#1
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Hobo has Vestibular Disease...can't/won't eat :(
Wow, I remember when Ginger had this 2.5yrs ago and again this time I have spoken to people who have had dogs all their lives and have never heard of this. I have had two dogs in my life and both have had it
This is an awful thing to watch...poor little pooch's crooked head, bouncing eyes, swaying back and forth, falling over when he shakes. He has not eaten since Thursday but is managing to drink water and actually keep some down. Last night he finally started fighting back when I was trying to pill him his Gravol...that is much more his personalitly I started giving him some squirts of Pedialyte just to keep his electrolytes steady. He sleeps a lot and can't sit up for very long and is very unsteady when he walks. I am hoping that in the next 24hrs he will actually start eating again. I believe he is hungry but when you bring the food to his mouth he turns his head away, as if the smell alone makes him nauseous. We are encouraged as Ginger did have this too and despite having a very acute case did come back from it so we are hoping and praying that Hobo will come around too.
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Mum to Ziggy (6) and Zuzu (5), Zoey (8) and Raggzy (3) Keena (2)...my own little Heaven! Ginger and Hobo at the Bridge (Valentine's Day 2011) but NEVER forgotten <3... "I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain, not because I did not love you, but because I loved you too much to force you to stay" ♥ ♥ We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs! |
#2
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Poor little guy. My sister's dog had it and she went through the same thing, trying to get him to eat. He wasn't much on eating at the best of times. Sis's Vet told her it typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks and that recovery is as sudden as onset and sure enough, in 4 weeks Laddie just stood up and walked again. In the meantime Sis had put her back out lifting a 45 lb. dog up to carry him outside to bathroom. Laddie made a full recovery with only a tiny bit of head tilt remaining and even that diminished. Good wishes to you and Hobo.
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#3
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Thank you so much Longblades. I am happy to hear your sis' dog recovered and hope she regained her appetite. I completely understand your sister's back concerns. I have been feeling the effects myself the last few days but what are you gonna do, eh??? The poor pooch needs to get out and really can't walk yet
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Mum to Ziggy (6) and Zuzu (5), Zoey (8) and Raggzy (3) Keena (2)...my own little Heaven! Ginger and Hobo at the Bridge (Valentine's Day 2011) but NEVER forgotten <3... "I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain, not because I did not love you, but because I loved you too much to force you to stay" ♥ ♥ We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs! |
#4
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Poor Hobo. So strange that both your pooches have it. Makes you wonder if it's environmental or something. TT still has a bit of a head tilt but if that is what he had it never developed to the not walking at all part. He staggered a lot and fell over when he shook his head but
Sending lots of to the little sweetie. I hope he recovers quickly.
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Assumptions do nothing but make an ass out of u and me. We can stick our heads in the sand for only so long before it starts choking us. Face it folks. The pet population is bad ALL OVER THE WORLD! |
#5
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Poor little guy. Is it the medication that takes away his appetite? I'm sorry he's sick, but it sounds like this is something he can recover from, it just takes a little time. I'm sure he'll be back to his usual self in no time.
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There are only two rules at my house: House rule #1. Cats rule. House rule #2. See rule #1. http://nuriaandthegang.shutterfly.com/ |
#6
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Poor Hobo!!!
for his appetite coming back today and for a quick recovery!
__________________
"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#7
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Sorry to hear about Hobo diandpat.....I know it's not the best by far, but when Cocoa wasn't eating anything at all I fried up a couple of slices of bacon and pan seared some chicken breast (added a little salt) and fed her that, she did eat, nothing compared to a meal but at least something....I also bought a can of PC dog food that when I was feeding supermarket food she loved, she also ate some of that.
Sending good vibes that Hobo recovers sooner rather than later. |
#8
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Sending prayers and good wishes to Hobo. Vestibular is very scary. Mac had an episode early last summer and it scared me to death. As you saw with Ginger, they do recover. It just takes supportive care. Hopefully the nausea will subside soon and he will be more tempted by his food. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
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#9
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I am so sorry to hear about Hobo and hope he has a speedy recovery.
Have you tried giving him some canned green tripe? |
#10
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I hope Hobo makes a full recovery.....
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RIP Harley Sept 7/02 - Aug 11/07 Buster (6 yr old Tzu/Bichon) ************************************** Don't let someone become a priority in your life when you are just an option in their life. |
#11
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Lucy just had her second bout of this a few weeks ago . Her first one was back in November.
If you have some pepcid around I would definately get some of that into him to help with some of the nausea. I do a lot of homeopathic stuff with Lucy as well so I administered arnica (for inflamation) and nux vomica (nausea) which really seemed to help her. When it happened this time we were away and my mom was looking after her and she wouldn't eat and couldn't stand/move. I drove home that day to see her and was sure to stop at McDonalds and pick up a few plain hamburgers. She was happy to scarf those down as long as she was handfed. Apparently there is something about the fast food hamburgers that dogs love . I took her back with us on holiday to look after and she had improvement in the first 24 hours and noticeable improvement after 48 hours. She did better after she was fed and we continued to hand feed for about 3 days until she could mostly work around her bowl (with some help). She was back doing a short staggering walk around the parking lot after 3 days and walking short (still wobbly) walks after 5 days. We have just passed the three week mark and she is about 90% of her regular. That is similar to last time ... the final improvements took about another month. Hope Hobo feels better fast .
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"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead |
#12
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I've also heard lately that there is a connection with low thyroid and vestibular so you might want to check that out .
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"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead |
#13
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Get better real soon Hobo .
