The Big D That Won't Stop - Help Help Help!

[Guest brahmafear324]

Hello there, I'm new to posting at this forum but have lurked here from time to time for advice. We have a 8 year old male named Charley who has had diarrhea on and off for the past month. It was very bad several weeks ago, we took him to the vet who put him on a course of antibiotics and hills science diet w/d. His stool samples checked out with a 30 % increase in one bacteria. No worms or anything else. THey did extra tests and all seemed normal Over the course of the past two weeks with little to no improvement we've been asked by the vet to change his diet to hills sensitive stomach and when that didn't work to the hills i/d in kibble form to finally Royal Canin Diet potato and venison. Yesterday The big D came back REALLY bad.The doctor than told us to try immodium as it is most likely a food allergy and this could at least help stop the liquid diarrhea That hasn't worked at ALL. Charley went out nearly 15 times yesterday, he went on our carpet once and over night several times in the crate. This was after he wasn't going any more just having gas each time we took him outside so we thought there was nothing left. Each time we've changed we've done so slowly, have not given him any treats. The diarrhea now appears mucousy. How do we get him to stop and where do we go from here? We've trolled through numerous posts in the past 24 hours and we are at a loss. I'm afraid he won't even make it for a ride in the car for a doctors visit, the closest expert on greyhounds is 45 minutes drive away and its no life for him being relegated to a tile area, tethered to us on a leash or simply in his crate. Please Please Please any help that anyone that can recommend would be greatly appreciate to get our little guy back on track. He hasn't really lost a lot of weight. Thanks!!

[dbullwinkel]

I am sorry you are going through this..has Charley been checked for worms or giardia? My male went through something similar to this soon after we adopted him. He was put on flagyl, de-wormed with panacur and changed to a diet of boiled chop meat and pasta or potatoes. when things began normalizing we then started adding in food again..we chose Royal Caanin limited ingredients venison and potato. You have to be careful about dehydration if he is going so much. recently garry had a return of his symptoms. My vet had me limit his food to rest his stomach for a day. ..to be sure he drank..but small amounts at a time...I was told to give him frequent small drinks.he was also put back on flagyl and an anti-biotic (he had mucous in his stool as well). I would surely take him to the vet.

Good luck, hope this helps

Edited January 30, 2010 by dbullwinkel

[silverfish]

When my first dog had this happen, it went beyond mucousy and into bloody. He had antibiotics, wormers, kaolin and other binders, and eventually we discovered (by accident) that he was lactose intolerant.

 

When I hear of intractable diarrhoea, and antibiotics and wormers haven't worked, I always think 'food intolerance'. It's worth thinking along those lines, but if this goes on and you get nowhere, he could get very sick. There comes a point where you might have to ask your vet for a referral to a specialist. Is that an option for you?

[Guest brahmafear324]

I am sorry you are going through this..has Charley been checked for worms or giardia? My male went through something similar to this soon after we adopted him. He was put on flagyl, de-wormed with panacur and changed to a diet of boiled chop meat and pasta or potatoes. when things began normalizing we then started adding in food again..we chose Royal Caanin limited ingredients venison and potato. You have to be careful about dehydration if he is going so much. recently garry had a return of his symptoms. My vet had me limit his food to rest his stomach for a day. ..to be sure he drank..but small amounts at a time...I was told to give him frequent small drinks.he was also put back on flagyl and an anti-biotic (he had mucous in his stool as well). I would surely take him to the vet.

Good luck, hope this helps

 

 

Hi thank you so much for your reply..we did have his stool tested for worms and another parasite, not sure if it was giardia. He went again about an hour after my first post nothing but liquid. The antibiotic we were given is Metronidazole. I've read about flagyl but he wasn't given it. I've decided to take him to the vetinary clinci in Longwood where I used to take him. His stomach is gurgling and I know he wants to eat but Im fearful to give him anything. Before we took him to the doctor the first time we had him fast for half a day and than boiled chicken and rice for him however it made him worse. He's becoming a bit more lethargic. The short time that I have to sleep I am dreaming about him having to go....We just don't know what to do for him....especiallyl the fact that the Royal Caanin seemed to make it come back worse as well. Maybe there is some parasite that wasn't caught. Thanks again for the advice.

