Boy do I have a sick dog. She's a ten year old Golden Retriever.

[Bunny]

She's been unable to keep food down for a couple of days. Today she is not able to keep even water down. She's compulsively licking her lips and nose. She is still going to the bathroom as far as I can tell, but I think something is really wrong with her. And the vet can't see her until 7:20 tonight! :(

She had an episode of vomiting and diarrhea three weeks ago, but that seem to pass on its own. Now it's back, with a vengeance.

What do you think the problem could be? I'm worried sick.

[TorchTheWitch]

1. do you have an emergency vet in your area?

not being able to hold down water is really serious especially in this climate.

[Bunny]

2. We do, but I couldn't get her there until this afternoon.

The ex-SO is with her, and giving me periodic updates. Apparently, she has taken some small little sips of water that he hand-fed her, and so far she's keeping that down.

[Richardo]

4. Bunny, I had to give our kitten subcutaneous water to keep her hydrated...

...I understand this works for dogs, too. Problem is you need a large syringe and some saline solution.

I hope your pup holds out til you can get her to the vet - hopefully it's something that some anti-biotics and water will cure.

I'll be sending out good thoughts all day for your pup and the whole family. Best of luck :hug:

On edit: If you can, have the ex-SO contact the vet immediately if things seem to be slipping - they might work her in if it's an emergency.

[Bunny]

6. We had to rush our Pug to the ER one Saturday night, and they did

the sub-Q saline thing with her, too. Her fluid 'hump' kept shifting, from her shoulders, to her side, etc. We kept thinking of Young Frankenstein, when Igor said "what hump?".

Thanks for the kind words. The regular vet is off today, and absolutely will not be in until this evening. So, if she gets drastically worse, the ex will have to take her to the ER. I'm trying to remember the name of the emergency clinic that is closer to my home than the one I used before, and I can't even find it on the internet. Damn that is maddening.

[Kajsa]

21. Try a Google search

emergency veterinarians- your zip code.

Good luck!

[Kajsa]

20. I second Richardo's advice.

A dehydrated dog ( or any living creature, animal and human)
needs to be seen STAT!

Have your ex-SO call the vet now and tell them what's going on.
They will probably get her in right away.
If not, insist on it.

Things can get very serious FAST!

I speak from experience with very sick cats.

Good luck, I hope all goes well with your pup.

:pals:

[TorchTheWitch]

5. ah good. that's encouraging

Sounds like she ate something gross. Is there any possibility she may have gotten into chemicals or soap or something dangerous like that? If the symptoms worsen call the vet again right away. Keep trying to give her small amounts of water periodically so she doesn't dehydrate. I guess the best you can do is try to keep her comfy until the appointment. It's a really scary feeling waiting like this, I know. Hang in there.

[Bunny]

8. I'm pretty sure she didn't eat anything gross, or get into chemicals.

I really suspect some sort of blockage, and I'm almost certain she did not ingest anything to cause it. I fear that it's more organic in nature, and that scares me. I've been reading up on bloat, and her symptoms don't seem to match, so that's reassuring. Thanks for the good thoughts.

[Heidi]

3. Oh, Bunny.

I know next to nothing about dogs, but I'll light a candle for your girl and for you, too. :hug: :hug:

[Bunny]

7. Thanks Heidi!

You're a doll. :hug:

[flvegan]

9. Is she still ambulatory?

Meaning, is she moving okay (getting up and down, walking)?

It's good that you have a vet appt as failure to even keep water down is a big issue. Does your vet have an xray machine? My first thought when water won't stay down is an obstruction, but it could be a number of things. Any missing toys or chewed up blankets/towels around?

Hope she's okay, and that your vet can alleviate her problem quickly and easily.

[Bunny]

11. Yes, she's up and about and still going to the bathroom as far as I can tell.

I really don't think she got into toys or blankets or anything like that. I hope he can figure it out, too. It's just hard to sit here all day waiting to take her. Thanks for your help.

[VenusRising]

10. That happened to one of our dogs when I was in high school.

The vet told us to give it Gatorade or Pedialyte to get the animal come electorlytes.

I hope your fur-baby is ok.

