Please Help our pet :( video included.
 

Hi, I am new here and am searching for help from everyone. My puppy's name is Thor, we got him on Jan. 11 at 8 weeks old. He was constipated as a Very young puppy and the breeder (whom is a family member and we know VERY WELL) took care of him, took him to 2 different vets and he seemed fine after treatment.

At about 10 weeks he started SCREAMING, and "crying" with every bowel movement attempt, and also has an almost constant discharge (just light brown watery with a "poopy" smell). Now he is 17 weeks old and on Prednisone and butorphanol .2 cc, 3 times daily. The crying is a bit better but in the mornings, after going all night with no medicine, he will scream and cry with his bowel movement, and the discharge is still there.

This discharge is also an issue because it makes him smell awful and I have to give him "butt baths" (as the kids call them) every day to avoid him being really smelly. Not an issue for me of course I will do what it takes to keep him clean. I just put him in the bathroom sink and wash his bottom with warm water...but I would think this is making him raw back there also. We tried baby wipes to just wipe him a few times a day but that makes him red and irritated back there.

He is doing great on house breaking. He is being indoor puppy pad trained and goes to the paper for every bowel movement and 80% of the time for urinating. So for a Yorkie that young I think he is doing awesome. He is very active, alert, playful and normal except after a bowel movement. After a bowel movement he acts scared, hurt, and sad :( It is really hard to handle it and it is getting to the point that when he starts to head for the paper, every one runs to their bedrooms and shuts the doors so they don't hear him. I have tried everything; petting him while he uses the bathroom, talking to him in a soothing voice, giving him treats after he is finished, and just sitting there for support but none of this helps. We all love him and want him better but have no idea whats wrong with him.

He has been to the vet an average of once a week since we got him, we are trying to find out whats wrong with him. The vet says it could be neurological but I think that he would act "off" all the time if that were the case. The vet even hinted at PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) due to the constipation as a very young puppy. He said that he may be afraid to use the bathroom so he is trying to hold it in as his body is trying to force it out, causing issues. He has checked his internal organs, and says everything feels normal, no swelling, enlarged organs, constipation, or hernias. We have done multiple stool samples as well with no abnormalities. He is up to date on all of his shots and also on heartworm medicine. He was started on the prednisone and butorphanol 3 weeks ago hoping this would ease whatever is causing it, but it still isn't gone all the way and honestly I am afraid of the long term effects of a steroid and narcotic on a puppy so small and young but it does seem to help him during the day so we keep giving it to him.

Sorry this is so long, but I wanted you all to have the details for a better chance of finding out what is wrong. If any of you have ever heard of this or seen it before PLEASE HELP US :(

Here is the video I put on youtube so that you all can TRY to help us figure this out. We really love our puppy and want him better.


I have never used a video in a forum so all I know to do is post the address... please be prepared, it is painful to watch and we have to listen to this 4-6 times a day but we need answers. We love our puppy and just want him well.

OMG! That poor baby. I hope somebody can give you answers and help for your baby.

Oh my gosh, your poor baby :(! I don't think it's neuro or PTSD, personally. He is in pain and straining, like you said. There is something really wrong here and I think I'd get him to GI specialist asap.

It could be structural in the rectum, it could the anal glands - are the glands swollen/protruding?
Does the more liquid discharge smell "fishy"?
Has fiber been tried?
What is the diet?

If he has almost constant anal leakage, he probably does need a specialist rather than a regular vet.

Also, you can use diaper cream/hydorcortisone cream on his bottom to soothe it. The reason he acts scared and runs to his bed after pooing is bc he is probably still in pain, he just expended an enormous amount of energy, and the whole process is very scary for him. After my dogs experience any pain, they are scared, tired and want to be held by me.

I feel so badly for Thor!

Oh... poor baby! Could he still be constipated? What does he eat? I'm sure someone with tons of YT experience will comment with some good advice. I just want to welcome you and hope you find a resolution to the problem!

Thank you all for your quick replies...In my LONG post I can't believe I forgot the diet info...

He is on Pedigree puppy, canned exclusively right now.

We tried water soaked dry food, canned and dry mixed and now the vet wants him on straight canned.

He originally was on Eukanuba dry foods when this all started.

