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Picked up her Diazapam - he gave her 10 2mg tablets. The pharmacist said they should start to work in 30 min to an hour and last around 8 hours. We have storms moving in early in the morning and running until Wed. so this should be a good test! The trick is going to be getting them into her! :p
Oh, and her weight was down to 12.4 today.
Hoping this does the trick, paws crossed, fingers crossed, praying real hard for baby girl Squirt.
Hope the Valium eases the storm fears too.
Hi Leslie, hope this treatment does the trick and things settle for Squirt :) I know the probiotic and 1/4 tsp of Metamucil has stabilised Flynn's gut problems. But if there is a bug there that needs to be dealt with, how did the vet tell so fast it was bacterial? I thought the sample would have to be tested to give a clear result?
Fingers crossed it does the trick!
He did a test in the office that showed bacteria...the exact type he couldn't say but figured it's one of the ones going around now - and he told me the names but I can't remember...seems like both started with "c". I was so relieved all I really heard was "bacterial infection". :p We had a discussion on how her food was cooked and stored, and about how the temps outside cause bugs to grow where water has collected they might decide to drink. And folks who have outside dogs that put water on their feed then it sits in the sun growing bacteria that the dog then eats on.
Her first dose of Diazepam will go in, hopefully, very soon here. They are 2mg tablets and the dose is one pill as needed. Last nite, I talked myself into trying 1/2 tablet first - that would be 1mg which is well within normal range for her weight. At her age and after the Proin scare, I am a bit leery to try the full dose - especially since Doc isn't in the office til Mon. So we will see if 1/2 helps to start with.
Hugs,
Leslie and Squirt (who is "patiently" waiting on breakfast! :D)
Sounds like a good plan, try 1/2 dose to see how zonked out she gets. The Baytril helped Trinket some time ago, I am hoping it helps Squirt too.
Leslie:
I am so relieved that this is a problem that can be easily solved. I am interested in how the Valium works for Squirt. I bet you were so relieved to find out it was a bacterial infection. Not that it is something great to have, but less worrisome than some other things it could have been. It is very easy to get worried if any little thing upsets the apple cart as I well know. Right away you mind starts wondering about bad things. It can't be helped, because with this disease you never know what to expect. I am curious did the German Shepard who lived to 20 have Cushings?? Have a good weekend now that you donlt have to worry too much. Blessings
Patti
As far as I know, Schoep did not have Cushing's but that's not going to sway my mind! ;):D:p I also know a mid-sized dog with heart disease and liver cancer who is now 18; 3 years after the heart and cancer diagnosis. Can't help but find hope in these stories. ;)
Squirt ate her food this morning even with the Baytril and Diazepam in it! Good girl! :cool: That was about an hour ago and I don't see any real signs of sedation yet nor any adverse effects. The storms haven't started but they are on their way so we will see how the day progresses. If the 1/2 doesn't help once the thunder starts, I can give her some more. She can have up to 4 mg a day but I want to keep it to as low an effective dose as possible. I almost gave her a melatonin with it but decided to wait and see how it works on its own....plus I need to research to be sure that combination is alright. ;)
She had a normally formed poop this morning! :):cool: It has quite a bit of tiny white specs all through it but it is formed! I wonder if the specs are bugs or something else? Surely worms would have shown up yesterday! I'll keep an eye on it and if the specs continue, we'll have to check that out as well. But all in all, I am pleased with her status this morning!
At 10 am it was time for the probiotic which is given via a syringe. She didn't fight me one bit so I would say the pill has had some mild effect. She's not sleeping and is alert but calm. The clouds went away, the sun is out so that line missed us this morning but there are more on the way thru Wed. so we will see!
Way to go Squirt! You can get thru anything! I am so happy she is doing better. I know this really had you on edge. I am wondering what the white specs are too, that sounds weird, like some type of parasite maybe like tape worm eggs, which are from fleas? I am waiting for a storm here. It blew over earlier also, but tomorrow we are to get it again. Blessings
Patti
Leslie:
Any more white specks? How is Squirt today? Do you think you will continue with the Lysodren if this bacterial infection gets under control? Squirt is one amazing baby, I understand why you are so taken with her. Blessings
Patti
Sending hugs and prayers, Squirt is sure a fighter!
