Dog stomach problems and vets...

Nudibranch

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Ok sorry it's a bit long, just wondered if anyone has had a similar health problem:

Thursday night farrier was out and dog was chewing the trimmings - I've seen dogs do this for years so thought nothing of it.

Next day at about 3 pm, he starts vomiting with quite a lot of blood in it and chunks of pink fleshy stuff. Then starts vomiting water back up. Took him to the vet, explained about the hoof trimmings, dog had 3 injections (antibiotic, antacid and anti-emetic). Made an appointment for this morning at 10.30 to check his progress. Vet said if the vomiting continued he'd need an x-ray, but hopefully the hoof would all pass through.

When we got home last night, he continued vomiting despite the drugs, 6 or 7 times, each time just foam and the water he'd drank. This morning there was bloody diarrhoea all over the kitchen floor - mostly blood and little else - but no vomit as he'd already finished what was left of the water. Because of the blood I got an early appointment and saw a different vet. She said he probably had colitis, gave him more injections and sent him away but said if he starts vomiting again he must come straight back in and have intravenous fluids. If it is coming out of both ends it might signal an obstruction.

So an hour after getting in, he is vomiting brown fluid and blood. I phoned the vet straight away, receptionist said there were no appointments until 4.30. I explained what the vet had said about vomiting but she said there were no other appointments.

Am I being over-protective or should they be taking this a bit more seriously? Both vets have said he may have a blockage but the treatment so far has been pretty standard. Dog hasn't kept fluid down for 24 hours, more like 36 by this afternoon. Hasn't eaten since Thursday evening. He only weighs 7 kg so he can't afford to lose much. He won't touch the electrolyte fluid and water comes straight back out - the receptionist doesn't seem to think this is significant. Dog is just lying about looking totally depressed, though at the surgery he does pick up a lot, making me look a bit stupid when I'm saying how ill he's supposed to be!

Has anyone had a dog with an obstruction and does it sound like this?
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I think you are right to be concerned. Dehydration in a dog is serious, whatever is causing it. I suggest you do the pinch test: pinch the dogs skin and release it - if it takes longer than 3 seconds to snap back flat and in its normal position then the dog is dehydrated and need veterinary attention.

He may have to go on a drip if he can't keep fluids down. I wouldn't put up with the way you are being fobbed off. Gastroenteritis is one thing, but if they have talked about a blockage, and your dog is passing blood from both ends, then the fact it's the weekend shouldn't get in the way of the treatment he needs.
 
definitely he needs to be admitted. he's probably got gastroenteritis, but the possibility of an obstruction is enough to get him in and take some xrays, plus he will be dehydrated by now and needs to go on a drip.
 
Well puppy has been admitted finally, to go on a drip until Monday night. In the meantime they MAY x-ray him and if he isn't improving, he'll have to have surgery. Still not entirely sure why they haven't x-rayed him already tbh, I told them he's fully insured and even if he wasn't I'd pay anything to make sure he has the best treatment... Fingers crossed for him now really.
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