[Guest brahmafear324]

When my first dog had this happen, it went beyond mucousy and into bloody. He had antibiotics, wormers, kaolin and other binders, and eventually we discovered (by accident) that he was lactose intolerant.

 

When I hear of intractable diarrhoea, and antibiotics and wormers haven't worked, I always think 'food intolerance'. It's worth thinking along those lines, but if this goes on and you get nowhere, he could get very sick. There comes a point where you might have to ask your vet for a referral to a specialist. Is that an option for you?

 

 

We think it may be food intolerance but at this point which one? I believe chicken and maybe even rice is one of them. Expenses could be the only challenge as it relates to a specialist. We are willing to try and anything at this point to get him from stopping going every hour. I just took him out again. His nose is still wet but he's not drinking. He ate a small portion of the Hill's I/D canned last night so I just don't know where it continus to come from and the immodium did absolutely nothing. I"m going to take him to the vet this morning near where I got him from the rescue to see if there's anything else that can be done. Thank you again for your post. Any other words of wisdom - what kinds of food have milk by products in them for the dogs...??

 

THanks

Charley's mom

[Guest brahmafear324]

Just took Charley out again and this time there was definitely blood. He's been four times in the past three hours....I'm very worried!

[dbullwinkel]

I am sorry you are going through this..has Charley been checked for worms or giardia? My male went through something similar to this soon after we adopted him. He was put on flagyl, de-wormed with panacur and changed to a diet of boiled chop meat and pasta or potatoes. when things began normalizing we then started adding in food again..we chose Royal Caanin limited ingredients venison and potato. You have to be careful about dehydration if he is going so much. recently garry had a return of his symptoms. My vet had me limit his food to rest his stomach for a day. ..to be sure he drank..but small amounts at a time...I was told to give him frequent small drinks.he was also put back on flagyl and an anti-biotic (he had mucous in his stool as well). I would surely take him to the vet.

Good luck, hope this helps

 

 

Hi thank you so much for your reply..we did have his stool tested for worms and another parasite, not sure if it was giardia. He went again about an hour after my first post nothing but liquid. The antibiotic we were given is Metronidazole. I've read about flagyl but he wasn't given it. I've decided to take him to the vetinary clinci in Longwood where I used to take him. His stomach is gurgling and I know he wants to eat but Im fearful to give him anything. Before we took him to the doctor the first time we had him fast for half a day and than boiled chicken and rice for him however it made him worse. He's becoming a bit more lethargic. The short time that I have to sleep I am dreaming about him having to go....We just don't know what to do for him....especiallyl the fact that the Royal Caanin seemed to make it come back worse as well. Maybe there is some parasite that wasn't caught. Thanks again for the advice.

Charley was given Flagyl..metronidazole is the generic name..Can you get him to the vet soon? keep us posted please

[Guest IrskasMom]

Just want to give Charley some Hugs and hopefully , the Vet or somebody here can figure out , what's going on

[Guest brahmafear324]

I am sorry you are going through this..has Charley been checked for worms or giardia? My male went through something similar to this soon after we adopted him. He was put on flagyl, de-wormed with panacur and changed to a diet of boiled chop meat and pasta or potatoes. when things began normalizing we then started adding in food again..we chose Royal Caanin limited ingredients venison and potato. You have to be careful about dehydration if he is going so much. recently garry had a return of his symptoms. My vet had me limit his food to rest his stomach for a day. ..to be sure he drank..but small amounts at a time...I was told to give him frequent small drinks.he was also put back on flagyl and an anti-biotic (he had mucous in his stool as well). I would surely take him to the vet.

Good luck, hope this helps

 

 

Hi thank you so much for your reply..we did have his stool tested for worms and another parasite, not sure if it was giardia. He went again about an hour after my first post nothing but liquid. The antibiotic we were given is Metronidazole. I've read about flagyl but he wasn't given it. I've decided to take him to the vetinary clinci in Longwood where I used to take him. His stomach is gurgling and I know he wants to eat but Im fearful to give him anything. Before we took him to the doctor the first time we had him fast for half a day and than boiled chicken and rice for him however it made him worse. He's becoming a bit more lethargic. The short time that I have to sleep I am dreaming about him having to go....We just don't know what to do for him....especiallyl the fact that the Royal Caanin seemed to make it come back worse as well. Maybe there is some parasite that wasn't caught. Thanks again for the advice.

