Ruby Update - sort of good news.

[misst]

For everyone who was so good a couple of months back when Ruby was so poorly.

She has been on her meds (metaclopromide and omeprazole) ever since she came home at the end of August. If we stopped them she would get a bit sick again. We went on holiday and my daughter moved in to look after our dogs so we left everything as it was until we came home a week ago.

We have cut the meds down and yesterday she went for a barium to see what was happening. She definitely has no trace at all of a mega oesophegus . Her colon moves everything along fine once it gets there - but her stomach is the problem. The barium sat there for several hours. Eventually her stomach emptied and then timings were as normal. My lovely vet can see no obstruction and there was nothing found on scan or laparotomy. She has not had meds for 36 hours and is eating normally and has pooed.
The plan is to watch and wait. If she starts being sick again we will restart meds and she will be referred for an endoscopy.

I feel it is sort of good news as nothing abnormal found except delayed gastric emptying - which can be managed with meds. It would be good to know why though...

A big thank you to everyone who put up with my being in bits and "worst case senario" posts x

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I think we all understand the 'plan for the worst but hope for the best' of animal owners. I'm glad nothing serious has been found, although her issue is rather puzzling. It's great that both you and Ruby are feeling better

 

[skinnydipper]

Are there any foods/diet which could increase gut motility?

 

[misst]

Are there any foods/diet which could increase gut motility?

I am meeting with the vet next week to discuss the next stage - he has suggested I leave her on her usual food (as previously) and don't add anything new for the next few days.

She does have a teaspoon of keffir after each meal and has had for a long time. Moti has this too - they both love it and he has a sensitive tummy due to his start in life. Vet said he would not have suggested it as dairy based but as both have been fine on it and it is a small amount not to change anything as the probiotic properties certainly shouldn't do harm.

If anyone has any suggestions I would be open to them to discuss with my lovely vets. They are very approachable and I have trust in them.

 

[skinnydipper]

I've had a look on line to see if there are any dietary changes which might help.

Frequent small meals, soft food, low fat and low fibre are suggested.

I don't know if it would depend on the cause of the gastroparesis but might be worth asking your vet if those changes to diet would help Ruby.