Rascal My Chihuahua Is At The Vets

[mumtoshelley]

Hi my 6 year old male chihuahua Rascal has been at the vets since friday hopefully he will be able to come home tomorrow. Rascal is dehydrated,has watery poo,won't eat or drink, the only thing he has been eating is grass then throwing up. His poos have been black in colour too, The vets aren't sure what is wrong with him, They think bowel infection but the werid thing is he doesn't have a temperture. He got that way that he didn't want to come inside,Just wanted to stay outside in his kennel. So if you have any ideas on what it could be please mention them. Can't believe it he got his anal glads removed 2 months ago, His bowel hasn't been right since then, He gets feed raw mince in the morning and black hawk at night, once or twice a week he gets a bone be it a chicken drumlet or chicken neck.

[Erny]

I'm about to close off, but wish to extend my best wishes for Rascal's recovery. It must be such a worry and I know that it helps to receive responses from DOL to support you through the stressful time.

There's a few questions I have (alas, not much in terms of answers, which I know is what you would be most interested in). These are along the lines of (1) What tests have the Vets conducted and what have they ruled out through bloods and/or xrays and ors. (2) What is his current health status? IE Is he eating and drinking yet? If not, then I'm puzzled at the possibility of him coming home to you tomorrow, although of course I hope it is that he has recovered sufficiently for this to occur. (3) What is the current treatment plan Rascal's Vets have him on and how is that going?

[mumtoshelley]

I'm about to close off, but wish to extend my best wishes for Rascal's recovery. It must be such a worry and I know that it helps to receive responses from DOL to support you through the stressful time.

There's a few questions I have (alas, not much in terms of answers, which I know is what you would be most interested in). These are along the lines of (1) What tests have the Vets conducted and what have they ruled out through bloods and/or xrays and ors. (2) What is his current health status? IE Is he eating and drinking yet? If not, then I'm puzzled at the possibility of him coming home to you tomorrow, although of course I hope it is that he has recovered sufficiently for this to occur. (3) What is the current treatment plan Rascal's Vets have him on and how is that going?

The vets haven't said much at all to me about Rascal even when I asked them. They just said they wanted to do a urine test,fecal test and maybe some blood tests. They have put him on fluids, he has eaten some biscuits not sure about the drinking. The vets said he looks a bit happyier. All they said to me today when I rang them up is they vwanted to keep Rascal in again to give him more fluids and medication, When I asked what was the problem with him they still couldn't answer me and said hopefully we will know more this week.

[mumtoshelley]

I also forgot to mention that Rascal has blood in his poo too. Now I've got the bad feeling that Rascal has parvo, He will be staying in the vets again tonight so this would make his 3rd night in the vets.

[persephone]

Did the original parvo test come up negative then?

I hope he improves today, poor little fella.

Edited September 18, 2011 by persephone

[mumtoshelley]

Did the original parvo test come up negative then?

I hope he improves today, poor little fella.

Thats the thing the vets won't tell me what tests they have done even when asked. All they have did was put him on fluids and give him antibiotics. His still dehydrated but the vets are finding it hard to keep the drip in as Rascal keeps walking around in circles.

[persephone]

but the vets are finding it hard to keep the drip in as Rascal keeps walking around in circles.

...and they can't /won't tell you what tests have been done?

is this your regular vet?

I'd be asking for a printout ..."just for my records,please"

My experience (from many years ago)....is that drips in front legs can be held fairly well with splints etc ..and if a dog is in a tiny cage - they can not walk around in circles .

I'd be surprised if they didn't do the initial parvo test .. that's just a swab into the dog's rectum ... then it's tested - only takes a couple of minutes ..and lets them know straight away .....so they then know about quarantine etc. Our clinic does that while dogs are still in the car .

[aussielover]

Is he vaccinated for parvo?

Tell the vets you insist upon knowing what tests they have done (you are the one paying after all).

There are a number of things that could be wrong, I suggest you discuss these matters with your vets or if you are not happy with them, seek a second opinion from another veterinary practice if possible.

I hope Rascal feels better soon

[persephone]

Tell the vets you insist upon knowing what tests they have done (you are the one paying after all).

There are a number of things that could be wrong, I suggest you discuss these matters with your vets or if you are not happy with them, seek a second opinion from another veterinary practice if possible.

[mumtoshelley]

Is he vaccinated for parvo?

Tell the vets you insist upon knowing what tests they have done (you are the one paying after all).

There are a number of things that could be wrong, I suggest you discuss these matters with your vets or if you are not happy with them, seek a second opinion from another veterinary practice if possible.

I hope Rascal feels better soon

Yes he is vaccinated almost due for another tho. When I ring them up tommorrow I will demand to know what tests have been done. Hopefully it isn't parvo but if it is can our other dogs catch it? ther both been vaccinated too.

[Guest lavendergirl]

I would go further than ringing them - I would be fronting up to the vets in person and demanding some answers. Hope things improve for the little guy.