Information on Dogs health issues - Diarrhoea - ASK VET FIRST BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY ADVICE

In view of Inuits, problems with Baltics loose end, I thought it more appropriate to move that as a seperate discussion from the cruelty case topic it came in.


PLEASE DO NOT USE OR TAKE THE ADVICE WITHOUT CONSULTING A QUALFIED VET FIRST. THIS IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.


Some antibitoics can upset the stomach bacteria, so keeping the other end loose still. I assume he has been wormed, vaccinated and de-flead. Parasite, wormss and fleas can cause loose ends.

Check witht he Vets its ok to do any of the following. It might work, it might be inappropriate for Baltics condition.
Have you tried giving him boiled chicken and rice, a bland diet, or an egg to harden up the poo?
Some use a probiotic, either powder(added to ddrinking water) or yoghurt to boost the internal bacteria and help get the internal organisms back up to strength.

Another thing, can't remember its proper title, but essentially its a water diet, giving the dog nothing but clean water, regulary changed for 24 hours. Then re-introductions of foods, 50% boiled chicken and boiled rice, in the case of maybe its an allergy. After giving them a water diet, see if the dog improves or feels better. If their condition improves, you can start giving them bland foods and low fat foods. You can feed them boiled foods, tofu and fruits like pumpkins. Fruits and vegetables rich in fiber can also help harden things up. Pumpkin seems to be ranked as a good anit loose end fixer.

You can use Pepto-Bismol, a medicine that can also be used for treating dog diarrhea. You can give them 1ml of Pepto-Bismol for every 10 lbs. of your dog's weight. Give this medication to your dog three times a day, for no more than one week. You can also use .5 mg of Loperamide Immodium for every 10 lbs. body weight, three times daily

Quote :

Watch out for dehydration
A lot of water is lost from the dog's system when passing frequent watery motions so watch your dog for symptoms of dehydration. Sticky or dry gums can often indicate dehydration.

Encourage him to drink plenty of water or Lectade may be given. Lectade, an oral re-hydration therapy for cats and dogs can be used to reverse the effects of dehydration and loss of electrolytes following diarrhea. In the first 24 hours this should be given at the rate of 8-30mls every half hour by mouth. For example a small toy dog would require 8mls and a large dog such as a german shepherd would require 30mls.

Diet can cause diarrhea in dogs

If the diarrhea has come on suddenly consider if you have made any changes to his diet. Often cheaper brand dog foods can cause diarrhea as can a sudden change in diet. Feed your dog a good high quality diet. Cheap dog food may ultimately cost you more with higher vet bills. My advice is to feed your dog the best possible food that you can afford. Cheaper dog foods are bulked out with vegetables and carbohydrates which pass straight through your dog.

Rule of thumb: If you put in rubbish, rubbish will come out.

Diarrhea can also be caused by dairy intake in dogs due to lactose intolerance. Dogs and puppies do not need to be given milk to drink.

Don't feed dogs people food. Especially spicy food.

Worms can cause diarrhea in dogs

Worms, such as roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm can cause diarrhea in dogs so ensure they are given de-worming medication regularly

Parvovirus
Parvovirus enteritis is a highly contagious, viral disease which is often fatal. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, dark or bloody feces, and in severe cases, fever and lowered white blood cell counts.

Distemper
Canine Distemper is also a highly contagious viral disease which is often fatal. Diarrhea is one of the many symptoms. What is Canine Distemper?

Canine Distemper is a highly contagious, viral disease which is often fatal. It affects the gastrointestinal, respiratory and central nervous systems. Canine distemper infects dogs but can be found in other animals:

Canidae: Wolf, coyote, fox, domestic dog
Procyonidae: Raccoon
Mustelidae: Ferret, mink, weasel, martin, fisher, otter, badger, skunk, wolverine

What are the symptoms of Canine Distemper

The many signs of distemper are not always typical. Symptoms may include

Fever 39C to 41C (103F to 106F)
Loss of appetite,
Depression,
Cough,
Nasal discharge,
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Eye inflammation
Pneumonia

Neurological Symptoms include
Seizures
Muscle twitching
Deterioration of mental abilities
Loss of motor skills
Complete or partial paralysis
Increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as pain or touch (Hyperesthesia)

A fever is often the initial symptom but may go unnoticed. Symptoms become more serious and noticeable as the disease progresses. The symptoms become exacerbated by secondary bacterial infections.

Complications involving the eyes can also occur. Some complications of the eye can be serious enough to damage the optic nerve and cause the dog to go blind.

Encephalomyelitis is a complication that can develop. It is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Dogs who have recovered can also suffer chronic symptoms such as hardening of the foot and nose pads. Erosion of the teeth can occur if a puppy contracts the disease before its second teeth have erupted. (The virus kills the cells that make tooth enamel) It is possible to re-enamel the teeth.

Canine Distemper is a very serious, potentially fatal disease.
If your dog has any of the above symptoms take it to the vet immediately.


