greyhead

Have you ruled out an intestinal infection? These symptoms sound like what Spencer was doing when he had SIBO.

They'd need to do a poop culture at a lab in order to see if there's a weird bacterium or an overgrowth of a bacterium that's supposed to be there but not in such large numbers. I had to totally lean on my vet to do it, but it was worth it. They can do a sensitivity test if they do find such a problem, to see what antibiotic(s) will best bring it under control. ETA: I'm not familiar with Verbantil. We've used Panacur and Drontal for hookworm, along with monthly Interceptor.

LSS is not that hard to diagnosis using Dr. Stack's method. You don't need to wait for a neurologist or anyone else to suggest an MRI. The only point to doing an MRI really is if you will follow it up with an operation to correct something, which most of us don't find necessary. I don't know what's going on with the poor guy's tummy, but somebody needs to treat him for something before too long because he's definitely not improving.

Sucralfate is an amazing thing to give before meals/meds. It coats the tummy so it won't be hurt by this stuff, which will allow you to give him oral meds that will help him without his losing his appetite because his tummy hurts. It's working like a dream for us. Costs much more than Pepcid and such, but it's so much more effective that it's worth it.

When we had bright yellow poop, it was related to SIBO (small-intestine bacterial overgrowth). Here's a really helpful link to what various stool colors and other characteristics tend to indicate: http://beingstray.com/dogs/canine-stools-diarrhea/

Both of ours are recall trained, both have gotten loose, and both have returned when called. But I put "not reliable" because I think it's at the mercy of too many variables. A recently developed variable is age. Spencer may have some mild cognitive deficit due to age and long-term meds; but whatever the reason, he appears not to hear what he doesn't want to hear, to sometimes forget what "no" means, etc. Shane is increasingly a slave to his nose, leash or no leash (back yard). And if you want them to leave the raccoons up in the tree and come inside, you pretty much have to deliver that message in person. Then there's the issue of one (such as myself) putting effort into training, only to find that someone else (not naming names) has partially undone it while one is sick, out of town, whatever -- because this someone wants so much to be liked!

Just wanted to thank you for sharing those photos of the very handsome Vinnie!!! And good luck with your specialist choices. (Sometimes we've gone with the one that can take us soonest. Not saying you should do that, but it can be a consideration.)

That was a lovely tribute to quite a girl. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm very sorry for your loss. Rest well, Garry.

I'm sorry Tommy had to leave now, Nancy. What a wonderful handsome hound.

Annabelle had a great life with you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest well, sweetie.

I remember your Penny and am very sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry.

There should definitely be balloons for Jewels' birthday!

I'm very sorry that Flame's time came. Rest well, Flame.

You and Daisy shared most of her wonderful life. I'm so sorry she couldn't stay longer.

If she's still not drinking tomorrow and if she seems dehydrated, you might ask the vet if you can bring her in for some sub-q fluids. We did that with Spencer -- gave them at home, actually, cuz we know how -- and that was enough to rebalance him that he started drinking on his own. You can try to relax, but I couldn't after the first day.

A year ago Spencer went on what people then called a "water strike" after he had a dental. It's apparently not entirely rare, but no one seemed to know why it happens.

It'll be interesting to see how this works out. I thought the neuro effects of metronidazole took a pretty long time to build up -- like years. Keep us posted! (Spencer was on it for most of 3 years and still takes it from time to time when he has an IBD flare. He probably does have some aggregated neuro effects from it.)

Don't overlook a medical/hormonal basis for the behavior. I'm assuming she was spayed shortly before or after joining you. Our boy, then turning 5, developed hypothyroid symptoms, including defensive aggression (I call it that), two months after he arrived at our home. Just something to keep in mind as a possibility.

It was just a thought. Good luck.

I'm so sorry she had to go.

I also remember Simba, Connie. My sympathies are with all who knew and loved this special guy.

We use Tramadol and Gabapentin both for our 11-1/2-year-old, who was having great difficulty with getting up and down and with stairs. Protruding disks like he has are not rare in older hounds who have raced, the vets tell me. You might want your vet to take a quick x-ray of the spine so you know what you're really dealing with.

Here's also a new piece on Life with Dogs you might consider. Not that it's a shock, but a study has shown the connection between pain and aggression. http://www.lifewithd...ession-in-dogs/