HELP...diagnosed with Colitis....

[myjordash]

and that is all we know so far. Our Yorkie will not eat or drink. She started to refuse to eat or drink two nights ago. Then the next morning she was vomiting, yellow, so we took her to the Vet. They did an X-Ray, and Blood Tests and says she has Colitis. They hydrated her with IV, and suggested we use a syringe to give her 20 cc's of water 3 to 4 times a day. They also gave her an anti-biotic. They said they are waiting for the blood tests to come back, so we know what type of colitis, and how to treat it. Does anyone have ANY advice/suggestions? She is still not eating or drinking, and I have managed to give her some Nutri-Cal, and 20 cc's of water, twice today, but it is a FIGHT to get her to take it.

I read on here people suggesting Pedialyte....should I get that instead of the water? I have also tried baby food, canned food, moistening her food with water, Karo Syrup in her water, but nothing is sparking her to eat/drink on her own.

Any advice, info, prayers, are GREATLY appreciated. By the way, she is about 2 1/2 yrs old.

Thanks!

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by myjordash

and that is all we know so far. Our Yorkie will not eat or drink. She started to refuse to eat or drink two nights ago. Then the next morning she was vomiting, yellow, so we took her to the Vet. They did an X-Ray, and Blood Tests and says she has Colitis. They hydrated her with IV, and suggested we use a syringe to give her 20 cc's of water 3 to 4 times a day. They also gave her an anti-biotic. They said they are waiting for the blood tests to come back, so we know what type of colitis, and how to treat it. Does anyone have ANY advice/suggestions? She is still not eating or drinking, and I have managed to give her some Nutri-Cal, and 20 cc's of water, twice today, but it is a FIGHT to get her to take it.

I read on here people suggesting Pedialyte....should I get that instead of the water? I have also tried baby food, canned food, moistening her food with water, Karo Syrup in her water, but nothing is sparking her to eat/drink on her own.

Any advice, info, prayers, are GREATLY appreciated. By the way, she is about 2 1/2 yrs old.

Thanks!

HMMM, what are her symptoms besides not eatinga and vomiting? Does she have blood in her stool.

There is a good homemade diet for this but what's the use if she isn't eating anyway? I would force feed if it was Ellie.

PediaLyte is fine but PediaSure is better (more vitamins and minerals). I would go with unflavored pedialyte or maybe vanilla pediasure. This can't be a steady diet though...

[myjordash]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

HMMM, what are her symptoms besides not eatinga and vomiting? Does she have blood in her stool.

There is a good homemade diet for this but what's the use if she isn't eating anyway? I would force feed if it was Ellie.

PediaLyte is fine but PediaSure is better (more vitamins and minerals). I would go with unflavored pedialyte or maybe vanilla pediasure. This can't be a steady diet though...

What about gatorade....just as good, or no?

Those are her only symptoms, but we are going on day 3, of her not eating or drinking without being forced. She isn't even vomiting anymore, just not eating or drinking without force.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by myjordash

What about gatorade....just as good, or no?

Those are her only symptoms, but we are going on day 3, of her not eating or drinking without being forced. She isn't even vomiting anymore, just not eating or drinking without force.

She isn't having any kind of neurolical symptoms (seizures, shaking, head pressing, circling), is she?

Gatorade is okay (as long as there is no articial sweetener in it) but I don't think it is too many vitamins/minerals.

I would still give water even if you do supplement with pedia... Can you try liquifying some soft food and forcing it? I would hate to see her back at the vet on IVs. How about a high quality canned food that has gravy? Could you force that down? Mashed potato?

[BLEU BOY BARBER]

praying for you and your baby ....

hugs
vicki

[myjordash]

Thank you! I went out and got some Pedialyte. It seems like with the syringe, 1/2 of it ends up on the floor. She is really not wanting it at all. I did open some baby food though, CHICKEN, with no onion, or anything else in it, and she took to licks. She hasn't done that in 3 days. So I am ecstatic about that! I will continue every hour to push the liquids and Nutrical as well. Thanks for the info....and the prayers!

[docnpat]

My dog has made tremendous gains by taking a scant 1/4 Pepcid (He's 7-8 pounds.) twice daily. He was vomiting and had diarrhea when it started, then stopped eating, then progressed to vomiting blood and passing blood. With a situation this serious, I would give nothing that we recommend without checking with your own vet first. I think I would return to my vet or check with another vet if this goes on. She can't go on without eating very long. This is worrisome. Is she urinating? KEEP the vet updated daily or even twice daily. They may assume that she is improving if they do not hear from you. She's your baby and she has only you to report her progress to her doctor.

[ARCHIE]

Prayer's coming your way for both of you.
I do hope she get's better soon and eat's. Poor baby.
I had no idea dogs could get this. Seems like they get
so many of human disorders. Hope you both get relief
soon.

[Yorkie Luv of 3]

Bless Her Heart!!! I hope for the best for ya'll!

[myjordash]

Originally Posted by docnpat

My dog has made tremendous gains by taking a scant 1/4 Pepcid (He's 7-8 pounds.) twice daily. He was vomiting and had diarrhea when it started, then stopped eating, then progressed to vomiting blood and passing blood. With a situation this serious, I would give nothing that we recommend without checking with your own vet first. I think I would return to my vet or check with another vet if this goes on. She can't go on without eating very long. This is worrisome. Is she urinating? KEEP the vet updated daily or even twice daily. They may assume that she is improving if they do not hear from you. She's your baby and she has only you to report her progress to her doctor.

We are keeping in constant contact with the vet. I checked with them as well on the Gatorade/Pedialyte vs. water, and they said to go with the gatorade/pedialyte.

We haven't had any blood, he said our biggest concern is the dehydration, so the Vet said to make sure we are forcing the fluids down, and if we are in doubt, bring her in. I have seen her pee EVERYTIME she has gone outside, so I know that is a good sign. I gave her some Gerber chicken baby food, and she has taken a few licks of that, which is the first time in 3 days, so I am ecstatic about that.

I will continue to keep in contact with the doctor, and take her to the E.R. Vet if necessary. Thanks for the info on the Pepcid. I will ask the doctor about that if she starts vomiting, or doesn't increase on the food intake soon.

[Ellie May]

Did the vet check for pancreatitis?

[SophieRose]

Colitis is very painful for them, and the biggest concern is lack of fluids. They can take a nose dive rapidly. Be very careful about changing to a variety of foods; better to stick with two basics until you find out the results of the blood test which will show her protein level.

Dogs that have this condition do very well with grain free diets and low fat. However, prescription Science Diet is okay for a short time but not long term because the nutriments are not sufficient. (The vet will probably suggestion Science Diet wet food). Also, do a lot of reading on colitis for canines and related issues. Normally, once they have an attack, subsequent attacks will follow.

Warmly, Deborah

[myjordash]

Thank you all for your help and advice. This morning after days of forcing fluids, she is FINE....like 100% back to her old self. Eating her treats, jumping up and down, I mean....she just woke up FINE! The Vet called and said that all her labs came back NORMAL, except her white blood cells were SLIGHTLY elevated. He is not sure what it was, but she is fine now! UGH, that was a scary few days!

[Gracie'sMom]

Gracie has chronic colitis. Use a alternative protien it helps tremendously ( we use venison - we did feed IVD perscrption food but we recently made the switch to Wellness Venison and no problems!) As someone else stated the Pepcid works great and also adding metamucil to the food. I am confused that colitis was the diagnosis given the fact that the puppy was not having diarehha - I would think Pancreatitis with out loose bms. Glad to hear she is doing well.

[yoyo27]

So good to hear she is better. I hope she stays that way now. Watch her closely.