Prayers for Tucker Please - Latest Update #35

[4 Dog Mother]

Tucker has not been feeling good since Friday. He woke up on Friday with diarrhea. He had it throughout the day and some vomiting. Saturday he was still having diarrhea but no vomiting. Today more diahrea and vomiting. He has been eating rice with a little chicken mixed in but not very much of it and been drinking water well and for the most part keeping it down. Yesterday I tried Pepto and today I tried Immodium. This afternoon I was away for a little while and came back to a lot of vomit in his kennel. A short time later he started vomiting blood. Our vets office is now doing a sharing weekend duties with another vet in a small town just south of here and of course with my luck he was the one on duty today. I called and then after discussing how he was acting etc. we decided on a wait a couple of hours and see avoiding food and water during that time. I sat down on the couch with him and then all of a sudden noticed blood on his side. Sure enough he was bledding from the bowels. So we had to load him up and meet the vet in Arlington. He checked him over and said he would do some testing but he didn't think it was an obstruction because he didn't seem to have an enlarged areas or seem too sore when he pushed on hiis stomach area. He was leaning toward hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis which happens in small dogs - they don't know why but what that meant was he would have to stay and be on an iv to avoid dehydration and to calm his stomach. Tonight he called and said the x-rays looked fine and the blood tests seemed okay so he was still leaning toward hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis and he would call me in the morning to tell me how he was doing. And then we would see how long he felt he needed to keep Tucker. I miss my little buddy already and am terribly worried about him. Please keep him in your prayers. March 18th last year was when we lost Snoopy and I am not ready to lose another of my babies.

[chocolatepuppy]

Oh no poor Tucker. :( Many prayers headed your way.

[luvofallhorses]

Poor Tucker and poor you! :( Many prayers headed Tuckers'
(and yours) way! :love: (((HUGS)))

[Moesha]

I sure hope everything turns out ok. Please keep us posted as soon as you know anything.

[Alysser]

POOR you and poor little boy! Prayers and good thoughts for both of you :love: many prayers and {{{hugs}}}

[delidog]

Diana & Carl,& Family!!
Of Course We are All Praying for Dearest Tucker!!!
Please Keep us updated!!
Hgs and Treats for ALL!!!

[Taz_Zoee]

I will be hoping everything turns out fine for little Tucker.
You will NOT be losing another baby, I just know it.

Hugs to you!!

[boomersooner]

Here's to thoughts for you, Tucker....Hope you are feeling better real soon!

[gabbiegirl]

Thank you for the email and letting me know about Tucker. I will definitely be praying for him and the family tonight.

[wolf_Q]

Oh no, how frightening! I hope that little sweet Tucker will be okay! I love that little guy of yours. I'll be keeping him (and you!) in my thoughts. Keep us updated. {{HUGS}}

[Cinder & Smoke]

From the Merck Vet Manual:

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/23311.htm

Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) is characterized by an acute onset of bloody diarrhea in formerly healthy dogs.
Young, toy, and miniature breeds of dogs appear predisposed. Mortality is high in untreated dogs.

Etiology and Pathophysiology:
The etiology is unknown. An abnormal response to bacteria, bacterial endotoxins, or diet may be involved, but evidence is lacking. Clostridium perfringens has been cultured from some dogs with HGE, although its significance is unknown. Escherichia coli has also been identified from some dogs with the disease, but no toxigenic strains have been isolated. There is no sex predilection, and dogs of any age may be affected. King Charles Spaniels, Shetland Sheepdogs, Pekingese, Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, and Schnauzers may be more frequently affected than other breeds. Hyperactivity and stress are possible contributing factors. Although no definitive cause has been found, a marked increase in vascular and mucosal permeability is likely. RBC, plasma, and fluid leak into the bowel lumen. Inflammation and necrosis are rarely seen. The increase in bowel permeability may represent a type I hypersensitivity reaction. Inciting factors may include food allergens, bacterial products, or intestinal parasites. Splenic contraction and the loss of fluid into the bowel contributes to the increased PCV and the maintenance of a low or normal serum total protein.

