vicdrg Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 (edited) We have an 8 year old 17 kg working dog cross who seems in good general health. He has been out of the pound about 7 weeks. It seems about every 12 to 14 days he gets really flat, vomiting, won't drink, if left just gets worse. He has been on the drip at vets 3 times. Tested for pancreatitis. After first attack put on a boiled chicken and rice diet. Eats dirt sometimes. No poisonous plants, anything around. Living with other dogs, all of whom are fine. Any one with any suggestions would be great. Next step vet has suggested are xrays. Edited October 5, 2008 by vicdrg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puggy_puggy Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Digestive enzyme missing maybe. I am pretty sure they can do a test for this and then you can get the digestive enzyme capsules that you put on their food, from the health food shop. What would the xrays be for? Hernia? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rappie Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Xrays are likely to rule in / out causes of chronic vomiting including abdominal masses, foreign bodies etc. Did he have full blood work done when he was tested for pancreatitis or was it just a limited panel? If he hasn't then I would recommend they be done, and would also include electrolytes. There's heaps of possiblities for vomiting, but the waxing / waning course of illness and response to non specific treatment might suggest something atypical like Addison's disease. Might not also - but this is why it's called investigation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicdrg Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 Xrays are likely to rule in / out causes of chronic vomiting including abdominal masses, foreign bodies etc. Did he have full blood work done when he was tested for pancreatitis or was it just a limited panel? If he hasn't then I would recommend they be done, and would also include electrolytes. There's heaps of possiblities for vomiting, but the waxing / waning course of illness and response to non specific treatment might suggest something atypical like Addison's disease. Might not also - but this is why it's called investigation Yes obviously we will do what we have to but want to minimise costs as much as possible which is why we were looking for some clues. Full blood work was done. Electrolytes - sorry don't know anything about them - so testing is for electrolytes? This is a dog that hasn't had any vet attention for at least 4 mths so am presuming it is a recent problem or he would be dead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 digestive enzyme imbalance? Diabetes? the cyclical occurrence is interesting.... is it before or after any flea/heartworm treatment or anything? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicdrg Posted October 6, 2008 Author Share Posted October 6, 2008 digestive enzyme imbalance? Diabetes? the cyclical occurrence is interesting.... is it before or after any flea/heartworm treatment or anything? no we can't tie it in with anything specific. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~*Shell*~ Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 Don't have anything contructive to add - just wanted to say good luck finding the cause. I have a dog with stomach problems from trauma (he was badly abused) and he now has problems eating different things so I know how difficult it can be. Hope it's an easy fix! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicdrg Posted October 6, 2008 Author Share Posted October 6, 2008 Don't have anything contructive to add - just wanted to say good luck finding the cause. I have a dog with stomach problems from trauma (he was badly abused) and he now has problems eating different things so I know how difficult it can be.Hope it's an easy fix! thanks shel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 what is his normal diet and feeding routine is there any visitors, special things that happen in the 2-3 days leading up to his attacks where is the dirt he eats? He sounds deficient can you post a photo of him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicdrg Posted October 6, 2008 Author Share Posted October 6, 2008 We have been able to find out from person who adopted him for 3 months and then returned him for barking at the birds that he was previously being fed chum mixed with dry food and bones and that he would vomit every now and then but was never taken to vet. Sounds like he is getting worse and happening more frequently even though diet is now being watched. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InspectorRex Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 (edited) PM the wonderful Charles Kuntz- he is a Specialist Vet Surgeon and he is just super IMHO- if he cannot assist you he will point you in the right direction. He has saved many a friends dogs when no other Vet could Edited October 6, 2008 by InspectorRex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicdrg Posted October 6, 2008 Author Share Posted October 6, 2008 PM the wonderful Charles Kuntz- he is a Specialist Vet Surgeon and he is just super IMHO- if he cannot assist you he will point you in the right direction.He has saved many a friends dogs when no other Vet could I tried to contact him thru the Highett Emergency centre with another issue but had no luck. When you say PM? I have heard good reports too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 he is a member of DOL so send him a PM. He is under Charles Kuntz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicdrg Posted October 6, 2008 Author Share Posted October 6, 2008 he is a member of DOL so send him a PM. He is under Charles Kuntz will do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teebs Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 Sounds like a dog i am looking after at the moment. He has had problems for ages, been on and off meds for months. He has something wrong with his electrolytes. He can be fine one day, the next he is flat at, off his food and being sick. He has spent a week at the vets and they have him on meds, as i am not the owner they have not given me too much info, just that it is something he will have for life. The current meds he is on seems to help, he is eating well and finally is putting weight on!! will try to remember this thread when they get home in 2 weeks and find out exactly what is wrong with him for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicdrg Posted October 6, 2008 Author Share Posted October 6, 2008 thank you - would appreciate that. Vet has said he is puzzled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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