:hug:

[Bunny]

13. Thanks, VR!

:hug:

[ThomCat]

12. I hope your vet is able to help.

:(

I hope it's nothing serious, and she starts eating and drinking normally very soon. :hug:

[Bunny]

14. Thanks Thom.

I hope so too. :hug:

[zanne]

15. Bunny; Could you please let us know after she's seen the vet?

I think we're all worried about her now; I know I am. I really hope she'll be alright. Sending good vibes your way.:hug:

[Bunny]

16. Yes I will keep you posted.

Thanks so much for your concern. :hug:

[stuntcat]

17. I was scared to click here

I hope the girl's alright :hug:

[Rambis]

18. Is the dog losing hair?

It sounds like what happened to our golden and it was a thyroid condition but he was losing hair like crazy. They thought it was an intestinal blockage and all kinds of things until the isolated it.
If they are dry mouthed and drinking it could be diabetes too. Our big goofy golden wishes you and yours good luck!

[BarenakedLady]

19. I hope she's ok!

Poor baby. Let us know.

:hug:

[raptor_rider]

22. Is she an outside dog?

August is Parvo month. It is really bad stuff. You need to get her in ASAP, even if it isn't your normal vet.

[Bunny]

23. She is not an outside dog, plus she is completely up to date on all of her

routine vaccinations. I think parvo is one of those, isn't it? I've always been pretty scrupulous about the routine shots.

To everyone else, the ex says she is resting comfortably, and does not appear to be in any real distress. She is taking occasional sips of water, and is able to move around as she sees fit. If her situation worsens drastically, he'll take her to the ER. If she remains the same, I'll take her to the vet tonight. I'll keep you updated - one thing you can say about DUers is that we sure love our critters! Thanks for the many kind thoughts.

[Richardo]

24. Thanks for the update, Bunny

Hope it continues to go better :hug:

[Zoigal]

25. Please keep us updated

Hope you are able to see the vet ASAP...would hope they would be
able to work you into their schedule...does she have a temp?
Best wishes...p

[Polly Hennessey]

26. Worried Sick

Bunny,

I have two Goldens, Murphy and Devon. A couple of years ago, Murphy ate a pillow (how do they come up with this stuff?). Anyway, seems that some of the pillow stuffing irritated his intestines, etc., so he started throwing up and having all sorts of problems. We took him to the emergency room because these problems only happen at 11:00 p.m., right? Once they discovered what he had done he was put on antibiotics and was fine. Devon, my female Golden managed to crack two of her molars and the roots were exposed. We have no idea how she did it as they are not given hard bones and there are no rocks in our backyard. Go figure! She is now minus two of her back molars and doing great. I guess I am saying that Goldens can do the oddest stuff, so I am hoping that your Golden falls into that category and all will be well tomorrow. I would get her to the vet as soon as possible, especially since she was not drinking any water. Let us know how she is and what the vet says.

[idgiehkt]

27. you are doing the right thing by taking her to the vet

that licking thing is really weird. I wish you the best and hope it is a good prognosis.

:hug:

[Scout]

28. you're at the vet right now! let us know what's up when you get back n/t

[Bunny]

29. Update: Lily was put to sleep this evening.

Her kidneys were failing, and she had only a day or two left. I held her as she passed, it all seemed so peaceful. My kids and I are crying our eyes out.

Here is Lily, along with her little buddy Patsy:



RIP girl, you were a good dog. :cry:

[greatauntoftriplets]

30. Bunny, I am so sorry.

She was a beautiful dog.

:hug:

[fizzgig]

31. ah damn, bunny

i am so sorry :hug:

[Scout]

32. ohno, i'm so sorry

you did the best thing for her. knowing that doesn't make it not hurt.

she knew you all loved her. i bet she had a really great doggie life.

my snoopy, jason, ripley and pete are waiting to play with her!

:cry: :hug:

[Wcross]

33. Oh Lily.........

I am so sorry for your loss Bunny, you did the right thing. I had to put down my girl Angel earlier this month for kidney failure and I still find myself crying from time to time. I am glad you held her as she passed, you must be a very strong person. I couldn't believe it when my vet asked if I wanted to stay with her while he helped her leave. I couldn't have done it any other way. I was able to tell her I loved her as she passed.
Now I am crying again for Angel & Lily..........

[lost-in-nj]

34. so, so sorry

:hug:


lost

[Beaverhausen]

35. I'm so sorry

She was beautiful. :hug:

[Richardo]

36. What a sweet girl

So sorry Bunny :cry:

:grouphug: to you and your kids.

[driver8]

37. Bunny, I am so sorry for your loss.

It is hard to type with tears in my eyes, but my thoughts are with you and your family tonight.

[SPKrazy]

38. sorry bunny

had to do that to my dog and to a cat...

very sad... she was lucky to have you with her when she passed over though...

