laurie

He won't eat boiled rice and boiled chicken. He's still having some diarrhea, but no vomiting since yesterday. He is drinking water. I'm going to boil some hamburger and see if he'll eat that. Is salt free chicken broth or beef broth ok? What else can I offer him? I know some people give vanilla ensure, but won't that irritate his stomach? What about pedialyte?

No, no other changes. Haven't started prednisone. I just talked to the vet. Bland diet, stop all meds and supplements (tramadol, mucinex, pepcid, fresh factors, joint health), picking up some medication (I think he said metoclopramide) on my way home. My poor sweet baby.

Rhem started tramadol around a week ago--he started having some diarrhea after about 3 doses. After a couple days of that, things settled down, but this morning he threw up twice (looked like last night's supper). And my brother-in-law, who lets Rhem and Rose out for me every day while I'm at work, just texted me to tell me Rhem is having diarrhea again. Anybody see this with tramadol before? Seems like if I remember right, tramadol usually causes constipation, not diarrhea (at least in humans).

Thanks, Jey. I've gotten some great suggestions--he had a pretty good day yesterday. I started him on Pepcid Saturday, and Sunday he ate about a can and a half, plus shared my English muffin. I also stopped his Metacam Saturday in preparation for possibly/probably starting him on Prednisone and different pain med. I'm hopeful. Vet appointment tonight.

Claudia--thank you for the advice. I just ordered the Medizyme. I'm encouraged that you say what I'm seeing is normal for an aging hound; I've never had a hound live to nearly 13. My oldest hound was our Beatrice, who was healthy as a horse at 12, when she developed hemangiosarcoma. Rhemus is so, so thin, though--I'm actually embarrassed to post a pic. Think Quilty, though. His breathing is what worries me the most. I think he's using most of the calories he eats just to keep breathing. Sometimes, like now, he is breathing quietly. But mostly, he seems to struggle. He was checked for LP, and it's not that. All I know is I'm not ready to let him go. Someone suggested starting him on prednisone via pm; I'm hoping that that will give him some more time and will talk about that with the vet on Monday. If anyone else can think of anything, or anything I should bring up with the vet, please let me know. And, prayers for my boy, please.

I've been giving him Dyne with every meal and in his water for a couple months now. He just keeps losing weight. He hasn't had an ultrasound yet-I will ask about that on Monday. Ahicks--he raced at Geneva lakes; 188 races listed from 4/98 through 5/01. Why do you ask? Might that be significant somehow?

Here are his symptoms: Weight loss Raspy breathing with intracostal retractions almost all the time, and a very hoarse bark Hind-end weakness Intermittant head tremors/head shaking (sort of like if he was cold, but he's not, and it's only his head and neck) Back pain Appetite is good; he gets hungry, lets me know when he wants something different to eat (I never let his bowl be empty), but then he only takes a few bites. I know for the last week or so since he's stopped eating very much that he's not getting enough calories. He is currently only eating about 3/4 a can of food a day, if that. Normal poop/pee. Testing completed and results: Labwork=all normal up to this point Full-body xrays have been done over the last 6-8 months=very advanced arthritis in his back but nothing else TBD-negative Positive for hooks and "lung and nasal" worms a few months ago=treated x3, twice with Panacur, once with Drontal Throat 'scope=showed inflammation and increased mucous but no LP He's had chiropractic care, and he takes Metacam for his back. Seems to make things a little more tolerable for him. He takes Fresh Factors and Joint Health from Springtime every day, mixed with his food. I give him Mucinex for the increased mucous production on the vet's advice. Seems to help his breathing somewhat. I've also been feeding him Satin Balls for months. He just keeps losing weight. He is so very skinny, and he's been giving me that look for the last few days--the one that says, "Mom, I'm done." I have an appointment for him Monday; the last appointment of the day. I need to do what's right for my boy. But I don't think I can--I feel so guilty for wanting him to stay with me. I want someone to help me fix him. No one seems to know what to do. Can anyone give me any ideas? I'm so lost.

Congrats! He is very handsome.

Thinking of you.

Why? Why can one never find a great vet who also has great office staff? Just a question for the universe, I guess.

Oh no, Patti! I'm so, so sorry your Flash had to go.

I'm so sorry.

Many, many prayers.

I'm so sorry.

Poor baby. Rest peacefully, Leo.

I'm so sorry, Kelly.

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry. Rest peacefully, Handsome Thane.

Oh excellent!!

That article makes so much sense. Thank you for posting. To Alan's mom and Loca's mom, and all of you who hurt so much at losing our furkids, you have my sympathy and my complete understanding. We can help eachother through our losses--when no one else understands, we understand eachother.

I'm so sorry. He was very, very handsome!

Oh wow, he's gorgeous!! Welcome home, sweetheart!