Clinical Findings:
The disease is often seen in dogs 2-4 yr old and is characterized by an acute onset of vomiting and bloody diarrhea, anorexia, and depression. Dogs are not clinically dehydrated, but unless fluid support is initiated, hypovolemic shock may develop. The disease is not contagious and may be seen without obvious changes in diet, environment, or daily routine; the history is unremarkable.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is based on the clinical sign of acute, bloody diarrhea accompanied by an increased PCV, which is often >60%.
Findings on physical examination and biochemical profile tend to be normal.
Other causes of GI bleeding that should be considered include parvovirus, coronavirus,
Campylobacter spp , Salmonella spp , Clostridium spp , Escherichia coli , and leptospirosis,
as well as whipworms, hookworms, coccidiosis, and giardiasis.
Coagulopathies (including warfarin toxicity and thrombocytopenia), GI neoplasia, ulceration, colitis,
and hypoadrenocorticism are other potential causes of GI bleeding.

Treatment:
Most dogs respond to supportive treatment, including fluid therapy (eg, lactated Ringer’s) and antibiotics (eg, ampicillin at 20 mg/kg, IV, tid and gentamicin at 2.2 mg/kg, SC, tid). Potassium chloride should be added to the IV fluids. Less severely affected dogs may be treated with amoxicillin, trimethoprim-sulfa, fluoroquinolone, or cephalosporin antibiotics. Food and water should be withheld for 2-3 days. When vomiting has ceased, food can be gradually reintroduced. Because of the possibility that food sensitivity may be an inciting factor, the protein source chosen should be one not previously fed to the dog, eg, cottage cheese, lamb, or tofu, mixed with rice. This diet is fed for 1-2 wk, after which the dog’s regular diet can be gradually reintroduced.

Serious complications are uncommon but may include disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Most dogs recover.
Fewer than 10% of treated dogs die, and 10-15% have repeated occurrences.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

With the early intervention treatment Tucker is getting,
his prognosis should be excellent. Here's a Prayer that the 'fix' is
quick and complete!

Hurry Home, Tucker!!

{{{Hugs}}} to Mom!

/s/ Phred :love:

[K9karen]

I will be hoping everything turns out fine for little Tucker.
You will NOT be losing another baby, I just know it.

Hugs to you!!

Exactly what I thought! Get better, Tucker, little man. It'll be OK. It'll be OK. It'll be OK. :love::love::love:

[Grace]

Prayers for Tucker from both of us.

[4 Dog Mother]

Phred, the information you showed is pretty much what most sites are saying. I know Tucker's chances are good but after seeing blood coming out both ends it was just very upsetting! That bright red on his snow white fur was frightening because he was just laying next to me and didn't seem to know anything was happening. And I know I was lucky we were home when it happened because if more blood had been involved he could have gone into shock.

Thanks everyone foe keeping my little guy in your thoughts and prayers.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Awwwww.....poor little guy. I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm sending prayers from Florida right away. Feel better Tucker!!! {{{{{HUGS}}}}}:(

[Cinder & Smoke]

Hi God ~

You're prolly talkin to Mom onna Hot Line, so we'll keep it short -

We're just callin to put in the Gud Wurds fur Tucker,
and Pray that You'll be down here in Findlay helpin wiffa diagnosis and his treatment.

Whilst You're holdin Tucker's paw, can You give his Mom a Big {{{God'sHug}}}
and let her know You're onna case?

THANKS, God!!
/s/ the Prayer Pups

[ramanth]

Lots of love and prayers sent for sweet little Tucker!! :love:

[ChrisH]

Poor little fella. :( Prayers and positive healing thoughts winging their way for Tucker boy, and for you too.

[Medusa]

Healing prayers going up for Tucker and you. It's so scary when one of our furkids is sick. Keep the faythe. :)

[anna_66]

I'm so sorry to hear about this:( I can imagine how scared you must have been (and still are) even knowing he's getting the best care.
I hope he'll be feeling better soon and coming home asap!

(((HUGS)))
Anna

[Logan]

Diana, I will keep Tucker in my prayers. I do hope he is better this morning.