:hug: :hug:

[bluethruandthru]

39. I am so sorry Bunny.

Lily was a beautiful girl and she's lucky she had you for a mom. This must be so hard for you and the kids. Hugs to you all. RIP Lily!
:hug:

[flvegan]

40. I am so, so sorry, Bunny.

Rest in peace, Lily.

[idgiehkt]

41. I am so sorry for your loss

That is so tough...bless your heart. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[GOPisEvil]

42. My condolences to you and your family.

[EFerrari]

43. I'm so sorry, Bunny.

:cry:

:hug:

[mike_c]

45. oh damn, bunny-- I'm so sorry for your loss....

Lilly was beautiful. I know that YOU KNOW you did the right thing for her, but it bears repeating-- you helped her pass away peacefully and without pain or anxiety. There is no greater gift at the end of a long and happy life.

:cry:

[Neshanic]

46. I am so sorry for your loss.

[jgraz]

47. I'm so sorry.

We're dealing with our own sick puppy here. I was really pulling for Lily. :cry:

[Magrittes Pipe]

48. ...

:hug:

[Zoigal]

49. Our sincere sympathy

Bunny and your family. So hard to loose a beloved pet.

[Critters2]

50. Bunny, I'm so sorry.

:hug:

[SeattleGirl]

51. I'm so sorry, Bunny

It's so sad to lose one of our four-legged babies.

:hug:

[asthmaticeog]

52. I'm sorry.

:hug:

[TorchTheWitch]

53. oh no, I'm so sorry!

How very heartbreaking for you! You did the right thing though... never doubt that. Being with her when she left for her new journey was the last act of love you could ever give her. Bless you for being there for her even though I know how terribly hard it is. It's awful now, but in the future you'll be comforted in knowing you did the right thing, that you held her as she passed and that you were able to see how peaceful it was for her.
:cry:

Big hugs for you.
:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Heidi]

54. Safe passage, Lily.

Love and light to you and your family, Bunny. :hug: :hug: :hug:

[calimary]

57. My condolences, Bunny. I was reading along on this thread and hoping

she'd be okay. We lost Ernie, our 15-year-old cat a few months ago - horribly heartbreaking. He was my "familiar."

I'm so sorry to hear this. Many hugs to you. This is not easy to get through. You just put one foot in front of the other and try to plod along until enough time passes.

:hug:

[Call Me Wesley]

61. Safe passage, Lily.

Might your suffering has come to and end. Peace and comfort to you and yours, Bunny. :hug:

[WritingIsMyReligion]

63. So sorry to hear that.

:hug:

[Midlodemocrat]

64. Oh, Bunny. I am so sorry for your loss.

RIP, Lily and safe passage.

[A-Long-Little-Doggie]

65. Bunny, so sorry for your loss...

It is so hard to lose our furbabies, but you did the right thing in letting her go. She was a beauty...
:hug:

[BurtWorm]

66. Oh, Bunny! I'm so sorry!

What a sweetheart. I've seen that photo before, and it says so much about who Lily was.

:hug:

[Ariana Celeste]

67. I am so sorry honey

My little girl showed very similar symptoms in the days before I had to have her put to sleep last month. My heart goes out to you and your family. So sad to lose a loved member of the family. :( :hug:

[susanna]

44. My heart is with you.

Lily was a beautiful girl who had very good humans. :hug:

[enigmatic]

55. Oh Bunny, I'm so sorry

:hug:

[FloridaJudy]

56. I'm so sorry

I was hoping she'd just gotten into something she shouldn't have, and it would pass.

Damn, that hurts. I don't expect that I could say anything to make you feel better.
But here's a hug. :hug:

[Bunny]

58. Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and words.

You folks are the best! :hug:

[BarenakedLady]

59. I'm so sorry for your loss Bunny.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Polly Hennessey]

60. Lily

I just read the news that you put Lily down. I was hoping it was nothing more than a minor episode but I guess not. I had to put my Jake down. He was a Golden Retriever and was 11 yrs plus. He had a massive stroke and nothing was going to make him better. I was with him when he died and I stayed with him another 30 minutes. The tears would not stop and I think my face was swollen for days. I found happiness again when we decided that life without a Golden would be too empty and now we have Murphy and Devon. I don't think a day goes by that I don't think about Jake. Our friends never really leave us.

Polly

[NewWaveChick1981]

62. Bunny, I am so sorry.

:hug: :pals: I know that pain all too well. My heart goes out to you and your family. I know you miss your sweet doggie. :hug: