My dog is sick

lukesmom

I have a bichon x Tibetan spaniel and for the past few days she has been acting strangely.

Not eating
Very lethargic
Unsteady on her feet
No control over her bladder
Vomited once
Glazed faraway look in eyes

Just wondering if anybody's dog has been similar. She has an appointment with vet today in an hours time and my husband is bringing her. I'm trying to stay positive but she has really changed. I can't imagine my life without her. She is 9 years old.

anniehoo

How did you get on at the vet?

DBB

Jayney, it sounds like it could be any number of things, which I know isn't very hepful, but certainly getting her to the vet was the 100% right thing to do.
How is she doing now?
Sounds like a very interesting mix of pooches, I'm sure she's cuteness personified :-)
Hope she's on the mend now that she has seen the vet.

lukesmom

The vet has said she is in quite a bit of pain. He has given painkillers and food for sick dogs in the hope that she will eat something. He said if she hasn't eaten by Monday then the kindest thing to do is put her out of her misery. Heartbroken but more so for our son who has had her for. 9 years since he was 3

beertons

Just have the best weekend ever with her. And when Monday comes, bite your lip. Hope she gets better for you though.

lukesmom

Rosie last week on the left beside our bichon Charlie



Rosie now

DBB

Oh crap :-(
Does your vet have any idea what the problem is?
Do you know and trust your vet? Maybe he gave plenty of info but it just seems a little incomplete for him to give painkillers and food, with a very final answer to the problem on Monday?
Don't discount a second opinion, which you might want to consider ASAP.

Lisha

Thinking of you Lukesmom . I can feel your pain.
Our dog had just been at vet today too, possible heart issues. We are not how long more we will have him for.

Soo would second the suggestions offered above re having a great weekend with your family and dog as well as consulting a second opinion too.

Mind yourself

lukesmom

Vet gave her an injection to bring on hunger and she has just eaten a small tin of food he gave for her. I'm not sure what will happen now at all?

Pretzill

lukesmom wrote: »

Vet gave her an injection to bring on hunger and she has just eaten a small tin of food he gave for her. I'm not sure what will happen now at all?

I do hope she rallies lukesmom - she's such a little dote - did the vet take bloods? You know sometimes they can come back as quick as they go down. All the best I know how tough it is.

borderlinemeath

lukesmom wrote: »

The vet has said she is in quite a bit of pain. He has given painkillers and food for sick dogs in the hope that she will eat something. He said if she hasn't eaten by Monday then the kindest thing to do is put her out of her misery. Heartbroken but more so for our son who has had her for. 9 years since he was 3

I really wouldn't be happy with that diagnosis OP. Did your vet run any blood tests at all? With an inconclusive diagnosis I would expect bloods to be taken and definitely not such a definitive timeframe for your dogs demise! Does your dog have any previous illness history that might have influenced the vets opinion?

lukesmom

borderlinemeath wrote: »

I really wouldn't be happy with that diagnosis OP. Did your vet run any blood tests at all? With an inconclusive diagnosis I would expect bloods to be taken and definitely not such a definitive timeframe for your dogs demise! Does your dog have any previous illness history that might have influenced the vets opinion?

Hi no blood tests at all no. He reckons she ate something poisonous or it's cancer but poison is more like it as she got out the back fence on Wednesday that blew down and went into the neighbours garden and ever since then she has been very sick. She has no previous illness at all has always been healthy. Actually even had her neutered as I couldn't stand the thought of her in pain x

DBB

I find it utterly bizarre that your vet did not attempt a diagnosis... Even if, say, rat poison was suspected, your dog should now be on Vitamin K tablets, at the very least.
That aside, at an absolute minimum, your vet should have taken blood and a urine sample, at the very least. Your vet would give me no confidence at all at this most critical time.
OP, I can't be any more blunt than this: get your dog to a different vet tomorrow. In fact, were it me I'd be calling an emergency vet right now with a view to an immediate intake, with her staying overnight with the vet for monitoring.
You poor thing, you must be mad with worry.

Aru

Please tell me your vet is a large animal or old fashioned vet..please because Im not at all impressed by what I have heard.
Unless cost is a very serious issue I would strongly advise you to seek the advise of another vet. sooner rather than later.
Actually even if cost is an issue I would look for a second opinion before putting down a little dog who is vomiting and off form ....why is she not in the vets on a drip to flush toxins if shes possibly been poisoned?has he given her vitamin k or any tablets that would combat rat posions effects? if she has cancer why is the illness sudden onset?did he say he can feel masses in her belly?
Bloods or xrays could give an idea of what is going on with your little one and may give you an idea of whats going on..It may not be possible to get these done on a weekend easily but larger practices often have these facilities onsite.

