Update on Madison
 

First, I want to thank everyone who commented to me about finding ways to help out with Madison and the vet situation.

I took him yesterday and I THINK it was good news...or at least it will hopefully be!

She thinks (without doing bloodwork) that he's got a gastritis (that much I knew, just not the extent), and several behaviors and symptoms point to that...she thinks that giving Pepcid AC (regular,not chewable and not the new Max. strength), 1/2 tab (he turned out to be 6.8 lbs:eek:, he's still thin, but I was shocked!!) each day for 30 days and changing his diet to a higher fiber, low fat one will make a big difference. Then there's a sort of weaning of the Pepcid if he does well on that. She said that the generic formula is just as good as the brand one.

So, that was EXCELLENT news in my eyes!
Am waiting for the fecal results, so don't know about that yet.

I asked about collapsing trachea, but she says no~ he's got "reverse sneezing" or "snuffles" related to the esophageal reflux, which also could be related to why he does this "downward dog" pose frequently (she said that indicates a gastric problem of some sort) and she thinks his teeth have more tartar than he should have for his age (she thinks he's probably about 2 yrs old). These all should hopefully improve, or resolve, with the improvement of his gastritis/esophageal reflux. I am posting all this mainly in case anyone else sees these symptoms in their dogs....but she also said it COULD be a pancreatitis except b/c it seems to be cyclical, it's hopefully not.

I also asked about LP; she said "no" to that also....unfortunately, she says something is going on with his HIP:(, but it doesn't bother him now and she can't really tell without an x-ray, so she said when I'm ready we can do that later.

So, all in all, it's at least encouraging news. And it only cost me $100!!! I was ECSTATIC; not only is he getting what he needs, it was much less costly than what I had anticipated.

He's doing fine today too, was up at around 3 am, and I was afraid it was going to start all over again, but .....he's been fine all day and is eating and playing just like usual.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he'll continue to improve. OH...also, she said that his hair IS sparse but it could be b/c he was in starvation mode; and that it takes 3-4 months to come back from that, so we'll see if his coat changes any!

Thanks to everyone on YT for their support and positive thoughts! You're the BEST!!!!

That all sounds like good news to me, too!!!:thumbs_up

Good luck!:)

That's good news!! :D

Sounds like good news and very encouraging news!:)

Thanks you guys:D. His fecal came back NEGATIVE, wooohoooo!!! I am on cloud nine right now! AND last night, he had a PERFECT :p poop!!!! For the first time since he's been here, he actually had a poop that wasn't loose, or mucusy. In fact, I couldn't tell it from Max's. Crazy to be so excited over dog poop, but I seriously am ecstatic! :D

That's awesome! I'm glad he's doing better :)

sound good to me! :) Glad things are looking up for ya

Thats great news. I also use Pepcid when they have upset tummys. I found out Peanut doesnt do well with Lamb and dairy products.

Hugs and Kisses to you and the Boys

Great news and Pepcid AC is much better than Pepto. It does make them feel a bit queasy though, so don't be worried if he acts a bit funny. Reason I know? I take it on occasion too.

Warmly, Deborah

PS Laughed about the poop...have you heard about the merits of keeping pumpkin around? Add fiber in a gentle form and doesn't upset their tummy.

glad to hear it is good news!
d

Great news!!!

Woohoo, way to go, Madison. Now you be a good, healthy boy for your mama.

I've just been catching up now, learning about Madison's condition. I have sent you via PM Mango's diet. She was have severe gastro-intestinal issues a few weeks back. Even her Vet seemed out of ideas as to how to stop the profuse vomiting she was experiencing. I had a consultation with an amazing nutritionist, Susan Davis, and the diet she put Mango on has done wonders for her. I hope it helps Madison too. I know you have had Madison on a version of it given to you by Wylie's Mom, Anne, but I want to make sure you have ALL the ingredients; I think it is important.
Hope he continues to improve. I am so glad for you that the Vet bills were manageable!
Lauren:)

Edit: a little bit of canned pumpkin also does wonders for the tummy - I see that someone else mentioned this - it really helps!

Lauren~ thank you so much for your help! I had tried to give him some pumpkin, but I was too late to get him to eat it....I could probably disguise it in some of his food when he's eating, but once he stops eating, he won't touch ANYTHING! And even when he's eating like a horse, he doesn't want pumpkin, LOL. I always think to try to mix it in his food AFTER he won't eat:rolleyes:. Thought to try plain active yogurt too, but it didn't seem to help much.

I'm going to make up a batch of this and see how he does on it for awhile. He's ok at the moment, but it seems to wax and wane....I'll let you know how he does after a week or so! Today is a GOOD day, LOL:D.