How is Canine Distemper contracted?
It is contracted primarily through airborne viral particles that the dog breathes in. Infected dogs shed the virus through bodily secretions such as respiratory secretions, and urine and feces excretions. Dogs contract the virus by direct contact with urine, feces, or secretions from infected dogs. Also contact with kennels, bedding, toys, or other objects that may also hold the virus. During the recovery period (which can last several weeks) dogs can still shed the virus even if all symptoms have disappeared. Once fully recovered previously infected dogs no longer shed the virus.

What is the treatment for canine Distemper?

At this time, there is no cure for the actual virus which causes canine Distemper. Treatment is supportive. That means that your vet will treat the symptoms as they occur. For example the dog may need an intravenous drip if it is dehydrated, or anticonvulsants if it is having seizures. The dog is kept as comfortable as possible with constant nursing in a warm dry draft free area.
Prognosis for Canine Distemper

Canine Distemper is fatal in over fifty percent of adult dogs who contract the virus and eighty percent of puppies. Death occurs between 2 weeks and 3 months after infection. The main cause of death is from complications to the central nervous system. Many vets will recommend euthanasia when there are progressive incapacitating neurological symptoms.

Nervous problems can persist many weeks after the animal has recovered from all other symptoms of the infection. Some dogs appear to recover but may develop chronic or fatal nervous system problems.

Is there anyway to prevent canine distemper?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent Canine Distemper. Ask your vet about a vaccination schedule.


Bacterial Infections that cause Diarrhea in puppies and dogs
Bacterial infections such as E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella varieties can cause severe abdominal pain often accompanied with bloody diarrhea.
Parasites that cause diarrhea in Dogs and Puppies
Coccidiosis
Diarrhea is the main sign of coccidiosis. Blood and mucous in the diarrhea is a common symptom.

Your vet may prescribe Sulfa antibiotics. This will not kill the organism but will keep it in check until your puppy develops a good level of immunity.

Giardia
Symptoms in puppies and dogs include diarrhea with mucus and having a pale greasy appearance. The diarrhea may be greenish or yellowish. There may also be blood in the diarrhea There is usually a very bad odor to the diarrhea. Other symptoms are weight loss, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Cryptosporidia
Cryptosporidia is a single cell parasite which can cause diarrhea in dogs and puppies.

Pumpkin for Diarrhea and Constipation
It's quite remarkable that fresh pumpkin cooked and mashed or canned pureed pumpkin (if using canned: do not use the pie filling variety but the 100% natural canned pumpkin) can work wonders for both the occasional bout of diarrhea or for the opposite, constipation in dogs. It has been reported that it firms up dog's loose stools or diarrhea within a few hours. How much pumpkin should you give? It depends on the size of the dog but as a rule of thumb a couple of teaspoons daily for a small dog or a couple of tablespoons for a large dog. You may have to disguise it in you dog's favorite food.

Chronic Diarrhea
If your dog has chronic diarrhea (Chronic means continuing for a long time, lingering or persistent) then medical advice should be sought. Always check with your vet if diarrhea is severe or persistent. Diarrhea can be life threatening.

Some Possible Causes of Diarrhea in Dogs and Puppies

Diet
Drinking Milk (Lactose Intolerance)
Eating Garbage
Infection (viral or bacterial)
Worms
Parasites such as giardia & coccidia
Bowel Disease
Poisoning
Cancer
Blockage (foreign object)
Pancreatitis
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Intussusception (telescoping of the bowel on itself)
Hormone Imbalance
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Useful site to wise up on a rule out problems of loose ends for dogs


Having little knoweldge on prostrates in dogs, I asked a friend who had a dog with enlarged prostrate. He said the symptons his dog had were problems urinating and constipation. As the prostrate blocks the rectum, so the dog strains but nothings coming out. Its an area I'm unsure about. He gave me the link below that might help.
Prostrate problems in dogs


Another link he said, sounds more like the problem is to do with the pancreas.

Pancreas - sugar enzyme issues

Digestive issues

I read this link and to me sounded a ore possible solution to Baltics condition.
Both myself and my Moog(Addison's Dog) have the EPI, although in different medical terms and I don't eat my own poo. Moog however does have the odd relapse into munching inappropirate material.

prancreatic insufficiency.

Gris Gris , that is one hell of a lot of info to get through ! As it is , it seems as if Baltic has chronic Pancrea problems . I am waiting results of a blood sample taken yesterday . I have been able to stabalise a little his situation with a boiled rice and meat diet , coupled with smectra, which is a little like Milk of magnesium. it puts a protective coating on his stomach and intestinal linings . To give him protien , I also give him dry dog biscuits .
He has had an antibiotic and worm treatment which gave no results .
I have not got the time to read all your info tonight as it is getting late for me as I am on mornings this week .Ii will get across tomorrow afternoon and check out all your info . Thanks a lot Gris Gris ! If I could get through this screen I would give you a big hug !

edit; checked out quick your last link and from what was written this is Baltics problem.

Dogs are complicated, there is some useful advice in there for pacreatic dogs. Just take a peek at those. As you said prostrate it didn't make sense to me for causing the issues you mentioned Baltic had. But, I included it as a cross reference.

You think thats alot, you should see my files on Addison's Diseas and Crisis in dog and Plasma Cancer in dogs. That above looks like a tiny paragraph by comparison.

