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11year old black lab getting sick
I have an 11 year old black lab who uo until last saturday was very healthy. Late Friday evening, he began coughing and a little bit would come uo, dog food,etc. Then saturday (12-3) he stopped eating all together, but is very, very thirsty. We left his food down and he wouldnt eat it. Instead, he would drink water like crazy and then about 30 seconds later, he would vomit not only the water, but very slimey, foamy substance. Took him to the vet on monday, hewas given a shot of amoxiciallan, a diruretic, and an anti-inflammatory. We brought him home, but he still remained to vomit. The vet had told us he was getting dehydrated at that time, took an x-ray and said it "appeared" to be some pnuemonia in one of his lungs, and wanted to see hime the following day to see if anything changed. If anything, it had gotten worse! He sent us home with an antibiotic and prednesone. Now, he ,continues to vomit several times a day. We have to pry his jaws apart to get the medicine in. He is getting very lethargic,has no energy what-so-ever. Still wont eat, losing wieght, running a low grade temp. He is still urinating when he goes outside but no bowel movements. At any rate, he is not getting better at all. I need help!!!!
Best Answer
In addition to what Mark has said, try some alternative food that is usually more gentle on a dog's stomach, such as small amounts of cooked chicken (on its own or mixed with a small amount of cooked white rice). While this is not a cure for whatever is ailing him, it will give him a little energy. If he's not eating, it's no surprise there are no bowel movements, so don't worry about that for now. Keep encouraging him to drink water as he will become more dehydrated if he doesn't. If he won;'t drink water, try a little slightly warmed milk. Priority No 1 is to find out what is wrong - and for that you may need another vet if your usual vet is unable to diagnose. A diagnosis is what you need, so you will know what to treat. The fact that your usual vet says it appears to be pneumonia doesn't really answer the question, as (certainly in humans) pneumonia tends to be a secondary symptom of another primary condition/illness.
On another thought...if your vet has not yet checked your dogs heart, Have him do so. Just a quick check with the stethoscope.
Your dog needs to go back to the vet immediately....If it was just pneumonia...You should have seen some type of improvement within 48 hours after the antibiotics started. If it was just an infection, the fever should also be gone after 48 hours on the med.
While you are there...please have blood work done to assess liver and kidney functions.
Best wishes to both of you....let us know how things progress.
Connie
While you are there...please have blood work done to assess liver and kidney functions.
Best wishes to both of you....let us know how things progress.
Connie
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