Ok I'm freaking out!

[ReesAkita]

Kujo had a bout of the runs yesterday and vomitted once..Once he did that he seemed fine..Ate his food as usual,drank water and played....Today he became very lethargic and when I took him out before I went to work and when he went to go poop he shot out nothing but blood and it smelled horrible...I'm going to take him to the vet in the morning but I'm worried about letting him wait that long....It smelled just like Parvo does..I know he doesn't have it since he's up to date on all his shots and isn't around any other dogs but my Husky...He's drinking water fine but refuses to eat anything at all...His gums are pale which I know is not good...The Animal ER is far from here but I'm still unsure about making him wait until morning...He's also trying to confine himself in corners which I know is not a good sign.

[ferJenna]

That doesn't sound good :( Especially if you say it smells like parvo. Keep Nina away and I would take him to the vet ASAP.

[ReesAkita]

I just talked to a vet at the emergency clinic and he said not to worry about his not eating since it's only been one day and he is still drinking water...He said since the bleeding has only happend twice as long as I get him in first thing in the morning he should be ok....I tried to give him some ham which is one of his favorites and he threw it on the floor..He also said not to worry about Parvo because of his age,having his shots and no contact with other dogs but that the smell is indicitive of a problem....I guess I'll be up watching him through the night...I don't know what I'll do if it's something serious..I cried half the night at work...Good thing I work in the pet buisness.

[tiffers]

I wasn't thinking Parvo at all. I'm thinking HGE...and that's EXPENSIVE! I hope you've saved up...basically, HGE is basically a massive gastric upset, I've seen some near death cases and most have made it through. I would not feed him until you go to the vet and see what they have to say, does his stool or vomit look like it has coffee grounds in it? If so, you also may be looking at ulcerations in the stomach and intestines as well. Keep him hydrated, no food, no treats...nothing.

Let us know what the vet says...

[ReesAkita]

No...When he vomitted it was just his food and the blood is dark red with some clots in it.

[ReesAkita]

Tiffers what kind of tests do they do for that?

[tiffers]

I bet it's HGE - Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis.

Here is the Wikipedia Entry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemorrhagic_gastroenteritis) for it. It seems to be pretty decent.

[tiffers]

Tiffers what kind of tests do they do for that?

...there's really no test. We generally go by symptoms, there's no known cause...so it's generally treated symptomatically, meaning...you treat the symptoms until the process runs it's course. Like with Parvo, you can't treat the virus...only the symptoms. Generally, IV fluids...lots of IV medications, and usually go home within a day or two.

[ReesAkita]

He's only vomitted once and the bloody stool twice...I thought maybe the blood was from him having the runs but it's dark red and a little clotty plus the smell made me think other wise....He's so lethargic and the absolute refusal to eat is really making me worry....Is it because his stomach is upset or maybe he just doesn't have the energy to eat?...He did manage to keep all of his food down yesterday even after he got sick....I was also worried about him trying to confine himself but he hasn't done that since I got home from work so maybe he just wanted to be away from my hubby and daughter because now he's laying right next to me

[tiffers]

HGE and Parvo smell almost EXACTLY the same. Is his diarrhea pure water? HGE can also be caused by stressed, and I really feel like he is considering the recent events in your house. Is he dehydrated? I would refrain from feeding him anything...your vet may give you a bland food/diet to feed him instead of his normal diet.

[ReesAkita]

It is pure water and he will not eat anything at all...We've tried to feed him everything and anything but he won't even smell food...He'll drink water if I bring the bowl to him but that's eat!

[tiffers]

...the more you talk, the more I think HGE...but, I'm not a vet...you know that. I'll keep you and your little dude in my thoughts and prayers, be sure you tell the vet about Nina and the conflicts around the house as well.

[ReesAkita]

HGE and Parvo smell almost EXACTLY the same. Is his diarrhea pure water? HGE can also be caused by stressed, and I really feel like he is considering the recent events in your house. Is he dehydrated? I would refrain from feeding him anything...your vet may give you a bland food/diet to feed him instead of his normal diet.
Well then your probably right about the HGE because as soon as I smelled it I thought Parvo...I've had 3 puppie throughout the year that have had Parvo...You don't forget the smell!

