Update on Jax

[Kimenem]

The hospital called today and said that his abdominal ultrasound was normal and all his blood work was also back to normal. They said he did not/does not have pancreatitis. They said something these things just happen or he could've gotten hold of something that didn't agree with him. She also said she can tell he is a nervous dog so stress from the puppy could have done it as well. She said they were going to try to get food in him later today and if he keeps that down, he can come home tomorrow. I'm just worried about it happening again. What do I do if he starts getting sick again? How do I keep him from getting dehydrated? He only threw up 4 times (back to back) and had diarrhea twice I think. How could he have gotten that way so fast. I don't want to get rid of the puupy but I can't continue to put his health at risk if she is what is causing it. His regular vet was updated and wants all his med records. They said if needed, they can give him a very mild anxiety type med. Then again, we had a visitor stay with us for 2 weeks and he didn't get sick. Maybe it was just something he ate? Btw, they said it was probably gastritis.

 

[LaughingWater]

Oh, I hope it was just a passing bug, and that Jax's gut will settle down soon.

 

[PhyllisG]

That is very good news. I am very happy for you and for Jax. I thought it was just too coincidental that Jax got ill just around the time you got the new puppy and I remembered my friend going thru the same ordeal except the vet said stress right off. You could consult an animal behaviorist (perhaps your vet can suggest one) or I would just shower Jax with lots of extra attention and make sure he always comes first--fed first, given treats first. I would also take the 2 of them out for walks together because dogs bond that way. Don't fuss too much over the new puppy. Gve Jax time alone with you without the dog always there. Make sure you stick to Jax's routine. It is so easy to fuss over the new one. Just like having a new baby and the older child feeling left out. Of course he may just have eaten something too but what? Good luck and glad Jax is doing well.

 

[Gayle]

You could consult an animal behaviorist (perhaps your vet can suggest one) or I would just shower Jax with lots of extra attention and make sure he always comes first--fed first, given treats first. I would also take the 2 of them out for walks together because dogs bond that way. Don't fuss too much over the new puppy.

Good idea. Maybe they can suggest some confidence building activities for Jax...maybe some obedience stuff.

I've had a few dogs with sensitive stomachs. The general food rule in that case is a bland diet - boiled hamburger or chicken with rice. As for the dehydration, a trick I've used with Rascal to entice him to drink is to mix a little chicken stock (or beef stick) in with the water in his dish. The chicken smell makes a bit more attractive. You don't need much.

HTH, and glad Jax is feeling better.

 

[Liann]

Take a deep breath and RELAX. Doggies do get sick from time to time and the initial stress from the new pup could have triggered this, but that doesn't mean you have to run out and get rid of the new puppy. Both Gayle and Phyllis had some good advice. Give them some time to get used to each other and try not to get too frazzled about it. Your dogs can sense that and it will only stress them out more. Did the vet give you any Metronidazole? That is basically Flagyl. I have that at home and the first instance of bad diarrhea, my babies get a dose of that. It will usually knock it out before anyone gets too sick. It only takes a few incidences of diarrhea for the little breeds to go downhill. It really happens that fast. So I always have that on hand. Again, take a deep breath. It's going to be OK! (((HUGS)))