LBass Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Sending you and Merlin warm thoughts and healing energy. What a miserable experience. Quote Lucy with Greyhound Nate and OSH Tinker. With loving memories of MoMo (FTH Chyna Moon), Spirit, Miles the slinky kitty (OSH), Piper "The Perfect" (Oneco Chaplin), Winston, Yoda, Hector, and Claire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tallgreydogmom Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Is anyone from your area driving down to the Greyhound Conference next week? Maybe Merlin could come down with them. They do have foster homes for out of town greyhounds. He sounds like a sick boy. This has been going on too long. Please ask for a consult with OSU. Hugs and kisses to the furbabies Quote Then God sent the Greyhound to live among man and remember. And when the Day comes, God will call the Greyhound to give Testament, and God will pass judgment on man. (Persian Proverb) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest momofevie Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Hoping for relief for both you and Merlin. Hugs to both of your boys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Hi Kerry, So sorry to hear that Merlin had another horrible night. Amber has a point about the I/D and the flagyl...... The fact that he's throwing up so much is worrisome, too. Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fsugrad Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Kerry, so sorry to hear that Merlin and you are still going through this. When Robin had his mystery skin ailment last year (which turned out to be an autoimmune disease, pemphigus) everyone was stumped as to what it could be til we took him the the Univ of FL Vet School, and they figured it out right away. Maybe a trip to a vet school would be a good idea, as I see George's mom suggested. Sending lots of hugs. Please keep us posted. Quote Rita, mom to Dakota (Dakotas Dream) & Wish (Kiowa Wish Wish) and my angels Toby (Sol Marcus) and Robin (Greys Robin Hood) Forever missing our beloved Robin and Toby "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." Anatole France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FastDogsOwnMe Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 I have nothing good to offer as I have never experienced this but my heart breaks knowing your boy is so sick... I hope you find the solution ASAP. Thinking of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrairieProf Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 (edited) Oh no, I'm so sorry. Crap. When you were just talking D and not eating yesterday I started wondering whether he needed a probiotic to counter the effects the Flagyl (I've had Beth on Proviable, which my vet feels is the best, daily), but this is clearly beyond that. I was thinking about Z/D too -- IF he has IBD that is based on a reaction to protein(s), this (or another hydrolyzed protein food, such as Purina HA) will help. (The I/D might have helped temporarily then because of the change from the fish in his former ProPlan to egg and chicken, but it might explain why it didn't work long term.) Z/D is what RobinM's Beau is on, and my best friend's dog has been on HA for years and does great. But it seems it would help to get a little more clarity as to what the problem is. It does seem like good specialists in the Boston area would make more sense logistically than OSU... this is awful but it probably isn't greyhound-specific. Edited April 27, 2011 by PrairieProf Quote With Cocoa (DC Chocolatedrop), missing B for Beth (2006-2015)And kitties C.J., Klara, Bernadette, John-Boy, & Sinbad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greybookends Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Kerry I have been keeping Merlin in my prayers. I hope you get some answers soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mychip1 Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Kerry, I know a few people have mentioned the sucralfate. That is the medication Dustin gets in addition to the Flagyl. I've always assumed it's like a pepcid, but if you read some of the info, it sounds a little more intense.....maybe something to chat with the vet on. Here's a link. I guess that it is only right now a "human" drug per FDA - but vets have authority to dispense. