Dogs and Butter...

[jennifert]

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" 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! 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. 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... So I'm very grateful for my friends at PetTalk who will listen and give a d*mn!
Bottom Line: He's better everyday. So far so good.