If she has not being spayed she may even have what is called a closed pyometra. vomiting,tiredness and unwilling to eat but drinking as the hallmark signs of a pyo...
When was her last season? If it is a pyo she can have an operation to remove the womb and has a very good chance of survival if she is put on fluids and antibiotics to stabilise her before surgery..
Please dont write your little girl off without giving her a chance.

Edited to add I am a vet btw ...hence the concern. Please contact the emergency number for a vet who can admit your little one,

borderlinemeath

OP where are you based? Somebody may be able to recommend a different vet for a second opinion if we knew whereabout you were. At a bare minimum your vet should have run bloods for organ functionality etc. As DBB said, if rat poisoning (the most common poisoning) was suspected then your dog should be on vitamin K tablets to counteract the poison thinning the blood.

Have you spoken to your neighbour? Had they anything in their garden that could have caused it? If the vet knew a possible cause then it could help with treatment.

lukesmom

She has been neutered for years. She is a lot better now than what she was earlier before we brought her to vet so I can only hope this is the turning point. She is drinking more water and wagged her tail which I hadn't seen her do in 4 days although she is still fatigued. If there is no continuous improvement I will bring her to another vet. Our usual vet wouldn't see her today so we brought her to the vet my in laws use.

Edited to say I'm in navan

DBB

Will be keeping everything crossed for her, she's a little cutie!

Aru

Apologies I misinterpreted your post and thought she was entire...and as pyos are so common but can be treated I was concerned that you might lose her to a very treatable issue.

Personally I would prefer to see a little dog who wasn't eating in 4 days on a drip and being monitored but if she is improving on meds I can see why she is at home. Hopefully she will continue to improve. sorry for worrying you so much in previous post.

lukesmom

Aru wrote: »

Apologies I misinterpreted your post and thought she was entire...and as pyos are so common but can be treated I was concerned that you might lose her to a very treatable issue.

Personally I would prefer to see a little dog who wasn't eating in 4 days on a drip and being monitored but if she is improving on meds I can see why she is at home. Hopefully she will continue to improve. sorry for worrying you so much in previous post.

No thank you I really appreciate your post x

borderlinemeath

lukesmom wrote: »

She has been neutered for years. She is a lot better now than what she was earlier before we brought her to vet so I can only hope this is the turning point. She is drinking more water and wagged her tail which I hadn't seen her do in 4 days although she is still fatigued. If there is no continuous improvement I will bring her to another vet. Our usual vet wouldn't see her today so we brought her to the vet my in laws use.

Edited to say I'm in navan

That's great that she's perked up a bit.
You're not a million miles away from a great vet in Slane, Francis Harvey. I reckon DBB would recommend her as well if Rosie is still not herself tomorrow or Monday at the very latest.

lukesmom

borderlinemeath wrote: »

That's great that she's perked up a bit.
You're not a million miles away from a great vet in Slane, Francis Harvey. I reckon DBB would recommend her as well if Rosie is still not herself tomorrow or Monday at the very latest.

Thank you. I'm only 7 miles from Slane village. I will update tomorrow evening with how Rosie is

lovelyjubbly

I would definitely go to Francis Harvey. I've had less than satisfactory results from 2 different vets in Navan until I found her.

bobskii

There's a vet in Johnstown my brother uses,0469020500 that's their out of hours number if you want to put your mind at rest give them a call . I wouldn't be happy at all with the vets diagnoses.

DBB

lovelyjubbly wrote: »

I would definitely go to Francis Harvey. I've had less than satisfactory results from 2 different vets in Navan until I found her.

I can also tell you from personal experience, and from many people I know, that Frances will drop everything to help a dog at ludicrous hours of the day and night.
There's nothing fancy about the clinic, in fact it can appear rather chaotic, but Frances will not rest until she has an answer. Even on a Sunday afternoon!
Like lovelyjubbly, I've heard more than one negative report about a couple of the Navan vets.

aonb

any update on Rosie Lukesmom?

lukesmom

aonb wrote: »

any update on Rosie Lukesmom?

