Guest lauri Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 Miles is now on another month long course of Flagyl. Last Friday, my husband called me at work and I could hear Miles in the background literally wailing in pain. He had been off the first dose of Flagyl for about three days; had had a weeks course. Mike was freaking out, I had a client in the chair - nothing I could do but wait for a vet call. Mike has no idea what kind of pain this was except that it has to do with the intestinal/tummy issues were having with Miles. Mike picked up another month long round of the Flagyl as it was working (we thought) and no problems until Miles was off of it. We were also given some Tramadol for pain, and we were told since he still has water poop to use Immodium twice a day. She said the constant diarrhea could be making his intestines cramp. Well, now last night (and we had been doing fine) Miles all of a sudden was wailing again in pain. I felt his abdomen and it was VERY tight - he was having bad cramping. WHen he stood he arched his back. When he'd lie down he kept looking at his abdomen and just cry and cry. It was HORRIBLE! Tramadol isn't a muscle relaxer, but I crushed a dose up and gave it to him in a syringe. Then while Mike tried to sooth him by petting him, I was massaging his abdomen to try to relieve the pain. I know it helped some, but this went on for more than an hour. He'd be fine for a couple of minutes, then wail and cry. Finally he stood up and wanted off of the bed but was too weak or something to jump so I picked him up (he's only about 58 lbs. now) and put him on the floor. He went outside and had watery diarrhea, and then he was a lot better after that. Isn't eating this morning and hasn't been eating enough PERIOD! The vet wants to keep him on the ZD until the dose of Flagyl is done, but she's going to check in few days to see if the Immodium is working, which it hasn't so far. I guess he's been so far gone in this problem that nothing will work quickly anyway. Our next stop may be Prednisone which the vet and myself are trying to avoid. BUT we may have to. So for now I know the source of the pain. I completely understand the cramping as until I had major radiation to shrink my colon tumor (it was inoperable), EVERY once in a while when I ate certain things, I'd go into intestinal cramping that I swear I thought the pain would kill me. It'd always last a few hours then go away. So at this point, the Flagyl does something, but it hasn't been enough. Immodium hasn't done a thing. Maybe more time? I don't know. After this, I have no idea what to feed as with this problem noone truly knows what course of action to take as IBD hasn't a 'for sure' remedy. Changing protein sources, grains, no grains, home cooked...too much frikken information and one sick dog that we can't seem to get a handle on. He's terribly underweight and I don't feel comfortable at this point going beyond the ZD food as when I did home cook, he had issues as well. I'm supposed to go in and weigh him as he can handle being underweight as long as he isn't losing anymore. But he looks anorexic. I'd be arrested for animal cruelty for sure if I took him out in public! I'm frustrated and tired of this. I just want things back to the way it used to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliforniaGreys Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 I don't have enough experience to even try to help with any advice. I never did understand why a dog has to go through all this and the vet really has no specific answers and can't just fit it! I just hope it gets better for you and for your boy. Quote Missing my little Misty who took a huge piece of my heart with her on 5/2/09, and Ekko, on 6/28/12 For the sick, the lost, and the homeless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 Oh my goodness, you guys are going through it aren't you. I don't have any knowledge in this area either but I'm keeping healing thoughts for Miles. I hope he starts improving soon. Quote Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest koolaidnconner Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 Oh no, I have been through this and at times still going through this with Conner. He has IBD and he is on the Z/D and metacam right now, slowly weening him off of that. If he eats anything besides his Z/D, even just a few morsels of Kool Aid and Orandas food he is sick and crying in pain. We have had that rounding of that back, screaming, it's very heart wrenching. Right now we are weening him off of metacam as the doc thinks he may have hurt his spine with all the straining he has done. I hope the doctor can help and find something that works right away. It's a very tough disease to work threw, especially when they can't talk to you. Lots of hugs and kisses for Miles! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Winterwish Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 (edited) Just putting this out there as some kind of idea,could it be the water? Is boiling say a gallon or two pots of water doable? and then refrigerating it and use as needed? That sounds ridiculous,I know,I'm sorry. Just trying to think of what this could be. Sending good thoughts to both of you! Edited August 30, 2008 by Winterwish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LindsaySF Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 If the Flagyl helps, that makes me think it is an infection of some sort. Have they tried stronger antibiotics? Has he been dewormed with a powerful dewormer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lauri Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 He's had a few negative fecals. We took him in today to check his weight. He's down to 56 lbs. He wil not eat anymore of the ZD after last night's episode. Screw it! I'm going to try boiled ground beef and potato. At this point it just hit and miss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 I think I ask this every time, but he has had recent x-rays, hasn't he? My heart goes out to you and your sweet pupper. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lauri Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 he had x rays in April when this first started. AND ultrasounds, blood work, feacls, cysto-somehting, urinalysis, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvAPuppy Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 If the Flagyl helps, that makes me think it is an infection of some sort. Have they tried stronger antibiotics? Has he been dewormed with a powerful dewormer? Flagyl in veterinary medicine unlike human medicine is not only an antibiotic/antiameobic but also a sort of anti-inflammatory. So even if he doesn't have infection, the Flagyl will still soothe the inflammation in his gut. He may have to go on a burst of Pred to get everything settled down. I'm assuming he's done the elimination diet because I know you've done a lot. Quote Angie, Pewter, and Storm-puppy Forever missing Misty-Mousie (9/9/99 - 10/5/15)Fort Wayne, Indiana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LindsaySF Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 (edited) I know he had negative fecals, but sometimes things are missed. The problems could be bacterial which require different testing methods, or something like giardia which is small and not always seen under microscopic examination. If you've eliminated other causes, it can't hurt to treat for bacteria or parasites, even with negative fecal results. I think I remember that your vet suspected a stomach ulcer at one point too, he should be treated with antibiotics for that, if it is still suspected. If none of those treatment options work, then I would look more into IBS and maybe prednisone. But if it is an infection, the last thing you want to do is give steroids.... Edited August 24, 2008 by LindsaySF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 I would get a new set of x-rays. