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unexplained diarrhea/dry skin/hips or arthritis


Sent to Pet Experts June 22, 2006 3:55 p.m.

Hi..I have 2 dogs; a 9 y/o purebred red golden retriever, Stormy, and a 5 y/o sable collie/sheltie mix, Summer. Both are unspayed females. Stormy is having trouble with her hips; possibly hip dysplasia or arthritis. I have to help her get on the bed. Can I give her a 375 mg aspirin everyday or is there something else. She weighs approx. 75 lbs. She also has incredible itching and biting to the point of bleeding. I use Bag Balm. Summer all of sudden has been having diarrhea; unable to wait to go outside and for 3 days in a row, I've found it on the rug. I checked through it today and noticed that it's very loose with lots of mucus. She is also not eating very well. She weighs approx. 50 lbs.Both dogs are up to date on shots..I give them every August. We have no Vet here in Overton, NV and I don't have a car to travel 30 mi. one way to Mesquite, NV. If there's anything you can help me with, it would be so very much appreciated. These girls are my life. I spent 2 yrs. working w/a mobile vet in San Diego, and 25 yrs. working in medicine, 10 of those in the US Navy. I will understand anything you say medically. Thanking you in advance for your kindness..Leslie Jane Danieri..

Already Tried:
Stormy: aspirin, 25 mg Benedryl. Summer: nothing yet
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
June 22, 2006 5:36 p.m. (1 hour and 40 minutes later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

You can read here about using aspirin in dogs
http://lowchensaustralia.com/health/aspirin.htm
But you may find glucosamine chondroitin will also be a help - you can use about 1000-2000 mg per day split over two doses.
If she isn't on flea prevention that might resolve the biting issue. Good info on skin allergies here
http://www.lbah.com/allergy.htm
Benadryl can be used in a dose of 1mg per pound of dog on up to 2mg per pound every 8-12 hours but it may make the dog sleepy.
My fear with the dog with diarrhea is that this could be a sign of a closed pyometra.
As the other dog isn't ill with the same thing that limits hope that this is from an infection with coccidia or giardia or other parasites or a bacterial infection. Usually dogs that live closely together end up with the same 'bugs'. But it might be that.
You can see if some fiber will help her control the diarrhea - canned pumpkin, cooked winter squash, sweet potato, oatmeal all can work well to absorbe excess fluids.
You can see if bland food will help her too. Boil chicken or hamburger and drain off the fat then mix remaining broth and meat with plain white rice for bland food.
I do think you need to figure out some way to get transport to a vet for the younger dog.
Hope this helps you!

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