Charley was given Flagyl..metronidazole is the generic name..Can you get him to the vet soon? keep us posted please

 

I am calling at 8AM on the dot as soon as they open to get in or else I'll have to take him to a emergency clinic. I'm very worried now that I saw the blood and the fact that he won't drink anything at all..

[dbullwinkel]

I know you are nervous..Garry had blood as well..it was just from straining so much..try to relax, though I know that is hard to do. Donna

[macoduck]

Here's some info that may help: link

 

Did the vet give you Lomotil? It acts like Immodium but is stronger. Since his colon is now so irritated, there is a liquid solution they can give him in the office the will help to coat and calm the lining. (It's sorta like barium.)

 

The Royal Canin might be too rich.

Ask about fasting food for a day.

Make sure he still is drinking. Your vet might also give him liquids subQ to help keep him hydrated.

Edited January 30, 2010 by macoduck

[Guest MyHoodies]

Make sure you have him tested for guardia. My foster had a very mild case of it and the vet gave me meds anyway. He now has very solid poops.

 

hope this helps. lots of hugs...

[Batmom]

Some things to consider:

 

1. Test for giardia. Metronidazole (flagyl) is often given for giardia, but Panacur is a better choice to kill it off.

 

2. Do an x-ray. Just in case. Do it now. You don't want to be giving all kinds of meds if he has a partial blockage.

 

3. Do a course or three of Panacur anyways.

 

4. Chart the ingredients of the foods he's had since all this started. Can you get a protein that he has not had lately? Maybe beef? Try feeding that and only that for a time.

 

5. I would not recommend giving something like immodium until you know what's wrong or at least rule a few things out. It changes gut motility, and that can be a mistake if the dog has certain bacterial infections, partial blockage, etc.

 

6. Do your best to keep him hydrated. If he doesn't want to drink, try adding a little honey or apple juice to his water.

 

Hugs and best luck. Can imagine how worried you must be.

[Guest kydie]

Please give us an update! Sometimes homecooked is the only thing that works

[Guest Adrianne]

Poor Charley. Please, please keep us updated.

[Guest TaraCoachCougar]

The vet can give sub q fluids if need be. Then you can quit worrying about the dehydration and forcing him to drink for a little while. That was the ticket for Cougs with the Big D over Christmas for 3 days. His problem seemed to be viral, but they also had him take Metronidazole which turned off the faucet after a dose or two.

 

Good luck!

[Guest brahmafear324]

The vet can give sub q fluids if need be. Then you can quit worrying about the dehydration and forcing him to drink for a little while. That was the ticket for Cougs with the Big D over Christmas for 3 days. His problem seemed to be viral, but they also had him take Metronidazole which turned off the faucet after a dose or two.

 

Good luck!

 

 

Thanks to everyone that posted for ideas, thoughts and prayers...It;s been a long morning - we spent several hours at a vet who sees a lot of greyhounds. They did blood and stool tests put him on Hill's I/D which we are not to start until maybe tonight - a very small meal and we left with a pharmacy full of products. Amoxicillin, a dewormer, a probiotic and another anti nausea medication. The poor guy is exhausted as are wel.. He threw up on the way to the vets (90 minutes in the car probably didn't help) and twice while we were there. The tests conducted for dehydration showed that he wasn't in danger of that at this point. THe doctor wants us to stick with one sort of food and than try to rule things out. His fecal tests did show some abnormalities in it. THey are going to call us about the blood work on Monday. I'm just hopeful that he can just rest and get some sleep so that he can recover a little bit.

 

Please keep the prayers and advice coming!

 

Thanks again!

[Guest Energy11]

ID is a great food for upset tummies and diarrhea. Hope you all get some REST tonight, and your baby feels better, soon! Good idea sending the stool sample out, too. Many hugs!

[silverfish]

THe doctor wants us to stick with one sort of food and than try to rule things out.

 

That's basically what I was going to suggest. If it's a food intolerance, you may need to do an 'exclusion' diet, where you start with one, single type of food for a while and if he's OK, add ONE more thing, and so on. If at any point he isn't OK, ditch the last one added, wait till he settles and then add something different. That's the short version.