[ReesAkita]

You know Tiffers now that I think about it I think you maybe right about the stress...The poop problem started the morning Nina peed on his bed and he's refused to sleep on it since and since then is when he started getting sick and lethargic!

[tiffers]

You really don't forget the smell...Parvo...it's got a wicked smell, and HGE smells about the same. I'm pretty sure that's what it is considering the stress on Kujo and recent events. Do you have an appointment in the morning with your vet?

As far as taking him to the EC, flip his lip...pale or white? Pinch his neck...how high does it stay pinched? To save you some money, because HGE is expensive to treat, I'd say that he is suffering, he feels like he's been hit by a truck...but, if you can get in right when they open in the morning (your reg. vet) you should be okay. Just keep him hydrated, he may start vomiting the blood-clotted business, it's generally what follows the diarrhea...if he starts this, to the EC you go!

[ReesAkita]

His lips and gums are pale but not white and the skin on his neck is not retracting back into shape so well....I forgot to tell you that my daughter said when she pressed on his tummy down in the lower quadrant on the right side he snapped at her and yelped..When I did it in the same spot he was ok with it...I just noticed his nose is very dry to.

[tiffers]

...imagine the last time you had a belly ache. Multiply that by 10 and then you're somewhat to feeling as crummy as Kujo. It hurts, all his intestines are inflammed and sore. He won't snap at you because you're master, just as Chica won't fidget when I clip her nails...but does when other people try to. You're master, and he knows he is to NEVER snap at master.

The decision is ultimately your's. You can take him to the ER to end his suffering, or you can wait until the morning to save some money. Neither is really a bad choice, I don't really know what I'd do in your situation if I weren't in the business. I'd be pretty freaked, too, I'm sure.

[ReesAkita]

Well the clinic is about an hour away and I have a 5 speed Mustang that is a very bumpy ride and has a small back seat that he's actually a little to big for so I know that in itself is going to be miserable and probably make him feel worse...He's resting now so I don't know that I want to make him more miserable but having him indure that ride...My other concern is if he has to be hospitalized....Since he was in a rescue he totally freaks in a kennel...He actually bangs his head on the kennel door...Would they be able to sedate him for the time he'd have to be in there?

[tiffers]

I agree, that the ride may stress him more and he'll 'explode' all his loveliness into your car.

Would they be able to sedate him for the time he'd have to be in there?

...it is possible that he feels too crummy for this sort of behavior, but yes...the can generally give him something to calm him.

[ReesAkita]

Well now he's making me have to force water into him with a spray bottle on stream....Is it possible that since he's only thrown up once and had the bloody diahrea(sp) twice that maybe he just has a wicked stomach bug or would it be more because he hasn't eaten since yesterday?...I'm sorry I'm bugging you with all the ?'s but I'm a mess right now...Everytime I look at him I start crying!

[tiffers]

...it is a possibility, but all the symptoms...the consistency of the volume...the stress...everything, leans more towards a stress related upset.

Don't mind the questions, having to pull an all-nighter with a new baby, so I'm good to go. :)

[ReesAkita]

Does the stress cause it because of the extra acid the body produces during stressful times?

[tiffers]

Does the stress cause it because of the extra acid the body produces during stressful times?
Honestly, I don't know the answer to that one. When a dog is stressed, diarrhea can occur, perhaps for the reason you mentioned above...and then the dog continues to stress, all it's nerves are at their end...and eventually it get's so bad that everything is inflammed and painful. Stress isn't the only cause of HGE either. Getting in the trash, eating something dead, eating something they shouldn't...etc.

[ferJenna]

Well I've learned a lot. I don't know much about HGE, learn something new everyday. Thanks Tiffers!

I feel so bad for you, Ree. Sounds like you're doing everything in your power. I would be leery about the car ride too, especially if its the explosive type.

[tiffers]

Well I've learned a lot. I don't know much about HGE, learn something new everyday. Thanks Tiffers!
You're welcome, Jenna. We probably see maybe 2 HGE cases a month, not many...but, plenty.

