Ugh! Tummy Troubles again!

OurDempsey · #1 04-27-2007, 07:56 AM

We took Dempsey to the vet on Monday because he didn't seem to be feeling well, had diarreah, and was vomiting after his meals. After x-rays and tests it seems he has a virus (she said the thickening of his intestines indicated this). She placed him on a strict chicken and rice diet and gave him metronidazole to get rid of his gas and nauseousness.

Well, he hasn't thrown up since Tuesday morning, he is eating all of his meals for once, and he has great energy. He still has horrible diarreah!! It is super watery and bright orange. He is only going twice a day now that he is on the chicken and rice, but I need it to be firm because this upsets me so much. Could it be this new diet, the virus, or what?? Any suggestions on how to help him?

Also, it seems he has allergies. She thinks it could be beef, but said it could take a couple of weeks for all of the beef to get out of his system since he was eating Innova EVO red meat as well as ground beef in his meals prior to this new bland diet. My poor baby has itchy eyes and sounds congested sometimes. I feel so helpless because I just can't help him.

I am also terrified he is losing weight on this new diet--I know the important thing is that he is feeling better, but she already said he is 2lbs underweight and now that he is just eating this I am afraid he is getting smaller.

Any suggestions to calm my nerves and make this poor baby feel better would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

Haylydon · #2 04-27-2007, 04:14 PM

Poor Dempsey! I guess the virus just needs to work its way out of his system. His poops should firm up soon. He will gain the weight back when he is feeling better. Splash lost a few pounds when we were on vacation and he gained it back in no time when we got home. I am sure Dempsey will bounce back soon. Like the vet said he just needs to get everything out of his system. I hope he feels better soon.

ELubas · #3 04-27-2007, 05:17 PM

Poor pup-the change in diet, though he needs it now, may stop his stool from forming up for a bit. Is the med he is on supposed to treat the diarrhea as well? I'm not familiar with it but sometines the meds are needed for one thing but can cause other symptoms-like loose stool. As for his weight, chicken and rice has lots of protein so I agree he will gain it back once he gets feeling better. Hope he turns the corner soon

buffylvangel · #4 04-27-2007, 07:28 PM

Try chicken without the rice. Some dogs can't digest rice.

rvngal · #5 04-27-2007, 09:26 PM

When Rocky had watery diarreha like that my Vet said to give him Imodium AD, 2mg tablets...At that time he weighed 30 lbs and he prescribed 1 1/2 tabs every 8 hours for no more than 3 days. It really helped him too. Never give any meds like that without consulting your Vet first.

PatriciaR · #6 04-27-2007, 10:05 PM

Mine had tummy troubles and we had to try several dog foods before getting one that worked. Salmon diet seemed to work better than the Chicken or Beef. Also, Metronidazole is a stomach motility drug, so it tends to cause quick projectile type diarrhea while it's working the virus out. Itchy, rubby eyes sounds like allergies. Allergies cause tummy troubles.

kacee · #7 04-30-2007, 09:13 AM

Emma had so much watery diarrhea as a puppy and youngster and we stumbled on the canned pumpkin. Most dogs really like it and it does form up the stools. Plain yogurt is good too. After so much pooping the beneficial bacteria in the gut are diminished and the yogurt boosts them. Good luck .... I know how worrisome that is.

OurDempsey · #8 05-01-2007, 06:45 PM

Thanks guys! It seems that his virus has run it's course and he is feeling much better tummy-wise. Woo hoo!! I definitely feel better about that.

As for the rest of him, well...that's another story. She diagnosed him with allergies at that last appointment, but nothing seemed to get better after she took him off of beef (which she thought he was allergic to). After days of listening him cough we made another appointment and he has an upper respitory infection! This poor dog! She said his tonsils are 3x the size they should be and (I told her he didn't eat today) that he isn't eating because his throat hurts. She put him on ANOTHER antibiotic, as well as benadryl for the week because his allergies are still terrible. She also wants to allergy test him when he is feeling better.

If there is one thing I wish for every night it is that this poor pup would just be happy and healthy and normal. Agh!