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000536/ Quote Robin, EZ (Tribal Track), JJ (What a Story), Dustin (E's Full House) and our beautiful Jack (Mana Black Jack) and Lily (Chip's Little Miss Lily) both at the BridgeThe WFUBCC honors our beautiful friends at the bridge. Godspeed sweet angels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetdogs Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 (edited) Oh Kerry, I'm so sorry. Maybe it's time to back up and go back to basics. He improved on the I/D and Flagyl right? Just that and nothing else? And then he started to decline again when going off the Flagyl and the treats/Panacur were introduced? This is my thinking as well. I can't imagine what the specialist is thinking recommending Merlin eat what he wants. There were some suggestions in Kebo's thread about different ways to "serve" I/D - I'll find the posts & link them here. http://forum.greytalk.com/index.php/topic/271019-canned-food-help/ (Re-reading, not sure if that will be helpful.) As for not being a trained vet & not knowing what questions to ask, there are plenty of untrained vet people here who can give you tons of guidance. Writing down your questions & journaling Merlin's diet/meds/episodes is really helpful because I think I remember things, but reviewing what I've written reminds me I don't. If your vets can't/won't guide you through this, you have to do it yourself. Don't think you can't - you can. Edited April 27, 2011 by sweetdogs Quote Deirdre with Conor (Daring Pocobueno), Keeva (Kiowa Mimi Mona), & kittehs Gemma & robthomas. Our beloved angels Faolin & Liath, & kittehs Mona & Caesar. Remembering Bobby, Doc McCoy, & Chip McGrath. "He feeds you, pets you, adores you, collects your poop in a bag. There's only one explanation: you are a hairy little god." Nick Galifinakis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4greyhounds Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Sending many good thoughts that Merlin feels better. Quote Darlene Mom to: Aladdin, Sophie ,Pongo, Jasmine, Relic Forever in our Hearts Champ at the Rainbow Bridge. Let a greyhound race into your heart Adopt Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions INC. Naples/ Fort Myers Chapter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest oldNELLIE Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Oh Kerry, I'm so sorry. Maybe it's time to back up and go back to basics. He improved on the I/D and Flagyl right? Just that and nothing else? And then he started to decline again when going off the Flagyl and the treats/Panacur were introduced? I am so sorry Kerry. I am going to 2nd or 3rd this...If Merlin is "off" the I/D for the moment then cover it and put it away to try again later. His tummy is so upset that he probably doesn't need or want a ton of food and as long as he is drinking and you are able to get him is meds in a little bit of food then I wouldn't worry about him eating regular meals for the time being. If he starts losing a ton of weight then it is a different story, but for now I think it is safe to just give him what you know helped him improve. The I/D is the only thing that helps Nellie when she is dealing with her stress colitis. I tried rice once and (my apologies for TMI) her diarrhea was nothing but rice grains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Stripeyfan Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Oh man, I am so sorry Merlin's had a relapse. FWIW we declined to have an endoscopy/biopsy done for Kelly as our vet admitted it could be inconclusive AND might make him sicker. I have no more advice at this point but please know we're thinking of you here across the pond. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IHeartDogs Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 (edited) I think at this point you need to consult with some other vet or specialist; i was disappointed to hear the vet told you to feed him whatever. After all those other tests you've done, it really sounds like IBD to me. His system is totally upset and will continue to be inflamed. A 24 hour fast and then try the Hill's Z/D or Purina HA. Do not give any additional treats/food, only the Z/D or HA. Maybe try the slippery elm tree bark powder that somebody recommended or sucralfate to help coat and soothe stomach and intestinal track. Dose pepcid 30 mins before feeding and wait 3-4 hours before giving sucralfate (needs to be given on an empty stomach). Pred is used for so many different illnesses and it will help control inflammation and stop his horrible runs. Once he is stabilized you can figure out what long term food/meds you want to put him on. You should see improvement within a couple days once this therapy starts. If Merlin keeps at this he will be skin and bones... I hope something works soon. Sending tons of healing thoughts and to you and your DH. Keep us updated. Edited April 27, 2011 by IHeartDogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seeh2o Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Damn, I'm sorry you guys had a bad night. It's so hard and scary when they are sick and you can't "fix" it right away. Sending good thoughts to Mr. Wizard and to you. 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...