It must be so hard on you to watch him like that, D&P. I'm so sorry you all have to go through this .
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"Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance." -Will Durant |
#14
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get better soon little one, for him, brenda and the pins.
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#15
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I am so sorry diandpat poor little Hobo
I'm guessing you already tried this but ... hand feeding him chicken or ground beef ? With the help of Gravol of course. Speedy recovery Hobo |
#16
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Speedy recovery Hobo!! for you diandpat
__________________
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do The Spirit Lives As Long As Someone Who Lives Remembers You - Navaho Saying |
#17
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How is Hobo doing?
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#18
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Thank you all for your suggestions and input...every little bit helps.
Tried (and failed LOL) McDonalds cheeseburger, kraft dinner, boiled buffalo meat with cheese, Wellness canned, dry kibble, kraft cheese, yogurt, tripe, boiled chicken, bbq ribs. I can't even begin to tell you how unnerving it is to fail on these foods as they are his faves and he has ALWAYS been such a garborator We had limited success with freeze dried duck and chicken strips and a small piece of pig's ear so we do know he CAN eat and are at a total loss why he won't eat. Gravol and Pepcid are no gos at this point...he squirrels them away and spits them out when we are not looking We have been supplementing with Pedialyte and Pediasure so we know he is getting some nutrients. He drinks water willingly and whatever little bit he eats will evoke a BM so we figure everything is working well inside He is doing much much better physically at least. Walking much better, not falling down as much and even started going up stairs (we us RIGHT behind him) on his own. I am going to try a short walk with him later if the sun comes out. Hopefully if he gets some exercise he will work up an appetite Ginger has a vet appt on Monday anyways so Hobo will tag along and perhaps the vet will be able to shed some light if things have not improved by then. Ginger, too, was slow to start eating again so we are not overly concerned right now as there is improvement in other areas. I would not wish this on my worse enemy as it is heartbreaking to watch but it is so nice when the improvements start. We have also been lucky as I have been working nights this week so Hobo has not had to be alone for more than maximum and hour each day so he has been well looked after. I will keep you posted and thank you all for your kind thoughts, good vibes, and helpful suggestions.
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Mum to Ziggy (6) and Zuzu (5), Zoey (8) and Raggzy (3) Keena (2)...my own little Heaven! Ginger and Hobo at the Bridge (Valentine's Day 2011) but NEVER forgotten <3... "I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain, not because I did not love you, but because I loved you too much to force you to stay" ♥ ♥ We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs! |
#19
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I had not read that...will ask the vet about it on Monday too. Thanks!
__________________
Mum to Ziggy (6) and Zuzu (5), Zoey (8) and Raggzy (3) Keena (2)...my own little Heaven! Ginger and Hobo at the Bridge (Valentine's Day 2011) but NEVER forgotten <3... "I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain, not because I did not love you, but because I loved you too much to force you to stay" ♥ ♥ We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs! |
#20
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Glad to hear that Hobo is doing better physically
I hope his appetite will pick up soon. Ther is some info regarding vestibluar and hypothyroidism on this website .... http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/vestibular.html |
#21
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I'm glad you're seeing improvement, diandpat! Yay!
Now start eating, Hobo!
__________________
"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#22
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Wow, what a difference a day makes After having no success whatsoever between 6-7ish this a.m. he actually ate some of the boiled buffalo meet at noonish. I took him for a very short walk at 1 and when we came back he gobbled the remaining buffalo meat, a tiny piece of pig's ear, an egg yolk and two handfuls of kibble
At 4 when I was preparing dinner for the rest of the zoo his head popped up from his bed and nose was in the air. He ate, nay, devoured another handful of his kibble. So far nothing has come up but nothing has come out either so we are cautiously optimistic. His movement has steadily improved throughout the day too. He is going to the back door to go out (he has had many "pee accidents" in the house this last week ) He is insisting on doing the stairs himself. For anyone who has googled VD and ended up on this thread, don't give up. It really is a brutal disease to watch but it honestly does get better as suddenly as it came on. We know it could be weeks before he is 100% from our experience with Ginger. She still has her head tilt and does not seem to notice. Every indication is that Hobo is not prepared to surrender either Thanks again to the members of the board who kept my little munchkin in their thougths and to Teri and Rainbow for the info on thyroidism. I will ask the vet on Monday. Hopefully it will be all A OK from here. We love him so much For anyone dealing with this You and your pooch will get through it!
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Mum to Ziggy (6) and Zuzu (5), Zoey (8) and Raggzy (3) Keena (2)...my own little Heaven! Ginger and Hobo at the Bridge (Valentine's Day 2011) but NEVER forgotten <3... "I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain, not because I did not love you, but because I loved you too much to force you to stay" ♥ ♥ We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs! |
#23
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diandpat,so glad to read at the end of this post that Hobo is doing better,he's such a sweet little dog,hope it's only up hill from now on
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"The cruelest animal is the Human animal" 3 kitties,Rocky(r.i.p my boy),Chico,Vinnie |
#24
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Hooray for a good appetite! Way to go, Hobo!!!!
I'm so glad he's better, diandpat!
__________________
"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference." "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!" "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." |
#25
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diandpat you might try a small can of catfood (3 oz Wellness grain free chicken for example) either on its own or mixed onto Hobo's kibble. Cat food is generally alright for dogs short term as it is much higher in protein, making it smell really interesting to dogs which is often why dogs want to eat the cats' food.
eat Hobo
__________________
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do The Spirit Lives As Long As Someone Who Lives Remembers You - Navaho Saying |
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