With Addison's I have no choice but to find out all the relevant information as the adrenal system is complicated. Plus the damge done by Moog's crisis has and does affect many other internal organs and systems. Let alone the dogs side ther is also to contend iwth medicne interacting with her lifeline drugs and and the food and potassium levels in them. Potassium is one thing she can't handle.

Forme, and I am probably OTT, is the more I know the less I can overlook or not notice in Moog. So the less chance of her life being cut short. A lifetime of drugs but she lives as normally, as any healthy dog. It's just she gets salty porrige and biscuit pills every day without fail and has blood test to keep and eye on things.

As her recent blood test revealed she is 25(sodium parts) - 1(Potassaium part) instead of the ratio of 27(Sodium) parts -1(Potassium) part. Meant she's destablising, as it turnns out her weight has gone up, which could be the reason for the rise. 1 exra Florinef and a repeat of bloods hopefully will shoe the ratio back to 27-1 again. With Addison's it is a known issue they can suddenly destablise and weight is important to be maintained.

Can't deny i love and have a passion for dogs.

Yes sorry about that Gris Gris , I got Pancrea and prostate mixed up !

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency , from what I have read , possibly linked with Pancreatitis , seems to be Baltics problem. Also I am wondering if , the food he received at the SPA and here when he first arrived was possibly too rich for him . His body, not being used to it , reacted as it knows how. Here I am putting forward a supposition , from what I have seen recently . Though he would eat the tinned dog meat he would hardly touch the dog biscuits . Since I have been giving him the cooked rice and minced beef cooked together , he will jump on it and eat all of it . His pancrea was not used to producing the sugars and enzymes necessary for a complete digestion .
The good things in his behavoir is, he eats well, though with some weight loss , almost a kilo last week, drinks a lot. He is active, happy and curious , enjoys his walks .
I am going to copy the info about the dog food , what to look for on packets and see what I can come up with . As soon as I find the adequate food then I will keep to it . I have been lucky in a sense as my dogs have let me know when a dog food was not good for them . They would not touch it! They would rather go hungry than eat it . When I saw that I chucked it out and got them some decent food in .
True , the problems you have had with your Moog and wanting to help her , has made you a mine of info . As you say also it helps you to diagnose very quickly when something is wrong . OK , so the poor dog has to face a life of drugs to keep her on her toes . but I bet that she lets you know that the trouble you put yourself to for her is appreciated .
People often tell me that I think more of my dogs than I do myself . I say "so what ? At least the let me know they are happy and do not ask anything in return. Which is not the case of a lot of humans " All they want is love, respect and a good home .
Forgot to add, there has been a start of interaction between Piwi and Baltic .

Hi Gris Gris , got the results of the blood sample back . Not too good . It is a chronic pancreatite with a vitamin B12 déficiency . I have an RDV with the vet tomorrow to discuss things and get a treatement under way as soon as possible .
Mind you that does not mean that he is any less lively ! It is a pity he has this as he is a dog full of life and joy . In his dogs' fashion , he has started to make me understand he appreciates what I do . There is a big welcome when I get home from work , he comes and lies at my feet or my side . When he wants to go for a walk or wants to play , then he will gently take my hand and pull me . Now I really know how you feel about Moog .
The vet is going to give me the names of a couple of types of dog biscuits , one is Royal Canin brand . Plus to show me for the injections of B12 .

For your info Gris Gris here are the results of the blood samples taken the other day .

Bilan Diarrhée >50.0 + Provisional reference value 8.5-35 µg / L

Folates 9.28 " " " 7-17 ng/ L

Vitamin B12 191 - - " " " 225 - 860 pg / L

Spec cPL 407 Canine lipase specific to the Pancrea .

Note ; Spec cPL <= 200 µg / L Physiological value , no suspicion of pancreatite .
201 - 399 µg / L Limit, to be controlled within 14 days .
>= 400 µg / L high level , in favour of a Pancreatite ;


Started his B12 treatment today plus a strict diet of low fat dog biscuits , no meat of any kind for the moment . Last week, he had lost a kilo in weight , this week he had gained 300 grams . Not a lot I know but it is a start . he is comming it at 21 K 700 , from his body size he should normally weigh in at around 24 to 25 Kilos . Murphy , who physically was a much bigger dog ran at 28 k 600 . Plus he kept that weight through out his adult life . In fact I never rarely weighed him as at 100 Grs I knew what his weight was . With Baltic this will of course be different , cos as you explained it could well tell if there is a problem or not . In a months time he will have a new echography and blood sample to see if there is any change , after that every two months for a certain time .
The local SPA is going to pay me the medical expenses incurred . It is good of them as my bank account had taken a wallop and to cover expenses till the end of the month , I had to take out an advance on next months pay . As it is a possible life treatment then that is for me . Normal as I am now the dogs owner . I was asked if , in view of the fact that he was ill when I took him , I wanted to hand him back ! I said NO ! He is my dog now . he has confidence in me and I would not like to see his life ruined . The only reason which could have made me return him was if he was agressive . This is far from being the case . Allez Hop , a new adventure starts .