[4 Dog Mother]

I just got a call from the vet. Tucker had a good night. He is feeling perkier and looking well although soon after I left last he had a large bloody diarrhea. The vet said that was probably from the exam and he didn't have any more all night. He did have a little vomiting this morning but no blood in it. The blood test last night showed a slight increase in red blood cells which would be a symptom of HGE so he feels they are doing the right thing and plan to continue to do it. Since he did get sick this morning, they won't try to feed him until this afternoon. He can't come home until he can keep food down without vomiting or having bloody diahhrea. But the vet feels that shouldn't be too long. I am hoping late this afternoon or tomorrow - with this afternoon being probably a little too optimistic. Thanks again for all the prayers.

[delidog]

Diana,
That Sound Encouraging....He is better at the vet till he stabilizes....I know it is hard being w/out him,bt we want him back safe & sound!!!

Keep Getting Better,Tucker!!!!!!!!!

[Rachel]

Oh, poor little guy. This is such a scare for you, but Tucker is under the doctor's care and that is the main thing right now. We are sending up our prayers for Tucker's complete and speedy recovery. We can attest to the fact that *a Tucker* is resilient and very, very lucky.

Rachel, Hannah, and our Tucker.

[shais_mom]

oh Tucker Love, I hope you feel better soon!
keep us posted!

[lizbud]

I am just now seeing this about Tucker.:( It sounds very scary, but
Tucker is in good hands. Prayers for a complete recovery for your little
buddy Tucker. ((Hugs)) for you too.

[gini]

Diana, I will offer a prayer for precious Tucker and I send a big hug for you.

I can imagine how frightened and worried you were to see all of that blood and having Tucker so ill.

But he will soon be back home and feeling just fine again!!!

[wolflady]

Healing vibes and prayers for Tucker on the way from me too!

[Cataholic]

Prayers for Tucker and hugs for you all.:love:

[Daisy and Delilah]

I'm sending more thoughts and prayers out for Tucker and all the family. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[chocolatepuppy]

More prayers for Tucker. I hope he's all better and home soon.

[Freedom]

Sounds like your quick response was important to Tucker's recovery Great job, Mom! Even though you are /were scared, and missing him now, he is mending and that is good to hear.

Prayers for Tucker's speedy recovery!

[Rachel]

Just checking in to see if there were any Tucker uppydates.

[Kater]

Prayers for widdle Tucker-man!!!

[4 Dog Mother]

I started an update earlier but got distracted and didn't finish it and then when I tried to post it it was gone. Carl got home and wanted to go eat so.....

The vet called about 4:15 - it was funny because I felt I had waited long enough so I picked up the phone to go into caller id to get his number and the phone rang and it was him. He said Tucker was doing well. That he hadn't gotten sick again and was looking at him like he was really hungry so he felt bad for him and gave him a little of Hills ID. He said he would give him a little more if he kept it down. He said he and Tucker seemed to have bonded because Tucker got all excited when he saw him, would jump in his lap and not get upset when he did things to him (I had warned him that Tucker isn't the friendliest at first to strangers and especially if you started messing with his rear end or feet.) He said an aide took Tucker out for a morning outing and came in and told him that he should be careful of Tucker that he was a little touchy. Dr. Rausch said that since Tucker and he were getting along so well, he forgot to tell anyone else.

Dr. Rausch said that Tucker's red blood cells count had come down which is a good thing and so in the morning if things remained the same he would start him on oral medication and he probably would be able to come home later in the afternoon. I am so glad - I miss him so much that ornery little guy! He sits on my lap for a part of every evening and after Carl goes to work in the morning he lays right next to me. I can't wait to see him and hold him again.

Thanks for all the prayers. I know that the PT prayers have helped but the vet said the same thing Sandie did, that my catching it so early has made a real difference in his recovery time. Sometimes when I don't have enough time to pay them a lot of attention, I feel like a bad doggy mommy. So what he said made me feel really good.

[Jags mom]

Im so so sorry to hear about poor Tucker. Sending prayers your way.

