back to normal eating habits and weight, and I think it will be worthwhile to do a more thorough check. Her nausea seems to be gone, and she is much more open to eating.

When she went back to the vet a few days ago, he took her off of all medication in order to try and stabilize her stomach. That seems to be working. Her appetite is returning, but we are taking it slow. Her stool is finally firming up after a couple of weeks of very runny ones. I am cautiously optimistic at this point.

 

[Gatorblu]

I'm glad things are getting better. I recently tried to change my dogs food as well and had similar results, though not to your extreme. We're back on the old food. Hope all goes well at the internist! Sending healing ((vibes)) your way!

 

[Arthur]

It's great to hear she is doing better! appicon

 

[kelseighgirl]

Great news!! Lots of wishes for more positives days ahead.

 

[dorimama]

I know changing food suddenly can cause gastrointestinal upset; however, there is the possibility that the symptoms your puppy suffered were somewhat coincidental. As someone mentioned, hypo-thyroidism can manifest with all kinds of symptoms...it is possible that the switching of foods simply aggravated the already pre-existing problem which then snow balled into something much more serious. It may not be the actual diet that caused all this but the method by which you introduced it...I believe some people have already speculated such. I have a 14 year old bichon X that has kidney and liver failure and is hypothyroid. She was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 12 years ago and has been well maintained for the grand majority of that time. About 3 years ago she developped liver problems so we put her on Zentonil to help her liver function. She vomited and had diarrhea the whole time she was on it so we pulled her off of it in a matter of weeks. Last year she developed kidney problems so we put her on Fortekor. About 2 months ago we put all our dogs on Raw...my Bichon had bloodwork done a few weeks ago and we are already seeing promise. Not only have her liver values come down but her kidney values are normal, something we haven't seen in years despite medicinal treatments.

If Raw is working for your other girl, I wouldn't give up on it just yet, at least not entirely. Once you get her back to normal and her thyroid levels in check...try reintroducing it very slowly. A small portion here and there over the course of a few weeks. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Keep in mind it is entirely possible that had you not switched her food at all, she may have gone through the exact same thing regardless.

I hope your girl feels much better soon! If it makes you feel any better, hypothyroidism is quite possibly one of the best diseases you can get if you are going to suffer any disease. The treatment of the disease is fairly inexpensive and has a very high success rate. Thyroxine is a very safe and effective drug which has rare and minimal side effects. Most dogs live long and healthy lives while on it.

Good luck!

 

[TX-Derrick]

Well, thanks for all of the advice everyone. After extensive testing, I just found out about 10 minutes ago that she has intestinal cancer. I can't remember the specifics because all I heard was cancer..., but it is not promising. The doctor has her on Prednisone right now, and tells us that will be the continued treatment. He said that chemo might help, but you never know. All I heard was "mid-grade" which he said is difficult to treat. He is a very respected internist in this area, and so I am considering this a very solid diagnosis.

I have known for a week that this was a possibility, but was hoping for the best. Thanks again to all.

:(