[ferJenna]

That's really sad. I don't think I've ever seen it (that I know of) A lot of parvo though... :(

[tiffers]

...around here, people feed whatever they can afford to their dogs and if all they can get are leftovers, that's what their dogs get. :(

[ferJenna]

I think it's like that wherever you go, unfortunately.

[tiffers]

True. True.

[dlaura]

Ree I am just reading this thread (9:00 am) and am so sorry that Kujo is still sick. When we talked yesterday he had been doing better.

Tiffers I am so glad you were on last night and could help Ree out. Thanks for that.

Ree I will keep you & Kujo in my thoughts and prayers today. I hope things are improving with Kujo. I will be here all day if you need to talk IM me.

[PeachFaceMom]

Keep us updated on Kujo..I am praying for a speedy recovery!

[beasgal]

Yes, please let us know how Kujo is doing. You are both in my prayers.

[ReesAkita]

He will be going to the vet around 4:00...They want $400 up front so we had to call our lawyer and get an advance on my husbands settlement and that won't be until after 2:00 I've been up all night cleaning up blood on the floors,walls and carpet...He's drinking tons of water thank God for that but about every 2 hours he goes outside and lets out nothing but blood...I'm about ready to take him to the vet and write a check I know I can't cover yet....i am beside myself right now and having to wait to take him is making me feel so guilty...God this sucks!

[ReesAkita]

Just got the word our loan came through I can get it at 2pm and was able to move Kujo's appt. back to 3:30.

[beasgal]

Ree, since you know you are getting the money today, can't you take Kujo in now and write the check, knowing you are depositing the money later today? I don't think the vet would try to clear the check before you were able to make the deposit. Just a thought.

[ReesAkita]

That's what I was going to do but they said the earliest they can get him in his 3:30.

[beasgal]

I'm so sorry you have to wait! I can't imagine the pain you are both going through:( . Try to stay calm and and keep busy so the waiting time will seem to go faster

[ReesAkita]

I'm trying but every time I look at him I start crying...It's like he's telling me "mom,I sick how come your not helping me"....His eye's look so sad and dull...I really can't stand this anymore!

[beasgal]

Why don't you just get in the car, drive to the vet and camp out in the waiting room until his appointment time? Maybe they will see how distressed he is and see him sooner.

[ReesAkita]

I thought about it but it'a lunch time here and he's sleeping on my bed at the moment so I'm just letting him rest until it's time to go...He gets stressed at the vets as it is.

[ferJenna]

I'm glad you got the money situation worked out! We're going to be leaving in a little bit, but you and your family will surely be in my prayers! I'll get on as soon as I can. Good luck, Ree. Give Kujo a kiss for me.

[beasgal]

Please let us know what the vet says and how he's doing. I'll be praying for you both.

[ReesAkita]

Thanks...I will

[ReesAkita]

Well guys where about ready to head to the vets...Wish us luck...I'll post an update when we get back.

[dlaura]

Ree I am wishing both you & Kujo the very best of luck. I will be watching for an update. Good luck, good luck, good luck.

[ReesAkita]

Well Tiffers was right....Kujo has HGE...He was just starting to dehydrate so we got him in just in time....They gave him some I.V. fluids and some meds there as well as some to give him at home...His blood work said his white cell count was a little low and is red cell count was up but so far nothing to indicate an infection so she thinks it's stress induced....we have to wait on the rest of the blood work to come back tomorrow but since his cell counts aren't to far off she doesn't think it will show anything....So right now we just have to wait for the meds to kick in...She said he should stop bleeding within 24 -36 hours and if not he'll have to go back...Hopefuly he'll be back to himself soon!

[beasgal]

Ree, Although serious, I'm so glad it wasn't MORE serious! Hopefully the meds will work and he will be back to himself very soon. Now you need to try to keep Kujo and yourself as stress free as possible. I know, easier said than done:)

[ReesAkita]

Isn't that the truth...She said it was a good thing I got him in when I did because once the dehydration starts they go down hill rapidly...She also said now he'll be more prone to it happening again so we'll really have to watch his stress level.

