I don't think Jennifer has access to a computer on the weekends, unfortunately :( , so don't worry too much. I'm sure she'll update us on Monday.
I do hope Duncan is ok.
Printable View
I don't think Jennifer has access to a computer on the weekends, unfortunately :( , so don't worry too much. I'm sure she'll update us on Monday.
I do hope Duncan is ok.
You're right Logan, I don't have access to a computer on the weekends. I did think of you guys though and I felt bad that I couldn't update everyone over the weekend. I tried to get to the library but with everything going on I just didn't get a chance....
So here goes...
At the vet on Friday, he was miserable and cranky and tried to bite every person and dog in the waiting room that came within 10 feet of him. A clear sign that he was very ill.
The vet couldn't get near him to examine him while I was in the room so she took him in the back and muzzled him :(
She said he was dehydrated from not drinking so he had to have fluids injected under his skin, making a big bubble around his neck that would slowly rehydrate him and decrease. She took blood to do some tests and said that there was "thickening of his bowels" :confused: But no fever. She sent him home with me until the results of the blood tests were in. She called about 8:30 pm. His blood tests were fine, ruling out cancer or any infection or disease I think. He still wasn't eating although he seemed hungry by now. (His last meal was Wednesday evening!)
On Saturday morning at 8am he had to go back for xrays. I had to leave him there this time.:( Around 11am the vet called and I went in for a consult. (I was a nervous wreck all weekend to say the least!, especially at this point!) She showed me his xrays, it looks like he may have sticks imbedded in his stomach wall. She also said his stomach was very swollen and the ridges in his stomach wall were very inflamed. On the other xray, she was unsure because she couldnt' get a good look at his stomach, meaning either his pancreas was swollen, blocking the view or his stomach on that side is so inflamed and swollen? She said she's not worried about cancer or a tumor becuase he is so young and the blood tests didnt' show evidence of pancreatitis but she couldn't be sure until she had the radiologist look at the xrays. She said he may have a gastric ulcer. She also said that if he doesn't pass what looks like sticks in his stomach, he may have to have surgery to remove them.
So, she let me take him home Saturday!:D I could feed him but only 2 or 3 tablespoons of hamburger and rice and 2 or 3 tablespoons of water or an ice cube. He was thrilled to eat again which was a great sign! He didnt' poop at all Saturday though. But around 7:30, he went and got his bear and wanted to play. :D He did poop a little yesterday and this morning but no sticks that I could see. And he is so eager to eat! I can only give him 1/2 the amount of the bland food and a pepcid with every meal. If he starts throwing up again or any other symptoms, he will need to have a barium series to see what else is going on in his belly.
I think that they really have no idea what is wrong...I 'm still confused as to where we go from here. The radiologist will be getting the xrays in the mail today and I assume will get back to the vet asap. Even if he continues to improve, I think he will have to eat special food and take pepcid forever! :( Today is the first day he is alone and he was so very sad when I left this morning....I hope he will be ok.
So I know this sounds so confusing and it's hard to tell exactly where we stand but that is how I feel! I'm happy that he is eating and keeping his food down. I'm very happy that he doesn't appear to have any cancer or disease. I'm not so happy about the permanent damage to his stomach or the fact that he may have to live in discomfort for a long time... I guess I just need to take it one day at a time from here on. I will be talking to the vet everyday for the next week or so and monitoring his progress.
Thanks for the support everyone! I had a terrible stress-filled weekend worrying about him. And as usual, no one but my mom and dad seemed to think a very sick dog is anything worth worrying about...:( :mad: So I'm very grateful for my friends at PetTalk who will listen and give a d*mn! ;) :D
Bottom Line: He's better everyday. So far so good.
I'm so glad there has been an improvement. All paws and tails will remain crossed here, and prayers will be sent until Duncan is all better. Thanks for keeping us posted.
