Stomach Inflamation-Dire Need

[Phil]

Our vet has nearly exhausted possible causes for our six year-old greyhound's vomiting.  After extensive imaging which showed a dilated esophagus, he finally did an endoscopy of her upper GI and discovered inflammation (redness) in the back of her stomach.  He has done a biopsy, but we do not expect results for a few days.  This all began only 5 days ago and now vomits blood.  Before this time she had not shown signs of any issues.  Has anyone had a similar experience they can share?  She may need to be euthanized if we cannot diagnose this problem soon.

[macoduck]

Phil, you will get some replies here, but also go on the Greytalk Facebook page (unrelated to this dot com message board) because you may get more responses.

How long have you had your her girl? Was she normal 5 days ago prior to this onset? Was an xray done to see if there was any foreign matter in her stomach or bowel? Did she ever eat non-food items? Is she still able to eat and drink now?

Have you contacted your adoption group to see if someone there has any ideas on what to do for her?

[Time4ANap]

Check to see if there is a Veterinary Medical School with a Clinic anywhere near you if you aren't getting anywhere with your vet. Most schools that train veterinarians have a clinic. If you post your location, someone here may be able to refer you to a specific clinic or specialist somewhere near you. 

 You could also try a consult with Dr. Cuoto who may well have dealt with this issue previously in other Greyhounds. http://www.coutovetconsultants.com/

Dr. Cuoto's consultations are reasonably priced and he answers email quickly, even when he's out of the office or traveling. He will also work with your vet. 

Hope you get to the bottom of this quickly and that your pup is feeling better soon. 

[Phil]

Thanks macoduck and Time4ANap!

Brisa was normal before this sudden onset of vomiting, now seven days ago.  I am concerned that she may have eaten non-food items, however it has not been in her nature to try.  She was referred to a specialty vet hospital two days ago where she now remains.  She is now on an IV.

I first suspected an obstruction, but that was nearly ruled out early by x-rays.  However, a dilated esophagus was clear.  The vet then suspected myasthenia gravis, considered the most common cause of canine megaesophagus.  The vet immediately began treatment for myasthenia gravis, but Brisa did not respond as she should.  So the vet then, reluctantly due to need for anesthesia, performed the endoscopy, thereby confirming no obstruction but finding a "bruised/reddish" appearance to the back of her stomach.  The vet took a sample of her stomach for biopsy with earliest possible results tomorrow.  At this time, cancer is not suspected.  I may try to consult Dr. Cuoto.

[smt]

Nothing to add on the medical front, but do want to say that I am keeping you and your Brisa in my thoughts.  It is always terrible when our babies are not well, especially when we have no idea as to what is at the bottom of it.  

[greysmom]

Most usually the culprit is pancreatitis, but I'm assuming your vet checked for that first.

This also came across my Facebook feed recently.

Unexplained vomiting in dogs in Norway