[PeachFaceMom]

I am glad he is on his way to recovery..take care of your baby and hope he feels better soon!

[dlaura]

Well at least you know what is wrong now and you didn't have to leave him at the vets. So, while it sounds serious - you caught it in time and he should be on the mend soon. From chatting with you this afternoon it sure sounds like you have gotten Nina under control and she shouldn't be stressing Kujo anymore. Now you need de-stress yourself to. I am so glad Kujo is going to be OK. {{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}

[ReesAkita]

Thanks guys...They wanted to keep him over night but when I told her he doesn't kennel well and that he gets very depressed when he's away from me she felt it better to give him fluids there and let me take him home...

[dlaura]

I am surprised with all you had said he was drinking that he was still showing signs of dehydration! Don't you love how they say good thing you brought him in now - just in time - it was them that made you wait over 5 hours. I know they have appts but most vets make adjustments if it is an emergency. Well good he is OK! How are you doing with all this since we chatted?

[ReesAkita]

She said he dehydrated because of the blood loss....I'm better but I wish I didn't have to got to work evenn if it is only for two hours..Plus I have a massive headache!...I won't be able to stop worrying about hi until he's up and about and eating.

[dlaura]

Do you think whoever it was who taught your first class might be willing to teach the other two? I would feel just like you.

[tiffers]

Well, first off...thank God his blood counts weren't too shabby! I'm so glad you were able to take him home, too.

But, I'd be a little ticked if my vet (I don't really have one...) would have told me to make an appointment for an emergency! :mad: :confused: Oh well, you got him in...and I'm super glad he's doing good!

[Julia423]

Ree...I haven't chimed in on this thread but I've been keeping track. Hang in there. I'm glad you now know what's going on.

[ReesAkita]

Thanks guys....It's been along two days...Hopefully him and I wil get some sleep tonight...The meds she gave him seemed to have helped because he hasn't had to go potty since we've gotten home..What sucks is none of his meds are chewable so I'm going to have to force them on him and their kind of big...Plus one med he has to have two at a time and the other one three and since he refuses to eat I can't put them in anything....BTW,thanks Tiffers for all your help and patience with my questions I truly appreciate it!

[tiffers]

Do you know the names of the meds she gave you? I'm always interested in other vet's protocol.

[ReesAkita]

Do you know the names of the meds she gave you? I'm always interested in other vet's protocol.
Yes...Flagyl for antibiotic 500mg,Endosorb for the diahrrea,and Baytril...Plus they gave him the injectible forms at the vet as well as an I.V for fluids subq.

[tiffers]

Ouch, Baytril for his size...that's costly! But, hey it's one of the best Antibiotics out there!

I'm glad he's doing well...does Nina have any regrets?

[ReesAkita]

Actually she's been really good..She knows he's sick has hasn't bothered him even once.

[tiffers]

Aww...that's good. Maybe he can fake sick around her from now on? :) Poor guy, fingers and paws crossed here.

[dlaura]

But, I'd be a little ticked if my vet (I don't really have one...) would have told me to make an appointment for an emergency! :mad: :confused:

I kept telling Ree that yesterday! Most vets do have emergency visits and I thought this was odd too.

[ReesAkita]

I let them know I wasn't happy about it and they said it was because the other vet was out so the one I had was double booked....Anyway's....Apparently the meds are doing their job...We've have no more problem with the bleeding and my Kujo was up wagging his tail this morning and looking for food....I gave him some chicken broth to start out with and he lapped it right up and tok his meds in some peanut butter....He's still kind of tired but he's soooo much better....He slept all through the night and I actually got scared and got up and laid by him to make sure he was still breathing....I'm amazed at much better he is so fast and I'm so thankful...Thanks all you guy's for seeing me through this one...I luv ya's

[tiffers]

I let them know I wasn't happy about it and they said it was because the other vet was out so the one I had was double booked... :mad: <-- That's all I'm saying...


I'm amazed at much better he is so fast and I'm so thankful...
I'm so happy for you and Kujo! He thanks you from the bottom of his heart, even if he doesn't like the vet!

