What a relief to pinpoint the cause. I hope your little gal makes a full and speedy recovery. She is lucky to have someone who cares so much about her. I wish all pets could be blessed with such a caring owner.
Thank you for the updates...Well wishes are sent your way...Hugs for you both.
Connie
It turned out to be acute pancreatitis. Her liver markers were high (ALP was 993 - too high to be accurately measured). A 2nd blood test was run with acute pancreatitis coming back positive. This may be the cause of the liver failing, so getting the pancreas under control may allow the liver to be ok.
She was admitted for 1-3 days with fluids, antibiotics and pain meds. We're taking it 1 day at a time.
Hi,
I'm sorry to hear that your dog is not doing any better. If you can't get her in to see the vet until tomorrow, be sure to try and encourage her to drink. You do not want her to become any more dehydrated than she may already be.
If she does happen to have any kidney problems, being dehydrated, will only put more stress on the kidneys.
Now, if she is feeling and acting more normal tomorrow, I would still suggest taking her in for some bloodwork. Dogs with kidney disease can act normal one day, and sick the next.
She is a senior dog, so the bloodwork would not be a waste of time or money.
If you do take her in to see the vet, be sure to tell them how much Rimadyl you gave her... as, I am not sure if it will affect the lab values or not.
Best wishes, and thanks for the update.
Connie
I was pretty upset at the vet's, so I didn't even think to ask about a blood test. In hindsight it is surprising!
She ate some baked chicken yesterday and she drank some water on her own. But she's been in her bed all day and not getting up at all.
This morning, I gave her some water, but she turned away from chicken. I gave her 1/2 a rimadyl with a bit of peanut butter about an hour ago. If she's in pain I figured it might help.
The Just Ask vet said that she might have neck pain or hurt her back with the fall. Due to her nerve issues, she falls/tumbles a lot anyway - with the other 2 dogs it just gets crazy, and she is an enthusiastic dog.
She went outside for awhile yesterday, but pretty much stood in one spot. If she doesn't resume eating the chicken today, I may take her back either this evening or tomorrow morning.
I agree with Connie and am surprised your Vet didn't do blood work ESP because of her age, the fact she is eating grass may certainly be an indication there is a stomach or intestinal upset.
If she has gas in the abdomen, it is a good idea to raise the food and water bowls as they will usually take in less air when eating and drinking.
If there is a known nerve issue, the fall "may" have aggravated something.
I would continue to feed her the bland diet and make sure she drinks. If she does not seem better, I would ask the Vet to do the blood work and you might want to take in a fresh stool sample to be checked.
Hi,
I sure hope you can figure out what is wrong with her soon. I guess if she was acting normal up until the day she fell, then I would have to think that her behavior has something to do with that, and possibly she did hurt herself when she landed on the floor. Or...maybe her degenerative nerve disease has progressed...? Sounds like she needs to go back to the vet for a second look, and be re-evaluated.
Because of her age, and some of the symptoms you describe, I would suggest that you have bloodwork done on her, to rule out any possible kidney or liver issues.
Has she been getting any dog treats...? If so, what kind...?
Please check back to this site often, as other members may reply.
I hope things go well for you and your dog.
Connie
Sounds like appropriate treatment us being done and the pancreas is being time to recover.
My daughter's Chi has chronic pancreatitis, 3 or 4 bad episodes now, stays at the Vet's office and continued meds and sub-Q fluids at home. She has done well but us now on a "strict" canned food diet only!, my daughter found a couple of acceptable treats she can feed her but that is about it.
I lost a young Sheltie, one of my show dogs, to acute pancreatitis that came on suddenly. :-(
Fingers crossed your little one responds to treatment and you will be able to manage this.
Please update and goid luck.