 

If the canned food doesn't do it, you might have to go to a single, pure food source, like lamb or duck, and add in rice for the next step. Just as an example. Lamb and rice might not actually do it for him - I would normally suggest chicken, but that's on the list of suspects, right?

 

Good luck!

Edited January 30, 2010 by silverfish

[greyhoundlady]

So sorry you and Charley are going through this. I know how scary it is. My female grey had this happen to her and it turned out to be a rawhide chew. She threw up and then had diarrhea which then turned to bloody diarrhea - purple goop . Is there a chance Charley had any rawhide?

Good luck - my girl was put on meds and the prescription canned food. She cleared up completely. Needless to say, rawhide does not happen in our house now.

[Guest brahmafear324]

THe doctor wants us to stick with one sort of food and than try to rule things out.

 

That's basically what I was going to suggest. If it's a food intolerance, you may need to do an 'exclusion' diet, where you start with one, single type of food for a while and if he's OK, add ONE more thing, and so on. If at any point he isn't OK, ditch the last one added, wait till he settles and then add something different. That's the short version.

 

If the canned food doesn't do it, you might have to go to a single, pure food source, like lamb or duck, and add in rice for the next step. Just as an example. Lamb and rice might not actually do it for him - I would normally suggest chicken, but that's on the list of suspects, right?

 

Good luck!

 

Chicken is on the list of suspects Silverfish....you're absolutely right. All we can do at this point is wait and see. Thankfully he's been sleeping for the past two hours since we got home. Once we feed him again and start the meds I guess we'll know for sure. Although because of our work schedules going raw is not an option we had even thought of - we have no butchers near us and I'd be afraid I wouldn't give him the proper nutrition if we have to we'll take it one day at a time. I'm shocked that my vet put him through so many foods within a short span of time....

 

HI greyhound lady, no rawhide in this house and he really hasn't had any bones in a long time b/c typically when he had them in the past he would throw up. Did you have to have an xray in order to find out that the rawhide chew in her intestine or that cause your girl to get sick?

[greyhoundlady]

HI greyhound lady, no rawhide in this house and he really hasn't had any bones in a long time b/c typically when he had them in the past he would throw up. Did you have to have an xray in order to find out that the rawhide chew in her intestine or that cause your girl to get sick?

_______

 

No xrays. There wasn't a blockage since she was having explosive diarrhea. Apparently the rawhide dissolved, but screwed up her stomach and then her intestines. I seem to remember the vet saying something about the way rawhide is processed give some dogs bad reactions. The vet we had at the time was very good at diagnosing the problem (he left to go into research). He had me write down everything that she had eaten. I would never have suspected rawhides, but now I find that this is not unusual in some dogs. Unfortunately this is such a trial and error experience. Once the vet rules out anything like parasites, etc., the next challenge is what to feed. You are getting excellent advice here on the board. Rice and a little bit of boiled beef worked for my girl also, until things got back to normal.

 

Good luck and wishes - I really do feel for you. We end up feeling so helpless until these guys are normal again.

[Guest Stargirl]

I sort of had a similar problem, after adopting my hound, about a month later she had diarrhea, with mucous and then with blood. I took her to the vet, fecal normal, but a blood test showed high pancreatic enzymes levels. Vet gave me metrodiazonole and said to have her eat low fat foods as this was a case of pancreatitis. I know I wasn't careful with her food at first. I went with Wellness Core low fat blend...NO GRAINS in it. AFter a few days with very small meals, she got better and over it. She can never have pigs ears or fatty meats, but that is okay. And I hate to sound like a broken record, but I always check www.dogfoodanalysis.com for food reviews and Hills I/D is ranked at the bottom there, fillers and grains and low quality protein,,,here is the link http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/dog_food_reviews/showproduct.php?product=1069&cat=all . Good luck, this will pass, but I know what you mean about having dreams about having to get up and take the dog out, it is exhausting. Hang in there.

[dbullwinkel]

Glad you got to the vet...hope you all get some rest tonight!

[Guest CampWhippet]

I hope Charley is feeling better tonight. It was certainly nice meeting him and you at the vet's office today. Sure is a small world! I wish I had some advice but I have none. Just hopes that Charley is better soon. He sure is a cutie!

Edited January 31, 2010 by CampWhippet