Hi

Last night Rosie ate some food for the first time in four days. Today's she has eaten plenty and has more energy. She seems to have had a turnaround and I'm just over the moon. She's wagging her tail again! My emotions have gone from feeling devastated that having her put down was mentioned as a real possibility, to utter elation at watching her eat and drink and best of all coming to greet me when I came home this afternoon. I don't know how the vets injection to make her eat and painkillers could have been so on the money but it seems to be the case. We are so happy especially our son. Thanks for all your kind comments, suggestions and concern. I dont want to jinx it but I reckon she is totally on the mend.

anniehoo

lukesmom wrote: »

I dont want to jinx it but I reckon she is totally on the mend.

Lukesmom, whilst that is absolutely fantastic news and I really hope she's over the worst.

I would be seriously questioning your choice of vet:

lukesmom wrote: »

He reckons she ate something poisonous or it's cancer

I know you're giving us a synopsis but even still...poison to cancer, with no bloods,scans,biopsies etc taken is way too far fetched for me.

Change vets asap if they haven't even done basic tests first.

lukesmom

Update too much information! She is getting sick a lot. clear liquid vomit like bile

DBB

lukesmom wrote: »

Update too much information! She is getting sick a lot. clear liquid vomit like bile

You know what you need to do lukesmom, but hopefully your own usual vet can make a diagnosis this time, via the appropriate range of tests already outlined above.
Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

lukesmom

We don't have the money for the vet. We paid out €350 for our sons secondary school he's starting September so we are broke until next week. I rang local vet and asked could we pay the next week but they said no rosie is definitely in pain and is vomiting all day. So frustrating watching her in pain

Archeron

lukesmom wrote: »

We don't have the money for the vet. We paid out €350 for our sons secondary school he's starting September so we are broke until next week. I rang local vet and asked could we pay the next week but they said no rosie is definitely in pain and is vomiting all day. So frustrating watching her in pain

If you can get her to Dublin, could the Blue Cross help?

lukesmom

Archeron wrote: »

If you can get her to Dublin, could the blue cross help?

Will ring them tomorrow. Rosie is expelling liquid from her back passage. It is the foulest smelling liquid I have ever smelt. All day this is happening and just a few minutes ago I had to clean it up again. My heart is going out to her I feel so helpless.

Pretzill

lukesmom wrote: »

We don't have the money for the vet. We paid out €350 for our sons secondary school he's starting September so we are broke until next week. I rang local vet and asked could we pay the next week but they said no rosie is definitely in pain and is vomiting all day. So frustrating watching her in pain

That sort of response makes me think your local vet isn't the right vet at all. That's an extremley harsh way to treat you. Hopefully there's another vet who can let you pay later. It happens where I live regularly but then I'm rural and most of the animals owners would be on account.

No one can say what your dogs needs are except a vet and tbh your vet as they have already seen your dog, treated her and it didn't seem to work shouldn't be charging too much for a follow up. That's terrible hard on you and the family hopefully someone on here can advise on a nearby vet that worries if an animal is suffering. Take care.

DBB

lukesmom wrote: »

We don't have the money for the vet. We paid out €350 for our sons secondary school he's starting September so we are broke until next week. I rang local vet and asked could we pay the next week but they said no rosie is definitely in pain and is vomiting all day. So frustrating watching her in pain

Call Frances Harvey in Slane. There's not a chance she would leave the dog suffer for want of being paid next week. I can pm you her phone number if you like, but she runs her clinics 7-8pm weekdays on a first-come-first-served basis.
Your current vet no longer deserves your custom with an attitude like that, in any case.

anniehoo

lukesmom wrote: »

We don't have the money for the vet. We paid out €350 for our sons secondary school he's starting September so we are broke until next week. I rang local vet and asked could we pay the next week but they said no rosie is definitely in pain and is vomiting all day. So frustrating watching her in pain

lukesmom, can you PM any of the Mods here and we'll try and help you out.

If you can tell us what part of the country you are in someone will PM you with help. We will do our utmost to help you here.

lukesmom

I'm in Navan

lukesmom

anniehoo wrote: »

lukesmom, can you PM any of the Mods here and we'll try and help you out.

If you can tell us what part of the country you are in someone will PM you with help. We can't name charities/rescues....but we will do our utmost to help you here.

Edit: It has pained me to snip advice here. Seriously. If the OP wants help they are free to PM anyone here including Mods for help.

