Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

My nearly 5 year old Bassett hound will not each. About ...
Sent to Pet Experts May 23 12:38 PM

My nearly 5 year old Bassett hound will not each. About two weeks ago he began throwing up and eating grass, refused to eat, he does drink water frequently. Has been to the Vet, had an endoscopy, abdominal xray, and bloodwork which were all fine. Then he was on IV treatment for 2 1/2 days and took Flagyl for 7 days afterwards, still not eating. The vet has prescribed Reglan bid and Pepcid AC bid and he has been on that for almost four full days, I am still forcing pureed food down his throat twice a day and trys to push it out. The day Prior to the beginning of this episode he was given his Heartguard pill (51-100 lbs) and later that day I gave him 37.5 mg of Benedryl to make him sleepy so I could cut his Toenails, other than that, he has been very healthy, eating everything.

 

Optional Information:
Age: 4; Male; Breed: Bassett Hound

Already Tried:
Force Feeding, bloodwork Endoscopy, IV, Flagyl, Reglan, Pepcid

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 23 12:53 PM (15 minutes and 19 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
I would suggest swapping to a different heartworm prevention just in case that is the issue.
If they scoped the stomach area and no further it might be he swallowed a soft non food item that is stuck beyond his stomach causing a partial blockage. Somethings like plastic wrap and string and socks won't show on x-ray. You can see if a barium x-ray will help.
It might also show you if there is a problem with the esophagus.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_megaesophagus.html
If you have not tested for lyme disease you might want to do that
http://www.workingdogs.com/doc0043.htm
You may want to consult a specialist in small animal internal medicine too for more ideas on problems. Some of them specialize in gastric issues. This site may help you find a specialist
http://www.acvim.org/Specialist/Search.aspx
Hope this helps you!


Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!
Reply
May 25 11:09 AM (1 day and 22 hours later)
         
Reply to Nancy Holmes's Post: I did not accept because I do feel a reply with additional info may be helpful.
My dog has now had a normal bowel movement, and had a normal BM the week before when he finished the IV therapy. So a blockage or possible blockage is ruled out I would think. Also he is not symptomatic really of lyme or Heart worms. He did eat 2 Greenies last night and a milk bone, but refuses anything else. I called my local vet and he has added Prednisone because he suspects Pancreatitis???? What is your opinion on that?   
Answer
May 25 11:18 AM (8 minutes and 36 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
I would stop feeding greenies as they can cause intestinal blockage.
Normally with pancreatitis the dog is put on IV's and is not fed for 2-3 days and not given any oral meds either. An x-ray usually can show signs of inflammation in the pancreas region.
If he is eating treat foods for you then he is feeling better.
You might try offering him a high quality dog food such as Chicken Soup, Blue Buffalo, Canidae, Dick Van Patten, Merrick etc. I'd buy a can of one of the foods and offer him some and leave him with it. Its highly aromatic and usually interesting enough to trigger eating.
You can also see if some Nutrical will spark interest in eating. You put that sticky supplement right in his mouth and often in 20 minutes or so there is more interest in eating. The pet supply store usually has Nutrical.


Please press Accept if you find my answer helpful. Want more info? Just reply on your question!
Bonuses for good work are always appreciated!
Thanks for the opportunity to help you!
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

Just Answer! > Pet Health