Leslie:
Just checking in on you two today to see how Squirt is and if you saw any more white specks? Hope all is well I am on the way to the vet's with Tipper for shot# 5. Blessings
Patti
Thanks for checking on us! :)
Poops are normal and the white specs are still present - BUT they are present in all their poop and they are all eating the same kibble so I think it is from the feed. She eats quinoa and if you've never cooked quinoa, you will be in for a shock when you do! Quinoa is a seed and when it cooks, these little stringy wormy arms come out each side - two per seed, one on each side of the seed. So as the seed softens cooking, it starts to look as if the pot is full of tiny white worms. :eek::p The first time I cooked it, the person I was living with at the time came in and looked in the pot then said, "You better throw this out and start over - it's bad, this has worms in it!" :D Then when Squirt first started eating it, I noticed all these little short white strings in her poop and freaked! Nothing like snatching up a fresh sample, dashing to the vet, only to be told it's FOOD! :D:p:D
One thing I have decided I do not like about the Diazepam is that is take so long to start to work. We've had storms in the state all week just about but they came through our area only once so far - late yesterday afternoon. By the time I got the med in her and it had started to work, the storm had moved out. So she was still stressed during the thunder but mildly sedated after. :rolleyes: She needs something that goes to work quickly as our summer storms can come and go with little warning. I don't want to sedate her just because there might be a storm but do want something to help when they do come. When it is a definite that we will have storms, the med will help I think. But for these that pop up quickly and unpredictably then move on, the Diazepam can't go to work fast enough to help. One thought I have been considering is to go ahead and give the herbs when there is a possibility then give the drug when the storms do appear. The herbs will boost the drug and perhaps make it work faster...and they can be used together *with caution*. ;)
ah...the joys of Dancing through this life with my Sweet Bebe!
Hugs,
Leslie and the ever Queen of Dogdom
Leslie:
That story is too funny about the worms! I know what you mean about these storms, it is awful on these poor babies that already have enough problems to deal with. I guess the vet told me this S-Adenosyl was new so he could feel good about charging me 60.00 for and 18.99 supplement. I'll have to ask him what new means to him! He came in 30 minutes late today. I waited in the car with Tipper so she did not get upset. He walked over to the car with his guilty conscience and talked to Tipper. He is a real piece of work this one! Blessings
Patti
Leslie,
oh the creepy visions in my mind that your story brought! The stuff of nightmares for me because I loath most creepy crawlies and anything that resembles a white worm will definitely send me screaming and Chris laughing :)
ICK! He says that I'm "a true girly girl".
Patti, lat AGAIN! I wonder what the consequence would be if you were late for an appointment of his?
Funny story, a lawyer had an appointment with a doctor and he sat in the waiting room for over an hour. He literally sent the doctor a bill for his time. I don't know if the doctor paid it or not.
Weather warning came on the TV around 2:30 for severe storms until 3:45. I gave her 1/2 pill of the Diazepam at 2:40, or thereabouts. Not a drop or a rumble until just now.
Squirt was asleep on the bed but after a big boom, she is awake, hyper-alert but not panicked. the wind and rain are fairly heavy now. She's not shaking, panting or drooling, nor standing staring at me while doing all of that. ;) If things don't get too rough, 1/2 pill just might be enough.
That sounds pretty good, Leslie, great news, as a matter of fact and I hope the band plays on so the dance can continue for a long, long time.:):)
Wow, good timing with the pill. Hopefully 1/2 is just right. What a pain about how early you have to give it though. That sounds frustrating and nerve wrecking just trying to figure out if you should give one or not. Arggghhh
That is funny about the pot of worms! (quinoa) ROFL. My husband won't eat it, or couscous, but I like them.
