Something's very wrong

[Pawsitive Thinking]

I'm sorry, but that was uncalled for. What she needs now is advice and help, not to be berated like that

Exactly! No wonder she hasn't come back with an update

[lvmypets]

Look sorry for those that thought i was being mean. I wasn't coming across that way. I hope that you was able to get your dog to the vet and she is doing fine. Please give an up date and let us all know how she is doing. I have two dogs of my own. I lost one due to cancer she fought it for amost two years. she was 16 years old. I just don't like seening a dog suffer. Again if any of you thought i was being mean to this owner I am sorry.

[Jakesmom]

1. How long has he had symptoms?
2. Will he eat treats?--meat, whatever is a treat for him?
3. Is he drinking, peeing, and pooping?
4. How do his gums look? (pale, or normal, if you can't tell, compare to another dog)?
5. Is his belly soft? Can you feel any masses? Can you hear bowel sounds? (put your ear to his belly, you should hear an occaissional tinkle, none or lots is not normal).
6. Is his breathing normal?

He really does need labs and possibly X-rays done--the symptoms you describe could be just about anything, including something pretty benign like an infection he picked up from eating trash on the ground to something serious.

If you absolutely cannot get him in for tests, I'd put him on some antibiotics for 10 days or so (like flagyl). Usually won't hurt, might or might not help.

In the meanwhile, make sure he gets enough fluid.

Jakes mom

[mypetsmom]

You really need to get him to the vet. But, if you have tried EVERYTHING to get him the proper medical attention and are not successful, lets look at a few things and hopefully narrow it down.

OK, I'm not a vet and I am NOT an expert...but there are a few things that I have learned from my vet over the years. He has actually taken the time to teach me what to look for and how to treat a few illnesses without a vet visit.

Tell me more about the symptoms. How long ago did you first notice any "change in behavior"? Has he pooped? If so, check his stools to see if there is any blood in them or if they are darker then usual. This is very important. Also, do they look slimy or does there appear to be any mucus in them? Dogs sometime eat toys or items they find. They can swallow pieces that they chew off or brake off and if they have a sharp edge or a point, they can puncture the internal organs. LOOK AT EVERYTHING THE DOG COULD HAVE CHEWED ON TO SEE IF THIS IF THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED. If this is the case, the item could be blocking the dogs bowels and/or it could be lodged in the stomach or intestines and you MUST GET HIM TO A VET before it kills him.

Next, how much water is he drinking, how much food is he eating? What foods will he eat? Does he hang out near the food and water dish? Does he get up and move from one spot to another? How often? Does he just lay around, does he moan, does he lift his head when you approach him or pet him?

Next, this is sooooo important!!! Do not let him dehydrate! Dehydration is usually a "secondary problem" that comes as a result of an illness, disease or injury. Lift up on the skin at the back of the neck. If it goes back in to place quickly, then he is not dehydrated...yet! If the skins falls back in to place more slowly then you must get some Pedialite or Gator Aid down him right away. Go to a farm and ranch supply and buy a syringe (no needle) 35 cc size should be easy to work with. If you don't have a farm and ranch supply near you, go to the groceries store or a pet store and buy one out of the Bird Supply section. They have them available for hand feeding baby birds. Fill it with Pedialite, Gator Aid (mild flavor, nothing too strong) or water. Slowly drizzle it in the back of the cheek (between the cheek and teeth. DON'T PUT IT DOWN HIS THROUGHT. Give him 15 or 20 cc as often as you can (at least 2 or 3 time the first few hours) without making him vomit. You can give him more once you know he isn't vomiting it up. This will be a long process because he will resist...don't give in to him...GET THE FLUIDS DOWN HIM. If he dehydrates and you don't get the fluids down him, his body will start shutting down...be diligent!

If the dog is vomiting...give him 1 or 2 table spoons of Pepto-Bismal. He may vomit it up too. Wait a little while to let his stomach settles then try giving just a little fluid. After a few more minutes try the Pepto again.

If you find blood or mucus in his stools, you don't have a choice...GET HIM TO THE VET!!!!! That is a sign of internal bleeding...that can be caused by several things (paro-virus, poisoning, worms, punctures, etc...) but if left untreated it could cost him his life.

I am very uncomfortable giving you this information because without much experience, you could easily overlook, or misread the symptoms and treatments I have listed. Please understand that I am only listing these "basics" to try to help. But, PLEASE DON'T FOLLOW THIS IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE INFORMATION HERE. This is all information my vet taught me because he knew that I was very experienced with dogs and that I could determine when a real medical emergency was at hand. Without seeing your dog, without knowing his demeanor and the changes he is displaying, I still recommend that he sees a Vet ASAP. His life probably depend on it!

Please keep us posted...I wish the best for him.