Guest Downtownhoundz Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 I've had Benjamin & his brother for almost three years now and the two are inseparable. They are bonded brothers who were at the Birmingham race track for two years waiting for a home. Ben has a birth defect of the bowel and rectum which has caused him a moderate anmount of trouble. Apparently he has had two surgeries to correct that but to no avail. He's been on mineral oil and stool softener since forever. I've had to increase both which causes him to "leak" poop.He still does strain some time and has caused the old stitiches to pop and has himself licked raw back there. Sometimes the rectum bulges and I have to run him to the vet to get cleaned out.He is quickly losing muscle tone and can't move much even with the help of mineral oil and stool softener. I've noticed now that his right side seems to be sensitive as he will sometimes yelp when I scratch him there. Now for the last two days he has started throwing up all of his food. The last time I was at the vet's which was a month ago, she mentioned maybe doing surgery again. I'm reluctant to do that because of the cost for one( I'm still paying off Kylie's illness and death) and there are no guarantees that it would help him. I dread this whole ordeal if I have to go down that "road" with him. I wonder how his brother will be without him. I knew he had a medical issue when I adopted him, but it's hard to prepare for the inevitable, especially since he seems fine otherwise. Has anyone else had anything remotely like what he's going though? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFullHouse Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 If he's throwing up, he may have a blockage since he doesn't go without the help of stool softeners. I remember these boys and how connected to one another they are. I have no advice since I've never dealt with it before. I wish you the best and hope someone here can give you some guidance. 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...
Batmom Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 If he's throwing up it really would be best to get him seen today if you can. Repeated vomiting isn't good (as I know you know). I wonder if it might be worth asking the OSU consultation service to review his case for you. That service is free. I would wonder particularly if a subtotal colectomy might be worthwhile in his case. You used to hear about that surgery being most successful in cats but I have seen a couple articles where it was successful in dogs, too. I'm not suggesting you get into something you can't afford; just that it might be worthwhile to get another assessment of his case. I know how bonded your boys are and how much you love them. Hoping for the best possible outcome! 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 Downtownhoundz Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 If he's throwing up it really would be best to get him seen today if you can. Repeated vomiting isn't good (as I know you know). I wonder if it might be worth asking the OSU consultation service to review his case for you. That service is free. I would wonder particularly if a subtotal colectomy might be worthwhile in his case. You used to hear about that surgery being most successful in cats but I have seen a couple articles where it was successful in dogs, too. I'm not suggesting you get into something you can't afford; just that it might be worthwhile to get another assessment of his case. I know how bonded your boys are and how much you love them. Hoping for the best possible outcome! That's not a bad idea ! I'll have my vet get in touch with OSU, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batmom Posted January 10, 2012 Share Posted January 10, 2012 The consultation service info is here: https://greyhound.osu.edu/consultationservice/ . They *appreciate* it if you or your vet becomes a member (which involves money), but that is NOT required to use the free consultation service. 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...
EllenEveBaz Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Sending cyberhugs to both of your boys. Quote Ellen, with brindle Milo and the blonde ballerina, Gelsey remembering Eve, Baz, Scout, Romie, Nutmeg, and Jeter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest avadogner Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Prayers and healing thoughts to you and your hound. It sounds like an bowel obstruction which is not good. I'll keep y'all in my thoughts! Ava& Augie's Mum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FullMetalFrank Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 I am sorry this is happening. I was thinking about your B-boyz the other day and wondering how Benjamin was doing; I am sorry the news isn't better. Hope the OSU consult brings some better hope for a solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlies_Dad Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Hoping that you can find Benjamin some help. I know you continue to try hard... Quote Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge. Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhillyPups Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Many for Benjamin. I so remember their coming home to you together and I often think of you all. Please keep us posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryz Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Anne, I hope OSU can give you some answers. I am sending prayers for your boy and for you as you try to get him help. Quote Mary, mom to kitty Rebel.Always missing Sherri (SO DELICIOUS) (12/6/2005-8/29/2018) kitties Marley (4/2000-12/3/2015) and Beady (4/1998-2/24/2006) and Dalmatian Daisy (7/25/1984-5/13/1999). The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not - Thomas Jefferson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnie Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Just seeing this now Anne. No advice just . I hope OSU can help. Please keep us posted. Quote Laura with Celeste (ICU Celeste) and Galgos Beatrix and Encarna The Horse - Gracie (MD Grace E) Bridge Angels Faye Oops (Santa Fe Oops), Bonny (Bonny Drive), Darcy (D's Zipperfoot) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carronstar Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 No advice, just lots of good thoughts and prayers. I remember so well when they came home to you and they joy you all found in each other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest brcgreys Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 Lots of love, hugs and prayers being sent your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dante2zoe Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 I am just seeing this and am so sorry that Ben is having such a difficult time. I remember bringing those boys home! Maverick sends his best, too. He still loves to drive! Please let us know how things turn out with OSU. Cindy Quote Cindy with Miss Fancypants, Paris Bueller, Zeke, and Angus Dante (Dg's Boyd), Zoe (In a While), Brady (Devilish Effect), Goose (BG Shotgun), Maverick (BG ShoMe), Maggie (All Trades Jax), Sherman (LNB Herman Bad) and Indy (BYB whippet) forever in my heart The flame that burns the brightest, burns the fastest and leaves the biggest shadow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest barkdogs Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 No advice, just hopeful thoughts for Benjamin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Downtownhoundz Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Thank you everyone for the well wishes ! We went for a walkie today and he passed some poop, but he kind of yelps when he does. I don't think he's blocked but he constantly licks himself raw back there. I'm gonna take him in to be looked at this week... and go from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest verthib Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Thank you everyone for the well wishes ! We went for a walkie today and he passed some poop, but he kind of yelps when he does. I don't think he's blocked but he constantly licks himself raw back there. I'm gonna take him in to be looked at this week... and go from there. Even if he's passing some stool, he's probably still backed up. That's why his side is tender. He probably needs a good clean out. Good luck with him. Sending positive thoughts your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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