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imdll · 10-28-2011, 02:50 PM

No I am not looking for someone to diagnose Lu's issues and quite frankly I find it tiresome how judgemental some individuals on this board can be sometimes. I was simply inquiring if there was anyone who had a similar experience that wasn't life threatening. At the time of my original post I was worried Lu’s symptoms might be returning, which they did not.

As muchas Vets have lots of schooling behind them (my husband's cousin is a Vet) it'sis just like with doctors, a lot of what diagnosis comes down to is experience and symptoms, prior to using invasive tests. A doctor or vet is not going to do a bunch of testing in this particular situation when symptoms are no longer occurring and when it is the duration or repeated occurrence of those symptoms which determines the need for concern in the first place. If I had taken Lu to the vet after the symptoms were already gone, he would have checked her temperature, asked me if she was eating or drinking and if she was active or lethargic, listened to her bowel sounds which would have been normal because her bowel movements were normal and then told me to keep an eye on her and bring her in if the symptoms returned. (Which is what I plan to do.) The mucous and small amount of blood was now over a week ago, while something to watch and for in case it returns it's not a reason to now seek veterenary care when she is now eating and drinking and playing normally.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hematochezia-blood-in-stool-in-dogs/page1.aspx

“One occurrence of hematochezia may be a minor and transient event. Repeated or persistent hematochezia is more serious and should not be ignored.”

Thus had the mucous stool occurred again or there been any blood on her stool, as I was fearing may occur on Wednesday when I posted, I would have collected a sample and taken Lu to the vet.

Here’s a news flash for those who haven’t figured it out yet. . . . doctors and vets don’t have crystal balls! Too many people run to their doctor or their vet when there is nothing for them to diagnose. A onetime occurrence of this sort of thing where symptoms have ceased after a short time (and this is not necessarily true for all health issues) is reason to pay attention not reason to panic. In this sort of matter you need symptoms in order to determine cause or to give reason to test for cause.

I appreciate the initial concern shown by some but not the continued issues after I have literally gone to great lengths to explain and even provided vet information supporting my thoughts on the matter. I would be extrememly surprised if your vet would tell you anything different but will ask mine the next time I speak with him. I have also explained that I am not some naive young person with no experience behind them who is not aware of the fragility of the health of tiny dogs or tiny children for that matter. I realize dehydration etc. is a huge risk and know the difference between slight and extreme. (Read small amount of bile, not vomitting for a week.)

Thank you to those who shared experiences and provided food for thought. It was appreciated. I will continue to keep an eye on Lu and if there is any change to indicate further intestinal issues I will have her examined.

With regard to the gagging coughing issues. I would agree that something like kennel cough would be something to consider if the cough were more consistent. She has done the coughing thing four times in two weeks. Twice in one night just before she got ill and then once two days apart. I would think something like kennel cough would be more consistent than that and present with more symptoms than one cough resulting a little bit of bile. I highly suspect that after watching Lu and her eating habits these past few days that she has not been eating as regularly as she should be and that is why her stomach has been empty. I may have to coax her a little bit as food is apparently not a top priority in her little world. However if she does it again I will have her looked at as repeated unusual health issues certainly warrant further investigation.

Thanks again.

10-28-2011, 02:50 PM	#27
imdll Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 129	No I am not looking for someone to diagnose Lu's issues and quite frankly I find it tiresome how judgemental some individuals on this board can be sometimes. I was simply inquiring if there was anyone who had a similar experience that wasn't life threatening. At the time of my original post I was worried Lu’s symptoms might be returning, which they did not. As muchas Vets have lots of schooling behind them (my husband's cousin is a Vet) it'sis just like with doctors, a lot of what diagnosis comes down to is experience and symptoms, prior to using invasive tests. A doctor or vet is not going to do a bunch of testing in this particular situation when symptoms are no longer occurring and when it is the duration or repeated occurrence of those symptoms which determines the need for concern in the first place. If I had taken Lu to the vet after the symptoms were already gone, he would have checked her temperature, asked me if she was eating or drinking and if she was active or lethargic, listened to her bowel sounds which would have been normal because her bowel movements were normal and then told me to keep an eye on her and bring her in if the symptoms returned. (Which is what I plan to do.) The mucous and small amount of blood was now over a week ago, while something to watch and for in case it returns it's not a reason to now seek veterenary care when she is now eating and drinking and playing normally. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/hematochezia-blood-in-stool-in-dogs/page1.aspx “One occurrence of hematochezia may be a minor and transient event. Repeated or persistent hematochezia is more serious and should not be ignored.” Thus had the mucous stool occurred again or there been any blood on her stool, as I was fearing may occur on Wednesday when I posted, I would have collected a sample and taken Lu to the vet. Here’s a news flash for those who haven’t figured it out yet. . . . doctors and vets don’t have crystal balls! Too many people run to their doctor or their vet when there is nothing for them to diagnose. A onetime occurrence of this sort of thing where symptoms have ceased after a short time (and this is not necessarily true for all health issues) is reason to pay attention not reason to panic. In this sort of matter you need symptoms in order to determine cause or to give reason to test for cause. I appreciate the initial concern shown by some but not the continued issues after I have literally gone to great lengths to explain and even provided vet information supporting my thoughts on the matter. I would be extrememly surprised if your vet would tell you anything different but will ask mine the next time I speak with him. I have also explained that I am not some naive young person with no experience behind them who is not aware of the fragility of the health of tiny dogs or tiny children for that matter. I realize dehydration etc. is a huge risk and know the difference between slight and extreme. (Read small amount of bile, not vomitting for a week.) Thank you to those who shared experiences and provided food for thought. It was appreciated. I will continue to keep an eye on Lu and if there is any change to indicate further intestinal issues I will have her examined. With regard to the gagging coughing issues. I would agree that something like kennel cough would be something to consider if the cough were more consistent. She has done the coughing thing four times in two weeks. Twice in one night just before she got ill and then once two days apart. I would think something like kennel cough would be more consistent than that and present with more symptoms than one cough resulting a little bit of bile. I highly suspect that after watching Lu and her eating habits these past few days that she has not been eating as regularly as she should be and that is why her stomach has been empty. I may have to coax her a little bit as food is apparently not a top priority in her little world. However if she does it again I will have her looked at as repeated unusual health issues certainly warrant further investigation. Thanks again.