Sensitive Stomach?

[dragondawg]

My 11 1/2 month old Pit/Lab mix (a massive, destructive chewer) got rather sick about three weeks ago. At about nine in the morning, she jumped off the bed (slept the entire night with me, like normal) and proceeded to vomit her sweet little head off. In the course of me going to get something to clean it with and my return to her, she also defecated. Then I realized that she was completely unresponsive.

On the hurried 3 minute drive to the vets (after lowering the seat in my crapolla and carrying her limp 55 lbs booty down a flight of stairs), she came to a bit and was more responsive to me. While I was alerting the vet techs that I was bringing in an emergency and what her symptoms were, she defecated again.

X-rays were taken, shots were given, and medication was prescribed. While paying the bill in the lobby, my sweet Savannah had an accident in the lobby that was so severe (mucus and blood) that the vet kept her for the afternoon. Blood was taken and she was started on an IV. She ended up spending the night at the vets'. The blood work showed a secondary infection, the explanation of which was a rip in her intestines. She ran her course of medication and seemed to be doing well enough, until last week.

She had massive diarrhea and threw up almost everything she'd had in her. After another trip to the vets (and Savannah still loves them!), the vet informed me that she had a sensitive stomach and would be on special food for the rest of her life.

Now, my questions are these: has anyone ever dealt with this? Do y'all think this is something she'll grow out of, or should I go ahead and invest in the 50 lbs bags ? And, finally, what toys are appropriate for a chewer with a sensitive stomach? She can't have ropes or plastics.

I'd start with a small bag in case it was not a sensitive stomach, but rather some undiagnosed metabolic or physical problem.

[CathyBogart]

I agree with everyone else who said start with a small bag. Once you know it's what's right for her, go for the big one.

My aunt has a dog with an incredibly sensitive stomach from Irritable Bowel Disorder. She has to make certain nobody at the dog park gives him treats or he will be sick that night. She went through four different prescription diets before finding the one that works best for Levi, and she had a LOT of extra food that didn't work for him left over. She donated it to the shelter, but she could have saved a bit of money by starting with smaller bags.

[starredeffect]

Well, I started out with a small bag of Science Diet, Sensitive Stomach. And that worked out okay, but her little movements weren't as solid as one would like. So we started trying Purina One, Sensitive Systems (she has a little dandruff, so I figured something for her skin wouldn't hurt). The first couple of nights she had to run out side a few hours after eating, but that stage successfully passed. She seems to be okay and I'll be super pleased if I can keep her on something over the counter.
And my vet did recommend the Eukanuba, but still suggested I try some OTC. Sympathy on my college-student status and the growing debt on my credit card.
The pictures are of Savannah when I first took her home (I personally thought she needed to spend more time with her Mom, but it was take her then or take her never) and a few months ago. She's a hard dog to keep still.

[CathyBogart]

Starredeffect: I can definitely sympathize with poor college student syndrome. I start a job today and I'll be using my checks to pay off my vet bill credit card for awhile.

I'm really glad you found something that seems to be working for her though!!