sick dog

[sonja62]

My dog has been vomiting since last night it is now just a bile that he is bringing up he also has diarrhoea.  I have not fed him since 17.30 last night but he is still bringing up bile.  I have tried to get him to eat some boiled chicken but he is refusing it.  He seems a little restless and has been going through stages of panting.  He is a 7 yr old collie x.  I am on income support and have no money at the moment please can you give me some advice on what to do i am really worried about him.  Many thanks.  

[Ghilly]

Thanks, Ginger, for posting that great information for folks in the UK!  It's very valuable and could save the lives of a lot of pets whose owners don't think they can afford veterinary treatment.

Sonja62, please understand that nobody is jumping on you, we're just all passionate about providing the correct care for our pets, and from what you have described, your dog does need immediate veterinary care, and I do mean immediate.  Right now the reason he's only vomiting bile is because he has absolutely nothing left in his stomach to bring up, and this is bad because since he's not even bringing up a little bit of liquid, he's probably already dehydrated from constantly vomiting.  Dehydration can be deadly.  It can throw off the body's electrolytes to the point of disrupting the heart's rhythm, and this can be deadly.  Right now, don't try to get your dog to eat anything.  Whatever is bothering him, his stomach is so inflamed that it can't handle any type of food.  You DO, however, HAVE to try to get him to drink something, even if he throws it right up again.  You've GOT to get liquids into this dog ASAP.  Try getting him to drink some type of sports drink like Gatorade or something like Pedialyte that is designed to balance electrolytes as well as quench thirst.

Withhold all food until you see the vet.  It could be something minor, but because of the high level of inflammation of the stomach every bite of food just keeps it inflamed.  Give it a day to settle down with just the liquids, and above all, call your vet.  Call him NOW if there is an emergency number for him on the machine when you call the clinic after hours.  It could end up being a whole lot more expensive if you wait any longer.  Please let us know what the vet says.

Ghilly

[ginger899]

(Forgot to say this)....You get the application form from your vet. Ask for the PDSA Pet aid scheme form. It will have to be filled in and signed by your vet. The vet will have had to have seen your dog withing the last 6 months before they will sign it. Then you're all set to go.

[ginger899]

Yeah, get this guy to the vet (you probably have done by now.) I'm only posting this because you are in the UK and there is the PDSA pet-aid scheme which helps people who receive housing benefit and Council Tax benefit. If you receive that, and can provide papers from the local council to prove it, you can apply for the PDSA charitable help.
That won't help right now, in this emergency I know. But getting wised-up about this will help in the future, if you are in the same financial position, and need vet care for your dog.

How it works is like this: You register your dog, and prove you are on benefit, then you are covered for any accident or emergency EXCEPT any treatment needed which is for a condition which has already been diagnosed, and your dog has received treatment for in the past. Also you wouldn't be covered for flea treatments/spaying/worming....and there may be one or two other things which I cannot remember now, but read the small print. However, accident and emergency (general) you would get cover for.
PDSA Pet aid scheme has to be renewed twice yearly, and costs £5 each renewal. You will also be expected to make some contribution (even if a small amount) towards any treatment your dog might receive.

I so do hope your dog's ok. Please post back and let us know.

[peekawho]

I'm terribly worried.  This sounds very much like a bowel obstruction.  Panting, restlessness, refusing to eat, constant vomiting...

Your dog is suffering greatly.  You are obligated to provide care.  If you cannot afford it, your obligation is to end the dogs suffering, if there is no payment arrangement that can be made with the vet.

Try your local area humane society.  Many have low cost clinics associated with them.  They may also be able to recommend somewhere.  As a last resort, you can surrender your dog to them, and they may then provide either the urgent care needed, or euthanize the dog humanely.

The one thing you can't do is to sit by and do nothing but worry.  That is not an option.

[Jaybay]

If you had a vomiting child with diarrhea, would you seek medical care or simply wait until your child died?  Ethically and legally, you are obliged to provide medical treatment to animals you own.  Your dog is very ill and must have a vet's care.  If you have to sell some assets to pay for it, then that's what you do.  I've had to do the same thing for my dogs, including selling my car.  You have to think outside the box, but most of all you have to get your dog to a vet - today.

[1nana]

Oops, that should be *needs*

[1nana]

He nedes to see the vet NOW!!!

With diarrhea and vomiting, he is sure to become dehydrated, if he hasn't already.

The vet may be able to work out a payment plan for you.