[armaneo]

I know this is going to sound like just another post about another sick yorkie. After 10 years of dealing with this problem, I think I can safely say this is out-of-the-ordinary. I'm finally going to make a stand and figure out what is wrong with my little guy.

Some background: 10 years ago, I picked up Armaneo from what--in retrospect--was probably a puppy-mill in Southern Illinois (not sure). Not long thereafter, I learned he had a congenital defect (Legg Perthes), which required major surgery. He got the surgery and, though there were complications with the operation, he is doing well now.

He's also otherwise in pretty decent health. I brush his teeth every night and he is up to date on his shots and flea medication in the warmer months. He goes outside at least three times a day on a harness leash in a very clean neighborhood environment in Chicago. His feet are wiped with baby-wipes every time he comes back into the house.

The only issue that I deal with on a daily basis is his gastro-intestinal issues. He has an remarkably sensitive stomach. Early in his years, he rejected lots of food. After experimenting with countless brands and formulations, he finally settled on California Naturals (lamb) and 100% real lamb jerky treats. If he eats anything else, he has diarrhea or vomiting. He gets no other treats, no human food, no nothing. I actually feel so sorry for him that he never gets to enjoy anything else.

The slightest stimuli will make his stomach upset. If there is thunder, the next day he has diarrhea. If he is left alone for more than 5 hours, he gets diarrhea. If he eats anything that is not his food, he has diarrhea. And, this is the worst part: sometimes, he just gets sick for no reason.

Each time he has diarrhea, it is very soft, pudding like consistency with blood (mostly dark, with some medium colored blood, as well). Usually, it lasts for 2 days.

2 weeks ago, we left him with neighbors for 4 days and when we got back, he was sick. He's been having diarrhea and vomiting (on and off) now for ten days. I've been feeding him only pedialyte and pumpkin paste lately, but he's still sick. 1 or 2 days during the last 10 days, he seemed fine, and had a normal bm, but he's still definitely sick.

These types of episodes have happened in the past several times, almost always coinciding with cold weather. When I take him to the vet, they ask me to bring in a stool sample. They run some tests, sometimes take blood, and then they tell me nothing is wrong.

But, my intuition is telling me this is something worse than simple stomach upset. Is it possible he has a congenital defect that is affecting his stomach and intestines? Is it possible that he has stomach cancer? Am I doing something wrong? Is there something I should be aware of? Tests I can run?

What could be causing such persistent issues? I really need help getting to the bottom of this. I can't see him suffering like this anymore, especially in his older years.