I've pmd you x

lukesmom

Have sent an email to my usual vet pleading for them to see rosie and let me pay in installments. Just hoping my phone rings soon with good news. I've told them I believe she is dying. I really hope they consider this x

cocker5

lukesmom wrote: »

Have sent an email to my usual vet pleading for them to see rosie and let me pay in installments. Just hoping my phone rings soon with good news. I've told them I believe she is dying. I really hope they consider this x

To be veery honest OP, your vet may not even pick up to email til its too late, my vet only responds the next day etc. so there could be a delay.

Personally I wouldnt risk it, your dog is getting sicker by the hour here so please call the vet and verbally plead... its harder to say no in person or on the phone rather than via an email.

Have you tried to place in Slane DBB recommended?

Really hope your dog is ok.

DBB

I can only hope they monitor their emails regularly and get back to you quickly. I'd be more inclined to phone or call in person to them. Your dog is critically ill, there isn't an awful lot of time to hang around here for an email from a vet who has already refused you.
You have been given the contact details of a number of other vets and charities that will certainly help, including a super vet just minutes away from you who is not expensive, and not a money-grabber.
Your dog needs to see a vet today, and ASAP. If your own vet, who I would be contacting right now, does not agree to help, the other options must be explored immediately before you run out of time.

Frog Song

lukesmom wrote: »

Have sent an email to my usual vet pleading for them to see rosie and let me pay in installments. Just hoping my phone rings soon with good news. I've told them I believe she is dying. I really hope they consider this x

They could take ages to email back. She's suffering, there has to be somewhere else that will see her and let you pay later. Most Vets are more compassionate than your current one.

Frog Song

DBB wrote: »

I can only hope they monitor their emails regularly and get back to you quickly. I'd be more inclined to phone or call in person to them. Your dog is critically ill, there isn't an awful lot of time to hang around here for an email from a vet who has already refused you.
You have been given the contact details of a number of other vets and charities that will certainly help, including a super vet just minutes away from you who is not expensive, and not a money-grabber.
Your dog needs to see a vet today, and ASAP. If your own vet, who I would be contacting right now, does not agree to help, the other options must be explored immediately before you run out of time.

Please do this!

borderlinemeath

Agree with above posts.
OP if Rosie is vomiting and has diarrhea then she is very much in danger of dehydration. Is she drinking water? Can you syringe some water into her if she isn't? At this stage I reckon she needs IV fluids at a minimum. Please don't delay and find a vet that will let you pay in installments.

lukesmom

Hi just heard back from last hope and unfortunately they aren't in a position to help me right now as their funds are also tight. I also rang my local vet and as they are trying to manage on tight costs they can't let me come today and pay next Tuesday so Im just taking the money out of an urgent bill that needed paying, Rosie is much much more important, have appointment at 4.40 today. By the way the vet is shocked at what the other vet gave Rosie (pain injection) she said on the phone it should have been vitamin K. Will be back to you all here later and will let you know Rosie's condition.

I'm so grateful for all your advice.

cocker5

lukesmom wrote: »

Hi just heard back from last hope and unfortunately they aren't in a position to help me right now as their funds are also tight. I also rang my local vet and as they are trying to manage on tight costs they can't let me come today and pay next Tuesday so Im just taking the money out of an urgent bill that needed paying, Rosie is much much more important, have appointment at 4.40 today. By the way the vet is shocked at what the other vet gave Rosie (pain injection) she said on the phone it should have been vitamin K. Will be back to you all here later and will let you know Rosie's condition.

I'm so grateful for all your advice.

Fair play OP, fingers crossed she ok XXX

lukesmom

What a day. Had to put Rosie down today. Bawled crying the whole way through, a very sad 12 year old son here tonight he will be fine though and it was the kindest thing to do x

TopTec

Soooo sad. Have been following this thread closely hoping all would be well. I am very sorry for your loss.

TT

Lisha

Ah lukesmom I'm so sad for ye.
It's such a tough time . I'll be thinking of ye . Mind yourselves

.jacksparrow.

Awh very sorry to hear about your loss.

Rip Rosie.

borderlinemeath

lukesmom wrote: »

What a day. Had to put Rosie down today. Bawled crying the whole way through, a very sad 12 year old son here tonight he will be fine though and it was the kindest thing to do x

OP, I'm so sorry, but at least you were there with her at the end.

beertons

Sorry to hear lukesmom. I was rooting for you.