Thanks, Guys.
We went to the internist (specialist) yesterday. We are blessed to have in our area a highly regarded internist/oncologist- diplomat- Dr. Harris. She examined Ben thoroughly, listened to the recitiation of the facts carefully, asked more probing questions, and thinks a couple of things. First, Ben probably does have some sort of intestional issue- forgetting the name right now, but, probably, the ulcerated stomach lining was a result of the hydrogen peroxide given to induce vomiting. She said the path reports told her there was something there in the intestional lining, and Ben's long history of grass eating supported that.
Then, she said that it is *possible* it is some brain disease, however, he appeared fine to her, neurologically. She did the toe test to the back feet that Giselle references in her post, and Ben 'passed'. She did some funny test to his front feet, as well as do something to both L/R side legs, too. He passed all of those as well. She did some facial things, looked into his eyes, and Ben seemed fine. But, she said it is still possible, and, we can wait and see what develops over time. If he did anything more, my sister is to call her immediately, for additional testing.
Here is the strange thing- all weird things Ben did after surgery are more likely than not related to the medications he was on. She said, "Oh, yeah, that was caused by X, probably, very common side effect". Then, she was a little stunned when she came to realize *ALL* the meds Ben was on, not only the amount of meds, but, the amounts given and the duration. Yikes. My sister wasn't liking this too much, and feels somewhat distrustful of her primary vet.
Seems that it is possible the hydrogen peroxide might have been the thing that started Ben on this horrible path. And, it would not be unusual to find the stomach lining torn up after giving an irritant like the peroxide.All the meds were complicating things, and probably causing the issues after the surgery.
But, this doesn't excuse the first instance- Ben appearing drunk, and acting funny that happened on Sunday and caused the visit to the vet originally. So, that is still a concern. All else is secondary.
So, this vet wants Ben off everything, for a while, to see what happens. If nothing, then, she wants to treat his intestional issue. If more 'weird' things happen, she wants to do more testing.
If I might add a funny comment- Ben was a total jackass at the vets, jumping, pulling, whacking that iron tail everywhere, knocking the box of tissues off the reception counter, taking the vets arm into his mouth, and just really acting like a total chocolate nut. The vet said, "this is the dog that is so sick?" <sigh>
Thanks for keeping Ben and Judy in your thoughts and prayers.
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