Hawthorn Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 I'm so sorry to hear that Merlin is still suffering . I don't have much experience of this but will tell you a little story about Charlie, my first greyhound, in case it helps at all. Charlie started suffering from recurrent bouts of bloody diarrhoea when he was 6 years old. My vet at the time called it colitis and I'm really not sure how similar or not this is to IBD, but the symptoms seem very similar. Over the course of about 6 months he had several bouts, which were treated with antibiotics and steroids and a bland home-cooked diet. Each time I would think he was better and then he'd get another bout. I started to do my own research into alternative cures, and discovered aloe vera gel. If you google it, you'll find a fair amount of information about its use in people and dogs with digestive complaints. Anyway, I started giving it to Charlie every day and he never had another bout and was eventually able to eat a normal diet again. I carried on giving it to him for the rest of his life. I hesitated to post this, because I obviously can't be sure that it was the aloe vera that helped Charlie (although I do strongly believe that it was) and one anecdote doesn't amount to much at the end of day, but I decided I would mention it because I know that if I were in your position I'd want to hear about anything which might possibly help. However, please feel free to take my comments with a large pinch of salt ... My continued best wishes for Merlin and you . Quote When a relationship of love is disrupted, the relationship does not cease. The love continues; therefore, the relationship continues. The work of grief is to reconcile and redeem life to a different love relationship. ~ W Scott Lineberry Always Greyhounds Home Boarding and Greyhounds With Love House Sitting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ozgirl2 Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 I am so so sorry. By now means as severe, the last time Enza had diarrhea, my vet said that rice just doesn't seem to work so we went with instant mashed potatoes. It's easier to digest and she will eat it. Fingers cross there are others options than a scope. Cody couldn't have rice - she'd have horrible gurgly stomach. She was always on boiled hamburger & cooked pasta when she had intestinal problems. But never rice! Maybe he's allergic to it? My vet said that's more common than people think... Also - I always used Prozyme on her food (digestive enzyme) in between her bouts of bloody diarrhea. Hope you can find something that works for poor Merlin!! Quote Jeannine with Merlin, the crazed tabby cat and his sister, Jasmine, the brat-cat With Angel Cody(Roving Gemini), and Weenie the tortie waiting at the Bridge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MorganKonaAlex Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 I know a few people have mentioned the sucralfate. That is the medication Dustin gets in addition to the Flagyl. I've always assumed it's like a pepcid, but if you read some of the info, it sounds a little more intense.....maybe something to chat with the vet on. Here's a link. I guess that it is only right now a "human" drug per FDA - but vets have authority to dispense. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000536/ I've had a few dogs on it and I was on it during chemo. It's a different medication than pepcid and you can be on both at the same time. However, it should not be taken exactly at the same time as other medications because it coats the stomach and will cause the other medications to not get absorbed. Sucralfate and Flagyl are 2 medications I keep on hand to use if needed with my pups. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xan Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Oh, yeah. Reading along, I'm reminded of some of the other stuff we had for Happy. Enzymes, check. Tylan, check. Pred., check, then replaced with budesonide later, check. Slippery elm! Check. I love the idea of aloe. Make sure what you give him doesn't have any alcohol in the mix, of course. I also think you're doing right to fast him a bit, let his system find some balance, get less irritated. Kerry, I'm over here chanting like crazy for you guys!! :bighug Quote My Inspirations: Grey Pogo, borzoi Katie, Meep the cat, AND MY BELOVED DH!!!Missing Rowdy, Coco, Brilly, Happy and Wabi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyhound1 Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Sending prayers for Merlin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greyhead Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 (edited) Kerry, I PM'd you with a link to one of Spencer's IBD threads, relating to his ultrasound findings. For anyone else who's interested, here's the link: Spencer's ultrasound and particulary post #27. It reminded me about the "lymphangectasia" and "dilated lacteals" that the US found and which pointed to IBD, thus avoiding surgical biopsy when endoscopy wouldn't even work. I'm hoping Merlin's ultrasound at least showed what area of his intestines has the problem and am hoping to help Kerry ask her vet about it. Edited April 27, 2011 by greyhead Quote Mary with Jumper Jack (2/17/11) and angels Shane (PA's Busta Rime, 12/10/02 - 10/14/16) and Spencer (Dutch Laser, 11/25/00 - 3/29/13). