kidney problem update

[ilovemarkb]

Just a quick update on my recent post.,took oscar to the vet this morning. She tested his urine although it did smell strong there was no sign of infection etc.Her advice was to to encourage him to drink more (1/4 pint of semi skimmed milk mixed with water every day) do a food diary (to establish when he vomits) cut right down on treats and lastly she suggested trying him on chappie dog food. She said the urine didnt concern her but the vomiting does, and they could be a blockage in his stomach. Thanks for all your concerns!!!

[leelapops]

You must be feeling so much better ilovemarkb! And Oscar, too... Good!

*Woof*

Lisa x

[jules77]

Try goats milk instead as cows milk, even semi skimmed is not ideal for dogs as they cannot tolerate it. However, it does concern me that she thinks it could be a blockage, but isnt doing anything about it - why does she not scan him? He could have malabsorption problems or something similar or a food intolerance, and I really do think she should have at least done a blood test. If it were my dog I would not be happy keeping a food diary, but would try another vet as I would want answers.

[kita1]

Are you still in touch with the breeder? If so have a talk with them and see what they think.

What food did they recommend? At 7 months old I would expect him to be still on a similar diet to what the breeder recommended.

I too would want better answers from the vet. If they tested his urine previously and it had high levels of protein why did they not follow this up and test a week/days later etc.?

Don't be intimidated by the vet - don't forget you are paying them.

You said in your other question that he was 'sickly' what do you mean? Is he the correct weight etc? How often does he vomit and what is it? Does he vomit yellow bile (watery) or reconisable food? Is he depressed or a normal bouncy 7 month old? How long has he been vomiting?

Were the parents heart tested etc.?

Is there any chance that he has eaten a stone or a part of a toy (chewed a lump off a ball etc)? Did she take his temperature?

Sorry for all the questions, but to be honest these are all things the vet should have asked.

[doggydays]

Kita is right in what she says. If the vet suspects a blockage, are they going to investigate?

[doggydays]

also i suggest this site http://www.dogclub.co.uk/forum/ You'll get great advice on there i promise!

[ilovemarkb]

thanks for super advice. hi kita,oscar is mostly energetic except the days he vomits ,then he becomes lethargic. When he vomits its always lumpy.He.s been sick twiice today, three times yesterday, then not at all for about 10 days before. thinking about it he.s been sickly since feb ( i posted on this sight feb 26 regarding a vet bill and a piece of bone) He weighs 19 lb. He is kc registered. His parents weren,t heart tested. As for him maybe eating a stone, this is likely, we have to watch him carefully as he tries to eat anything (from chewing gum to sticks). The vet didnt take his temperature or blood, but she did say that she was concerned that it could be stomach problems (blockage maybe). Lastly I no longer have the phone number of the breeder, although his name is on the kc form as being the previous owner. thanks

[kita1]

Was there any further investigation of the piece of bone?

It is possible that this could be the cause of the problem, I would have thought that if you are using the same vet then they should be doing more tests (possible X-Rays) to see if there is still a piece of bone in there. Another possibility is that the bone has splintered and done some damage.

Whatever the cause I would be looking to do further tests (especially since you are insured). This is not normal for a 7 month old dog. They should be bouncy and fun all the time and only very occasionally vomit if they have picked something bad up (as puppies do) but even then they should get over it very quickly and be back to normal.

If your vet is not willing to take this further would it be possible for you to change to another vet?

This has been going on for 3/4 months now and I would be certainly insisting that something was done.

Don't forget you are paying the vet good money. You would not put your car in garage and be fobbed off, you would expect it to be fixed!

[ilovemarkb]

We had to check his pooh after his xray, he passed the piece of bone the next day, but to be truthful he never had any follow up x-rays .There are other vets where i live, but i think maybe i should go back to oscars vet and tell her my concerns, we havn.t payed todays bill (�28.03) in case more treatment was required, then maybe our pet insurance will pay up (minus �50 excess). I must admit ive had dogs before but they rarely vomited, so i do think something is amiss. I often wonder if oscar knows what will make him vomit as he frequently turns his nose up. When he has vomited his stomach makes very rumbly, gurgly noises. My children weren.t this much worry when they were babies!

[jules77]

Well it just doesnt make sense the vet saying she is concerned about a blockage but go home and keep a food diary! You mention the vet said not to give him tit bits, and it may be something as simple as colitis, or a food intolerance (I have had dogs display similar symptons and it wasnt a blockage, but they had tests to establish the problem, and I knew that neither of them had eaten anything untoward). Nevertheless, I think you should take him back to the vets on Monday, or find another vet, and raise your concerns and dont leave until you have satisfactory answers - a scan would show up a blockage and the dog would not need an anaesthetic for it either.

[jules77]

You arnt still giving him bones are you?

[ilovemarkb]

definatley not jules !!!

[ilovemarkb]

got some goats milk and some chappie! here go.s!!!

[jules77]

well keep us posted - If it is not a blockage or an infection I can recommend a good product, and have heard some excellent reports about it - it gives a boost to overall health in the form of increased resistance to bacterial and viral infections. It is useful for recovery from illness or surgery, and can aid the 'take' of vaccinations, soothes the tummy and gives improved gut condition.

[ilovemarkb]

sounds good jules, i.ll keep you posted


julie x

[jules77]

Any update for us?