Harry has bloat - for the THIRD time!

[julster]

I'm just in shock. Some of you may have read my other thread on Geriatric Vestibular Disorder. My 7 year old dane/lab mix was suddenly unable to walk on Sunday - during a trip to the emergency vet, we had x-rays of his spine done and the vet noticed some gas in his stomach - not enough to be bloat, but since he's suffered from it twice, she's definitely aware. After an overnight stay, he was again able to walk, but was suffering from ataxia - or "drunken" gait. The vet asked me to give it three days...he was on amoxicillin, sucralfate and toradol. He remained status quo until tonight. When I got home from work today I noticed he was very lethargic - didn't get up to greet me when I hit the door. I called the vet and she asked me to bring him back in so we could do some blood work and get another x-ray of his stomach. I loaded him in the car and drove him over - they took blood work and did the x-ray and sure enough, it's bloat AGAIN. I'm a total wreck. I'm sitting here waiting for a call to tell me if they were able to tube him and relieve the pressure in his belly. I can't believe this is happening again...

[diandpat]

OMG that is so scary...and three times, no less

Well, hopefully now that they know what they are dealing with they will be able to fix him up good as new.

coming your way and please keep us posted. This is just too stressful.

[julster]

Just heard from the vet....looks like she was able to tube him without anesthesia. Wow....lucky break. He's resting comfortably. We'll see what the next 24 hours will bring. Prayers appreciated!!!!!

[Rottielover]

If he is so prone to it, you may want to have his stomach stapled so it can NEVER happen again.
Good thoughts

[TeriM]

Originally Posted by julster

He's resting comfortably. We'll see what the next 24 hours will bring. Prayers appreciated!!!!!

You can include mine . Good luck, hope he recovers quickly .

[Frenchy]

I'm so sorry :sad: speedy recovery for your fuzzbutt

[julster]

Rottielover - His stomach is stapled! Actually, the first two times he bloated they tacked him, so he's got multiple tacks. Hence the reason he didn't torsion this time.....they can still bloat, just not twist. What a nightmare!

I just got back from visiting him. The techs all said they were trying to get him to wag his tail and he just kept looking at them. As soon as I walked in, he thump thump thumped his tail...it was awesome!!! He looks great - the vet actually told me I could take him home tonight, but I opted to leave him there overnight just in case....

I feel better after seeing him.....can't wait to get him home tomorrow.

[hazelrunpack]

Three times! Holy cats! No wonder you're a wreck!

for a quick recovery and no. more. bloat. !!!!!

[Purpledomino]

It's unbelieveable that your poor boy had to endure this so many times...and you too! Here are wishes and prayers that this is the final time, and your dear Harry recovers and keeps wagging for you! This definately is the definition of stress as I see it. Good luck to both of you!

[growler~GateKeeper]

Wow 3 times!

Sending some and for Harry

[Rottielover]

Wow I did not know they can still bloat. I am so sorry to hear wht you are going through.
I have to say, Cancer and bloat are my 2 scariest things with my dogs

[14+kitties]

Sending lots of for a speedy recovery and ers that it doesn't happen again.

[julster]

Thanks to all for your kind thoughts and prayers! I called this morning and they said he didn't rebloat during the night (thank GOD!!) and is stable, but isn't eating this morning and didn't pee or poop on his trip outside. He's nervous being there, though, so I'm thinking maybe he just needs his mommy to do that. I should be able to pick him up this afternoon.

I'll keep you posted. Thanks again SO MUCH!!!

Julie


P.S. That's him in my avatar!

[Love4himies]

for your baby. Sometimes when pets are stressed they don't poo or pee easily.

[julster]

Plus I'm thinking his stomach would be empty, so there may be nothing in there to poo out!!!!

[Dog Dancer]

I agree about the bowel issues. He'll settle back into his routine once he's home. If he hasn't eaten what can he do?? Here's hoping he's done with bloat for good now. Sorry I can't offer any advice on how to avoid it, but I'm guessing you'd be well on top of that after three bouts anyhow. Pawsitive thoughts and prayers for your boy and you.

[kandy]

I don't know if you are feeding dry kibble or not, but if you are, perhaps you should soak the food before he eats. That way it's not swelling in his stomach. Maybe more frequent, smaller meals?

I certainly wish him a speedy recovery, and for this to be the last time Harry has to go through this!

[julster]

Good evening, guys! Harry is home.....and is doing great! He's walking normally except for some arthritis he has in his front left elbow...the ataxia must have been caused by the bloat which is just so weird. He didn't have that with the first two bouts. Completely bizarre.

In any case, he's home - ate a good dinner tonight and drank like crazy. He's laying on his pad beside the couch looking like a very happy camper.

Thanks to all who offered prayers and good thoughts. You guys are the best!!!

[hazelrunpack]

WooooHoooo! I'm glad he's home!

No more worrying your mommy, Harry!