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Leslie;
Great news that the 1/2 pill is working for Squirty. The fear they must feel with the low cortisol, must be terrible. I am glad it is helping to calm her fears. It is so hard to watch your baby in distress, and the weather this year is not helping any. It seems like one storm after another. After reading your post to me, I am taking your wisdom and using it. I am going to get Tipper an US. Pray for her that there is nothing wrong as I will melt into a puddle of anxiety. I think of your strength and courage and it makes me go on to get this done even though I am crying typing this. Hope your weather clears up for Squirts sake. Blessings
Patti
Leslie;
We are supposed to get bad storms later today, and I can see Tipper is already on alert from the barometric pressure change. I am going to talk to the vet today about this, if he can spare 5 minutes for me. Blessings
Patti
Leslie:
How is Squirt doing today? When you get time would you look at Tipper's blood and ACTH results? They are in 2 different posts as I forgot the ACTH. I am concerned that the alk phos and alt are steadily climbing, even though by all accounts the cortisol is controlled. Thank you I appreciate it. Tipper had her 6th shot today! Blessings
Patti
Well, the diarrhea is back. :( She finished the ABs a few days ago and her stool was ok for a day or so then started getting softer and just now is back to no form at all, quite a lot of mucous. So back to the vet tomorrow. I have some Clavamox and am tempted to go ahead and start it since I don't have any Baytril left. What do you think? Clavamox or wait til tomorrow?
Poor baby. She threw up last night, too, but I think that was because a little piece of the ham slice I used to give her the phobia pill with got stuck in her throat and gagged her. She doesn't act as if she feels poorly and isn't acting off at all. In obvious pain and diarrhea but otherwise good appetite, drinking, pee, sleep, behavior. No Lyso in over a week either.
She's gonna get deprived of supper tonite and maybe breakfast in the morning which ain't gonna make her happy but we got to get her insides settled down soon.
Leslie:
Oh I feel so bad, she was doing well for the last few days, now this again. I think I might be tempted to wait until tomorrow as your Dr. seems to be really be good with her. You are always on top of things so I am sure this will get cleared up asap. Blessings
Patti
So sorry Leslie, diarrhea seems so hard to control in these furbabies. CoCo has done so well, but today had a little soft stool. I had given him a little cheese and probably too much lignan, but it was HMR, not supposed to have fiber, but these dogs have such a sensitive stomach, cannot seem to change anything. Maybe if Squiurt does not eat tonight or in the morning she will be back on track. I hope so anyway Love, JoAnne
Leslie,
the Tylosin (Tylan) powder has been working for Daisy perfectly. Please ask the vet about it. It's used to treat chronic diarrhea with IBD too.
Honestly, it's been a life saver for her.
Oh Squirty, you do worry your mother. :o Leslie, It sounds like her infection (or whatever) wasn't totally eradicated. Is there a vet emergency you could call today and ask about the Clavamox? They would probably not tell you and want to see her, but it would be worth a try.
Fasting her, giving her sore little tummy a chance to settle is the first thing I would do. Does she get bouts of hypoglycemia. If so, watch out for signs that her blood sugar is too low. Difficulty walking or tremors can indicate this. You might want to try SEB to give her some nourishment and guard against dehydration. You could always put a little Karo syrup in it to guard her blood sugar level. SEB reallY helped Buddy's tummy. You probably know all of this and if so disregard. I'm just throwing my thoughts and prayers out to you.
Squirty, feel better fast! Xxxxx
Drat Leslie. Sometimes these things can take a bit longer than normal. Molly finished one set of antibiotics, went back to loose stools and the vet ended up keeping her on antibiotics for anther couple weeks to make sure it was gone and she was on a probitic longer almost 2 months. It can be real hard to get cleared up sometimes.
Hang in there!!
hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Stopping by to wish you luck at the vet today. Maybe Baby Squirt just needs another round as Sharlene said.
Stopping by too, to wish you good luck at the vet today. Sure hope this gets cleared up soon for both your sakes.
Fingers, toes and paws crossed that all goes well at the vet today.
Big hugs,
We're back. More bacteria present today than last week...but again I forgot to get the name. :rolleyes: And Spirochetes are present as well today. Diagnosis is Bacterial Enteritis. We came home with Metronidazole and Endosorb tablets this time. She got another injection of the Diathol today as well.