Jennifer. What a weekend you had! And poor Duncan has really been put through the mill! You must have been on pins and needles all weekend. I was so relieved to hear that the vet does not believe there is any cancer or infectious process going on. I wasn't surprised to hear about the dehydration. After all that diarrhea and vomiting, with little food or fluid intake, he was bound to be behind in fluids. Hopefully the radiologist will be able to narrow it down further. My beloved Jingles (RB) was hospitalized once after a night and day of vomiting and diarrhea. The diagnosis after xrays..."multiple foreign objects!!" The "objects" included a bird skull, sticks, small pebbles and sand! Luckily she passed them. I am thrilled that Duncan is eating small portions again. Did the vet actually say that his stomach or bowel was permanently damaged?? In what way?? Perhaps he meant that bowel is irriatated and inflammed from the sticks?? We'll just have to hope and pray that he won't need surgery. You're such a wonderful, dedicated Mom to Duncan!! Hang in there; we're all with you. We'll he praying for a full recovery for sweet Duncan. Please let us know when you hear from the radiologist. Hugs and kisses to you dear Duncan:)
Well the radiologist called today. He doesn't think there is any obstruction in Duncan's belly, not did he see anything wrong with the pancreas. :D :D
He thinks that there are just sticks or twigs in Duncan's stomach that will hopefully pass naturally....*fingers crossed*
So as long as they come out in the next few days we're ok. if not, surgery will still be the option. :( I've been checking his p**p the last few days and nothing yet! Hopefully soon. Because we all know how I feel about p**p and looking through it is not my favorite thing to do!!!
Sandra, the vet pointed out a separate area in Duncan's stomach where she thinks he may have a gastric ulcer. We're going to deal with the sticks problem first though and see how he does. (He's a worrier, like his mom! ;) )
I think I figured out how he got those twigs in his belly: When we go to the park in the morning, he likes to run through the woods. I dont' like him to because he always gets twigs and burrs stuck in hs tail and the feathering on his legs. Sometimes, he will pull them out with his teeth and spit them out. he may have swallowed some and Wa La....$400 vet bills!! :eek:
Anyway, I'm happy that I'm getting closer to closing the chapter on this little incident. And I'm sure you all are too!! What started out as a little taste of butter has turned into something much bigger and poor Duncan has had enough I'm sure!!
Thanks for everything!:D :) :D
Jennifer, I was just thinking that...didn't this all start out over a stick of butter??!!! But the news sounds good so far!! Phew! And of course, we are all hoping that Duncan can avoid sir-jury! But Jennifer, you deserve the mother of the year award in my book. Never has a poop hating mother come so far, so fast!:D The image of you poking through his poop for the evidence made my day!!;) Give that beautiful boy a big hug from me, Star and Cody!
How's Duncan doing today Jennifer????:confused: Hope he's eating and drinking...any evidence of the culprits yet?? Please give him a hug for me, ok? Sandra
Duncan seems to be doing really well! His p**p has been regular the last few days, normal size and consistency. BUT, still no sign of the sticks yet!! And believe you me, I've about had it with the searching!!!:p ;) Maybe I missed it....
I'll tell you though, he is back to his old self personality-wise which makes me happy! He's so interesting to be around and fun and charming and sweet and it really makes me happy to see him so carefree and healthy. That is what this pet ownership thing is all about!!!
Thanks so much for asking about him Sandra and for all the advice and concern! I really appreciate everything! I wil be sure to give him a hug and kiss from his Aunt Sandra and his friends Star and Cody!:D
What wonderful news Jennifer! Yay!!!! Especially hearing that Duncan has his ole' zip back!!:) We'll continue to keep our paws crossed that he continues down the road to a full recovery! And just maybe, soon, Mom can be taken off "poop patrol!!:D Lots and lots of love from yer pals, Star, Cody and Aunt Sandra!! Big smoochies to you Duncan!!
LOL! Sandra, you have such a way with words! I hope Duncan is on the road to complete recovery too. Paws and fingers still crossed here too. Thanks for keeping us updated.:)Quote:
Originally posted by tatsxxx11
And just maybe, soon, Mom can be taken off "poop patrol!!:D
I really missed the boat on this one...I read the first few, when Duncan was doing better and didn't realize things had gone downhill. Glad that Duncan is doing better now!!! :)
Here's a poop patrol story for you.....
One our first anniversary my husband gave me a band with channel set diamonds to match my wedding ring. A week or two later we went to his brother's house for a Confirmation. When we got there I showed my sister-in-law my new ring. They had a Yorkie puppy -- adorable -- and a chewer. I got down on the floor to play with her. She chewed my belt, my earrings, my rings, everything. When we were done I went to wash my hands and took off my rings..... a diamond was missing.
The next day I spent the party waiting for the dog to poop and then checking for my stone. I never found it.
Had to tell the jeweler "the dog ate it." (It should not have fallen out and they replaced it!)
So glad Duncan is better!
OH, MY GOODNESS!! THAT DOG'S POOP WAS WORTH IT'S WEIGHT IN DIAMONDS!!!! :DQuote:
Originally posted by Edwina's Secretary The next day I spent the party waiting for the dog to poop and then checking for my stone. I never found it.