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers for Merlin. I hope a solution is found for his poor tummy soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magdalyn58 Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 Sending prayers and positive thoughts for Merlin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MerlinsMum Posted April 27, 2011 Author Share Posted April 27, 2011 (edited) Thank you so much for all your suggestions. I haven't had a chance to read all my PMs yet but I will reply ASAP. I just got back from walking the dogs - separately. Merlin had bloody diarrhea again and it was a strange raspberry type color I was at the vet for over an hour earlier today. While I was at the dentist (for a crown AND a root canal - a good day! ) she called me and left a long message addressing all my questions and the suggestions I received here. She suggested I catch her before her afternoon appointments. I drove over there and we went through everything - she still thinks the most likely scenario is IBD. We went over so many possibilities that my head was spinning at the end of it all. But we decided that we're going to try the I/D again (wet only as it's easier to digest) and Flagyl for the next 24 hours, then I'll add Tylan. I'll update her daily. I have to monitor his gums, and monitor him for signs of weakness, etc. She did suggest that if things get really bad we may have to consider surgery. Of course it's even more invasive than an endoscopy, so very scary but it would give us answers in a way that the scope might not. Anyway, that's hopefully a distant option. What worries me most at this time is watching him vomit and have bloody diarrhea constantly, and not knowing what to do (and feed him) on a day-to-day basis. Susan - thanks for your offer! Merlin is already seeing a specialist - that's where we did the ultrasound. I spoke with her again yesterday when she suggested switching from the Metro to Tylan and then proceeding with a scope of that doesn't work. I just don't want to waste money on a scope that might tell me nothing when I can use that money on finding something that works for him. I will willingly go into debt for my wizard, but the way things are going that's going to be the case anyway, so I need to make sure that I go into debt to obtain a *result*. I am petrified of finding myself completely broke and unable to make the best decisions for Merlin if things get really bad. I am beyond worried about going to work and leaving him tomorrow. I have so much to do that I can't take any more time off right now... I'm going to have to separate the dogs so that I can leave Merlin unmuzzled in case he needs to vomit. Sagan is NOT going to like that at all, I hope he doesn't freak out Anyway, the vet sent us home with Sucralfate as well. I have to give it to him 30 minutes before I give him his Pepcid. Oh, and I love my vet. She met with me for well over an hour and she didn't charge me a penny. Edited April 27, 2011 by MerlinsMum Quote Kerry with Lupin in beautiful coastal Maine. Missing Pippin, my best friend and sweet little heart-healer 2013-2023 Also missing the best wizard in the world, Merlin, and my sweet 80lb limpet, Sagan, every single day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted April 27, 2011 Share Posted April 27, 2011 (edited) Oh Kerry, I'm so sorry. Maybe it's time to back up and go back to basics. He improved on the I/D and Flagyl right? Just that and nothing else? And then he started to decline again when going off the Flagyl and the treats/Panacur were introduced? Hang in there, I know the awful rollar coaster you are on Good point Amber. Kerry my heart goes out to you. I can only imagine how scary this is. Edited April 27, 2011 by Jackandgrey Quote Susan, Jessie and Jordy NORTHERN SKY GREYHOUND ADOPTION ASSOCIATION Jack, in my heart forever March 1999-Nov 21, 2008 My Dancing Queen Jilly with me always and forever Aug 12, 2003-Oct 15, 2010 Joshy I will love you always Aug 1, 2004-Feb 22,2013 Jonah my sweetheart May 2000 - Jan 2015 " You will never need to be alone again. I promise this. As your dog, I will sing this promise to you, and whisper it to you at night, every night, with my breath." Stanley Coren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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