[K9karen]

I hope the widdle bugger is home by now! Please give him oodles of hugs and kisses!

[MonicanHonda]

Aww, I'm glad he's feeling better!!! Little Tucker is so precious.

[Cincy'sMom]

Glad to hear Tucker is doing well. Sure hope he gets to come home tomorrow!

[shais_mom]

what a good update!
prayer continued for the little fart!

[wolf_Q]

I'm glad to hear a positive update! I hope Tucker will be able to come home soon!

[luvofallhorses]

I am so happy to hear a positive update and hope he'll be able to come home soon. :) I hope he stays well. (((hugs to you and Tucker)))

[ChrisH]

Good to read Tucker is doing well, and isn't it lovely how he likes the vet, I should think it would make the whole experience a lot less stressful for him.

Here's hoping he will be fully better and back home real soon.

Prayers continuing.

[delidog]

Diana,
That IS Great News!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do Not Beat Yourself Up!!!You Are a Great Mom!!!! For 2 & 4 Leggers!!!!!

So Glad that Tucker seems to have turned the corner!!!!
Give him a Spoonful of Hills' for me!!!
Nicole,John & The FurKids!

[4 Dog Mother]

Good news! The vet called and said he is doing great! He hasn't had a bowel movement yet but that is because there is nothing left in his poor little stomach but he said when he does start having them they would probably be a little runny for a while. He is starting him on oral meds this morning and as long as there is no problem with them, I should be able to pick him up this afternoon. Hooray! Tucker is coming home. It has been hard having at the vets he is at. It is in a little town south of us and so I have not been able to visit him. Had this happened so he was at our vets which is on the same road I work on, I could have stopped on the way to and from work to see him. Oh, well, I really like the vet he is with and it is great to know he has bonded with Tucker and seems to really lilke the little guy.

Thanks again for all those prayers. Prayer does work and PT prayers work the very best!

[ChrisH]

Great news! :D:D

[Cinder & Smoke]

One *poopie* away from gettting his Bus Ticket home!! :)

THANKS, God!! :p

Hey Tuck ~

Keep those meds down in your tummie - maybe toss the *sad eyes* at Doc again
and he'll add some Rx: grub to the meds.

Keep on gettin *BETTER* - you're (almost) onna way HOME!!

:)
:)

[4 Dog Mother]

Tucker is HOME! He still hadn't pooped but was so perky and eating well and keeping it down that they felt they had done all they could do for him. He will be starting on Hills I/D and working back into his regular food in a few days. The vet can't say absolutely for certain Tucker had HGE but it is the closest he can come to a diagnosis after ruling lots of other things out. Again, HGE typically starts with the btloody stools and vomiting instead of coming after regular diahrea and vomiting. But the increased red blood cell fit the diagnosis.

I don't care what they call what he had I am just glad he is getting better. He is laying lnext to me right now and I am so glad he is!

[Medusa]

So you have one that isn't pooping and I have one who isn't stopping. LOL Glad Tucker is on the mend. :)

[Cincy'sMom]

Yeah!!! Welcome home Tucker!!!

[chocolatepuppy]

Yay! Tucker is home!:D

[lizbud]

Grest news. :)Welcome home Tucker.:) If Tucker likes the Vet so much
he must be a great Vet.

[Cinder & Smoke]

:)
Hi God ~

Gowrsh, You do Nice Werk!!
THANKS, God, fur puttin da *FIX* on Tucker!

His Mom & Dad are real Happie; and even ole Tucker liked da new White Coat -
It's a WIN all around!

THANKS again, God!!
/s/ the Prayer Pups

Hey Tucker ~

Go easy onna new grub - don't be *gobblin* too much or too fast.

Rest up so's you're in shape fur the big PT Gathurin next month. ;)

Happie Daze are here again!
:D

[anna_66]

Yippee! Good to hear your little boy is home where he should be!
Love to you and your little Tucker boy:love:

[KYS]

Yaaaa! Glad Tucker is back home. :)

[ChrisH]

That's wonderful! :D :D :D Welcome home Tucker boy! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/CwmmawrJet/Smiles/petdoggy.gif

[Daisy and Delilah]

Welcome Home Tucker!!!!! Great news!!

