Vigilance pays off!!!

[Magneticgal]

Hi everyone,

I had a very scary experience this wk. Lexie had diarrhea so I called the vet office to ask what I should do for her. (she had no other symptoms)
They put me on hold, checked with the vet, and came back on the line and told me to give her 1 tablespoon of Kaopectate. I hung up. Well, I thought about it and luckily I am in the medical field, and that seemed like a huge dose to gove a 5lb puppy. The office was closed so I couldn't call back. So I logged onto the forum here and tried the rchicken and rice that was suggested and decided to keep an eye on her and see how she did. She was fine. This morning she still had diarrhea. Luckily I was taking her into the vet to have her stiches from her spay removed. I questioned him and told him that I was very uneasy about the doseage. It turns out that it is a TEASPOON . BIG difference!(like 3x!!!!) In this instance, it probably wouldn't have hurt her, but in other situations, tripling the dose could KILL her!!
PLEASE make sure you go with your gut instincts!!! If it doesn't sound or feel
right, ask questions!!!!! I am very grateful I did!! You may save your pets life!!

[yorkiepip]

Although a human story i'd like to share this as its similar.
My son (6 years) had an ear infection and the doctor gave me a prescription for antibiotics.
When i got to the chemist i remembered the doc hadn't asked if he was allergic to penicillin (he is) so i asked the pharmicist if the prescription was for penicillin.
He told me it wasn't penicillin so we took the medicine and went home.
But i had an uneasy feeling about it so phoned docs and they told me YES it was penicilliin and to come back and get an alternative prescription.
If i had given this to my son he could have died as he has a swelling reaction to penicillin.
I collected new prescription from doc and went back to chemist who at 1st denied it was penicillin.
When i told him docs said it was he backed down and finally admitted it was penicillin.
He sort of apologised but was still annoyed i'd queried him but good job i had.
Sorry for long story but yes do go with your gut instinct as i'm glad i did even professionals get it wrong sometimes

[Thorsmomma]

Good for you for noticing that! It is really irresponsible for people in a hurry (or that just don't have time) to shoot something out of their mouth just to get on with things. Or maybe it was an honest mistake, but things like that should not be played around with. It is great that you used the chicken and rice to help her stomach settle down. When you can avoid meds, I think that is the best alternative!!!
I hope she is feeling better after getting her stitches out, and hopefully her tummy won't be upset anymore.

[SnowWa]

It wasn't a seriouis mistake in this case - but, you're right - it might have been with a different medicine.

I hope you notified the vet that this mistake was made - it could well have been made only by the person who gave you the information. If so, the vet would certainly appreciate knowing this.

I have worked in hospitals and medical offices for more than 30 years - and you'd be surprised how much doctors have to rely on those who work with and for them -- to help the provide medical care for their patients. Any doctor I have ever worked with would appreciate knowing if any employee ever made a mistake such as you described.

Good luck - Carol Jean

[chachi]

The first ttime my dog had diahrea they gave him some meds and keopectate. He has diahrea now and they just gave him meds a shot and some special food.

[luvmyorkie]

Question, where did you get the pouch from in your picture - I can't really make it out but I'm looking for something similiar to a papoos if you will for my little one.

[rrosenberry]

We tend to believe everything vets and med. doctors tell us.. sometimes ya gotta go with your instincts..