[dlaura]

I am so glad to hear that Kujo lapped up chicken broth this morning and is on the road to a quick recovery!!!!! Now you can give him a pat from me. You must be feeling much better also.

Did this all come from being stressed Ree?

[Ltlpistol]

So glad to hear he's doing better. Hopefully he'll be back to his old self real soon.

[ReesAkita]

I am so glad to hear that Kujo lapped up chicken broth this morning and is on the road to a quick recovery!!!!! Now you can give him a pat from me. You must be feeling much better also.

Did this all come from being stressed Ree?

She seems to think so since he didn't have a fever and is blood work really didn't show anything to indicate an infection.

[ReesAkita]

Tiffers....Kujo and I are really thankful for your help and for making me aware of just how seriously ill he was....Your great at what you do and your patients are lucky to have you....Thanks again

[salukigirl]

number 1. :)

number 2. thats really jerk-ish to tell a patient to make an appt for an emergency. one time we took our cat in for an appt and we had to wait like 45 min because a guy brought this dog in that had just been hit by a car. he saw it get hit, wrapped it up in a towel and brought it in! I mean we werent mad at all obviously because lets see....cat with a fever.....dog with a broken pelvis? im pretty sure his is more important. and the vet in morain, oh took our sadie girl in when she was dying. Thats insane. I would have started screaming at whoever was in front of me at the time.

[ReesAkita]

I gave them hell for it!...But at least he got in and was treated well and is doing much better that was my biggest concern.

[beasgal]

Keep up the good work Kujo:D You can't let Mom stress out like this! When something like this happens it puts us all one foot closer to our graves.

[ReesAkita]

Don't worry beasgal....He's really coming around and making his mommy proud!.....Seeing him feeling so much better was so worth every penny I paid and then some!...

[tiffers]

Tiffers....Kujo and I are really thankful for your help and for making me aware of just how seriously ill he was....Your great at what you do and your patients are lucky to have you....Thanks again

Awww...thanks, I am glad that I was hear to give you some help with your little dude and maybe ease the blow from your vet. :) But, I think my hat size just got bigger.

[ReesAkita]

LoL.....Your aloud Tiffers!...the vet just called and all of his blood work was great....No buggies,no Parvo or infections and all systems working perfect....She said for as sick as he was he's very healthy......She did tell me that she was extremely worried about him all night last night though and that apparently the fluids were really needed since he's so much better today...She also told me that since the rest of his blood work came back good it confirmed for her it was probably brought on by stress.

[tiffers]

Good to hear! Stress is an easier fix than infections and organ malfunctions, for sure!

[ReesAkita]

Well remember Nina little miss trouble maker is the stress inducer....LOL

[Megan07]

Sorry I got to this too late, but I'm so glad that Kujo is better!!

Tiffers, you are amazing! Glad to have someone like you on the board! :)

[tiffers]

Tiffers, you are amazing! Glad to have someone like you on the board! :)
Thanks. :)

[NewfieGrl]

I just read your post! I'm so sorry for all you have gone through!
I'm glad to hear that he's getting better. It's absolutely amazing that stress can do that.
Michele
owned by 2 Newfies, a cocker spaniel and 3 cats
RIP Bootsie-March ? 1988-April 22, 2007

[ReesAkita]

Kujo ate a nice bowl full of fish and rice last night...He kept it all down and this morning had his first normal poop!...I never thought I'd be so happy to see dog poop LOL....As crazy as it's I was thrilled since there was no blood....Thanks again all you guy's for your support,kind words and prayers...You made this so much easier to get through...You guys rock!

[dlaura]

Thanks for the update Ree - I am so glad to hear that Kujo is eating again and had a good poop! Geez the things petlovers talk about - LOL.

[tiffers]

That's awesome! I'm glad he's okay!

[Macawpower58]

Ree it is good to hear Kujo is doing well. I can imagine the worry you went through. Thank God for this forum, I learn something everyday. Your story and the folk who helped you through it, those whom offered their advice and wisdom, may now someday help someone else save their dog.