I would love to see a picture of him. I don't know if I've ever seen him.:) Maybe I should do a picture search.:)

[4 Dog Mother]

You haven't seen Tucker's picture? Hard to Imagine but I guess I Haven't been posting as much since Christy's been living here. Here are some of my little guy!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d631b3127ccec481a676162400000040O08JZOGrlm1B7e fAg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

One with my grandson
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d720b3127ccec557a5bb1a0600000040O08JZOGrlm1B7e fAg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8d631b3127ccec4805b3c76c400000040O08JZOGrlm1B7e fAg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

One of the other reasons, I don't post pictures as much as I can't seem to do it from work. When I try to post a picture from Shutterfly, it doesn't show up - until just now I didn't know how to add it as an attachment. I prefer posting from Shutterfly because I like to see the pictures full size rather than clicking on them to see each one. If anyone can help me understand why I can't post from work, please let me know.

[captain]

Diana,
I have come in at the "tail end":p of the story, but am so glad Tucker is well ....

[4 Dog Mother]

Speaking of the "tail end", Tucker has long feathery hair on his back side - no more. With the diarrhea, I had to cut it all off so it would be easier to clean - I was giving him 2-3 "tail end" baths a day on Friday and Saturday. I know it will grow back but I sure hated cutting it off. (The things I tell you guys - but who else would I tell that might even begin to understand?)

[ramanth]

Welcome home Tucker!

[molucass]

I'm glad Tucker is at home and feeling better.

[NoahsMommy]

My comiserating sympathies to Tucker and his skin family. I've been hospitalized with that fabulous diagnoses a few times and its no fun! Poor guy!!

I'm so glad he's home...getting lots of love from his mommy and his PT Family!

Welcome home, Mr. Tucker!

Hugs,
Kelly and Kitties :)

[Cinder & Smoke]

Hey Tuck ~

How's it goin, Bub?

Still feelin Better?

Get ready fur the Dawg Park Gathurin --- just a month or so away!

:D

[conchitaroja]

Try a little bit of PLAIN yogurt mixed with the other things you're feeding... that ususally helps my boy's tummy prob's
Good luck & OF COURSE I'll send up a prayer for Tucker ... (insert praying hands emoticon here)

[gini]

Little Tucker, I sure hope that everything is coming out "normal" now for you. You gave everyone a scare and you are just too darn cute to worry us like that.

[4 Dog Mother]

Tucker is doing great - all back to normal -except maybe even a little more ornier! I think he missed me while he was gone because he sits on my lap alot more now. As I sit watching TV, reading or on my laptop, he is on one side and Pippi on the other - I love it!!!! He should be at the dog park gathering - I think every one will be except Jack - he can't handle long afternoons at the park anymore. Actually when it is the slightest bit warm he can't handle even an hour. But Carl takes him for more walks which makes him happy. Thanks for continuing to think about my pups!

[bobsmom]

Started with what appeared to be an accident in the upstairs area on the rug. Just a normal bowel movement, but so unlike Bob. That night - 2 more surprises. The next day when our daughter came home from school, there was throw-up everywhere and bloody diarrhea. Bob was a mess - all covered in it. Our daughter was a trooper and bathed him, and went about starting to clean up the destroyed carpets. She did a good job, but we had to rent a professional cleaning unit. Bob continued to be sick, and was drinking water like there was no end to it. Problem was - he kept throwing it back up. Finally, we took him to an emergency vet hospital that night and they too, wanted to keep him overnight on IV. Quoted 700-1000.00. We said we would like the fluid pack (injected under the skin) and we would bring him back if he worsened. When we said that, the price went from 700 to just an additional 35 over the 300 we had already spent. They said they would keep there, and on IV for a couple of hours. They actually ended up keeping him for about 4 hours and gave him an antibiotic in his IV too. Then they released him with an antibiotic presc. He was a little worn out, but back to his old self in just a day or two. It was scary - and costs us about 500.00.