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lauri Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 Well, the Flagyl is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal, so it's taking care of any 'bugs'. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory drug. He's tested negative on the giardia and other stuff more than once and he's fine as far as pancreatitis. I'm sure the cramping is from his body wanting to expel and nothing to expel. Taking a HUGE chance, but boiling up the beef and potatos now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LindsaySF Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 Well, the Flagyl is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal, so it's taking care of any 'bugs'. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory drug. I have heard of cases of Giardia not responding to repeated Flagyl treatments, but Panacur did the trick. Also, Flagyl only works against certain "bugs". Teagan had chronic diarrhea for a while (we're talking months), and Flagyl seemed to help, but once he was off it it came back. We did multiple doses of Panacur and changed his food and he got better. LuvAPuppy's post is news to me. I didn't know Flagyl would act as an anti-inflammatory, such as in IBS. Hopefully you get to the root of this soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 I don't have any info to help, but I sure am sorry for all you guys are going through. Quote Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog) Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lauri Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 Gave him a small amount and he wolfed it up. I knew that he was hungry. We'll see how it goes. He's never had beef as a protein source since we've had him. If the Flagyl helps, that makes me think it is an infection of some sort. Have they tried stronger antibiotics? Has he been dewormed with a powerful dewormer? Flagyl in veterinary medicine unlike human medicine is not only an antibiotic/antiameobic but also a sort of anti-inflammatory. So even if he doesn't have infection, the Flagyl will still soothe the inflammation in his gut. He may have to go on a burst of Pred to get everything settled down. I'm assuming he's done the elimination diet because I know you've done a lot. He's been on the Hill's ZD for close to three weeks now. He's DONE! He WILL NOT eat it anymore. Vet wanted a month, but he's lost more weight. She wasn't in today, so I stepped over her advice and decided to give him something easy - he NEEDS to eat! We had tried different foods...all contained chicken or poultry. Yes...we may have to resort to a dose of Pred. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest charmsmom Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 If he's had nothing but chicken/poultry and always had problems, maybe he's allergic to poultry. Give a beef or salmon food (like ProPlan Sensitive Skin & Stomach) a try and see if it helps him. I'm sorry he's so miserable. I'm sure that makes YOU feel horrible, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Winterwish Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 (edited) Orijen 6 Fresh Fish kibble,another excellant quality fish based food. There are other fish based kibbles tho' I haven't used them. In addition to the other suggestions it's possible fish based may be something to try. Edited August 30, 2008 by Winterwish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lauri Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 (edited) Mr 'eats everything' won't eat fish based foods. I tried two - a salmon based and a whitefish based. I tried to get him to eat when he ws lying on his bed and he actually pushed the dish away from him with his nose. Then I tried giving the food away and my friends won't take any because they stink! I wonder if I can 'E-Bay' a 1/2 of a 27 lb. bag of ZD, almost a full 8 lb. bag of 'Barking At The Moon' salmon based food and the C.N. fish based food...? Edited August 24, 2008 by lauri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Sending prayers. Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Mr 'eats everything' won't eat fish based foods. I tried two - a salmon based and a whitefish based. I tried to get him to eat when he ws lying on his bed and he actually pushed the dish away from him with his nose. Then I tried giving the food away and my friends won't take any because they stink! I wonder if I can 'E-Bay' a 1/2 of a 27 lb. bag of ZD, almost a full 8 lb. bag of 'Barking At The Moon' salmon based food and the C.N. fish based food...? You should be able to return any of them to the place of purchase for a full refund. If the place of purchase won't give you a refund, call the manufacturer's 1-800 and report that. All the manufacturers will refund food if dog won't eat it, it gives the dog the runs, et cetera. Quote Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in IllinoisWe miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuvAPuppy Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Could he have snuck something? Misty-Mousie flares up when she licks cat litter off of the floor. It tracks in P's snowshoe hairs. She doesn't eat from the box but she will lick up tracked litter and then that fizzes her up for a day. No appetite, squeaky and growly gut and maybe vomiting bile colored mucus. Usually cranberry colored blood on her normal stools the next day. We have Reglan on hand for motility and nausea but it doesn't always work. We have Carafate for big flare ups. Like last time. Caused by Herring oil being a bottom of the label ingredient of a new supplement I tried. Quote Angie, Pewter, and Storm-puppy Forever missing Misty-Mousie (9/9/99 - 10/5/15)Fort Wayne, Indiana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbhounds Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 Sorry to hear that you are both going through this--been there done that with my boy. After hospitalization and many trial medications I ended up going to see an internist. I did have him scoped first to make sure he didn't have GI Lymphoma--thankfully it came back clean---so, the next step---steroids. Pred did nothing for us so we were started on Budesonide. It's a steroid that for the most part stays in the GI tract, therefore, eliminating the side affects that pred can create. Maybe it's time for you to get referred to a specialist??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest GreysAndMoreGreys Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 NO suggestions just good thoughts and prayers Oh and a few Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted August 25, 2008 Share Posted August 25, 2008 How is he? Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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