I gave her a very small lunch with Turmeric added. It is astringent, which can help dry things up, as well as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory and is often used with digestive issues. Doc is on vacation but Dr. Stacy, who saw her, said this would be a good thing to try - shouldn't hurt anyway! She was grateful for food even tho it had the Endosorb and Turmeric in it. YAY! I've used Turmeric with both Tasha and Josie, but for different reasons, and they both seemed to like the taste so hopefully Squirt won't object when she no longer feels I am starving her! :p
Dr. Stacy did real good up to the point she was discussing what to do if this comes back again....she just HAD to go and use the "C" word. :eek::rolleyes::( Of course, that thought has already been flying through my mind...at her age it is certainly possible. I just didn't really want to hear anyone else say it out loud.
Hi Leslie,
I hope Squirt's infection clears this time. There are some really persistent bugs out there. No one ever wants to hear the "C"word.:eek: I am so sorry that came up.:o
Please tell me about Tumeric. I have heard that it's excellent for digestive issues. Is it the regular spice (used for cooking) or a herb you get at a health food store? How much do you use for a small dog? I thought of trying it with Buddy, but he had so many allergies. We ended up using SEB instead, which worked great.
The SEB has worked fine until recently and it is now acting as a laxative for her. :( She flat refuses Marshmallow - it tastes like CRAP so I don't blame her one bit! :p
I get my Turmeric from Mountain Rose Herbs and I think it is the same as the culinary spice but I'm not sure how the culinary is harvested or prepared and I trust MRH. ;) Turmeric can be made into an alcohol or glycerite tincture, a tea, infusion, decoction, mixed with warm milk and honey, or sprinkled dry on the food...among other methods. It has a long and varied history of medicinal usage.
Thanks Leslie. I learn so much from you!:)
If you get bored, here are some articles on Turmeric.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Turmeric-s178421
Oh drat, no need to even go near the C word at this point. pfffttt Nope, just get rid of this nasty infection that is being stubborn about leaving and get on with life. :)
Huggers,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin
Squirt is absolutely REFUSING this Metronidazole. I have lost 3 pills since last nite trying to get ONE in her. I put it in her food - mistake. She refused to eat. I forced one down her throat - she threw it up. I mashed it in honey and water, syringed it and she bent her head down and let it all fall out onto the floor. :( So I've got a call into the clinic to see if they can suspend this in their beef flavoring they use.
Otherwise, she had a very, very, very relaxed nite because her mom is an idiot. I fixed her some supper and started her meds back - melatonin and lignans (1 capsule vs her normal 3). Then it started thundering and I fixed her another bite with the Diazapam in it - forgetting she already had melatonin on board. :eek::eek::eek: So I was up until around 5am, rousing her on occasion just to make sure I could and counting her respiration. She was groggy as all get out but always woke up when I touched her and tho wobbly, went outside to pee on her own - I did carry her up and down the ramp just in case she lost her footing. When I realized what I had done, I called the pharmacist, who couldn't help with an animal, then called the emergency clinic in LR. They told me what to watch for that would mean she needed to come in. As long as she was responsive, she should be fine. SO I kept making her respond all night long. She woke up perky, me not so much with less than 2 hours sleep. ;)
Leslie, So sorry to hear about Squirt's problems.
Hopefully the infection will clear up real soon.
Glad to hear she was perky when you woke her through the night.
Come on Squirt take your meds they make you feel better, Woody is on these for 5 days and I put it in a little chicken and he ate it all up.
Glad to hear that Squirt was responsive all night what a fright you would have got when you realised the mistake, accidents happen :p
Leslie:
All the sacrifices we make on behalf of our babies will not go unrewarded. After they get better and you get that big kiss everything is forgotten!. I am not getting too much sleep either and being tired and dragged out all day is no fun. Have you ever had this kind of trouble off of Squirt before with this antibiotic? I hope they can mix it with some kind of suspension and it won't be so hard to give to her. These babies are smart- too smart sometimes. When given these drugs by the vet, I don't think they give any consideration to what method of delivery you have to use. Liquid is easier, but harder to know how much they got if they spit any, pills are just a pain if they know they are in their food, capsules get stuck and are my least favorite. How about the huge capsules they make, like you aren't going to have any trouble getting them into a dog! Hope by the time you read this you have gotten this solved. I know this is really no fun especially when you are tired! Blessings
Patti