We have made each change slowly and he seems better on the canned food than all others but still does this every morning. Like I said the afternoons are better because he has his meds in him.

There is no chance is is constipation because now it is soft and comes easily during the day with no "packed look" or "hardness".

Poor Thor.. hope someone body has a solution for his problem. Thors cries even made my Veer scared ( Veer ran to me crying and wanted me to pick him up )

I'm really surprised the vet didn't want him on an intestinal formula, at the very least?

The consistency of the stool you filmed actually looks really good to me. However, the anal leakage is not normal at all. To me, this dog appears to be in great pain and, imo, needs a CT scan or MRI to look at the structures.

Has blood work ever been done here? If so, what is the white count? Was anything out of normal range?

Wellness for puppy works well for my Veer.

Poor Thor
 

OMG:eek::eek::eek:Please take him to the vet. That poor baby has something blocked. I'm in tears just watching that video. You poor thing. I would show that video to the vet. They should know where to start. Pedegree is not very good dog food,but that's the least of his problems right now. Having to go through that 4-5 times is CRAZY!!!! He should'nt be pooping that much either,but he probably stops before he's totally finished. Can't blame him. My heart breaks for you,but please take him to the vet,and let us know. Oh, Welcome to YT.Good Luck!!xoxoxoxoxo

I agree he needs a specialist, this could cause him some long term mental problems. Internal glands could be a problem too, had the vet expressed them??? If you don't know ASK! then ask for a referral to an internal med/gastro doctor. Please don't waist more money going to a vet that dosen't seem to know the problem. Ladies pf YT do you think she should try pumpkin, or some of the other remedys that have been suggested in the past? PLEASE seek us posted on what you find out.. Poor baby boy.... Hugs, SHaron

I mentioned fiber too, but honestly the consistency of the stool looked quite good - this appears structural to me, you know?

Oh my gosh my heart is breaking, I sure hope you can find out the problem very soon. Please try a another vet...

I wonder if he was born with stenosis of the colon? That means a portion is abnnormally narrow making it more difficult for feces to pass through

OMG! I am in tears watching your baby go through this! At the very least I would get a second opinion. Poor little darling....Oh I hope and pray that he gets better soon!!!

This has got to be one of the worse things I've ever seen. Has your vet seen this, because I'm not sure he would understand how severe it is if he hasn't seen it first hand. I think I would be tempted to find a new vet, or at least find a specialist. Your statement of a discharge makes me think that the anal glands are involved. When dogs poop they leave a few drops from the anal glands on their poop as a scent for other dogs, this is often strong smelling, but usually it's such a small amount it's not noticeable. I'm wondering if the anal glands are overproducing, or infected. Has his diet changed recently, has he always had trouble, and what are you feeding? I agree with the others, I would take him to a specialist. My prayers are with you.

I just read MyFairLacy post, she a vet "in training" you might want to read her posts carefully, I don't even know what stenosis of the colon is.

I would certainly take him to a qualified vet along with the video so the vet can see that there is a serious issue going on and so he can make the right determination as to what can be done to bring Thor some relief!!! Not to scare you but one member had a pup born without a rectum and it was not able to poop and it had to be put down.............don't wait until his condition gets worse and possibly cause permanent damage or issues. Don't walk to the vet, RUN!!!!!

Thanks again for the posts and the prayers and caring.

The vet has seen it and that was when he put him on the meds and like I said they DO help during the day, but at night they all get out of his system and his morning bowel movement is like the one in that video. I HAVE TO ADD HERE THAT THESE ARE ALSO IMPROVING SOMEWHAT. They are not as severe as what you see in that video...that was BEFORE any meds. Don't know if it makes any difference but I want you all to know the complete history.

Also he only uses the bathroom like this 3 times a day now, always after he eats.

He does seem to be swelled back there but both the vet and the groomer said that his glands don't seem to be the issue. This swelling is what made the vet put him on the prednisone. I know that the Pedigree isn't the best choice but the vet wanted him on something that would normally cause dogs to get loose stools. He will be slowly switched to the IAMS canned food soon.

I don't want you guys thinking for a second that we are careless owners, we have done the tests and everything was fine. The next step is the ultrasound but the present vet wants us to try this for a little bit. He is better during the day...i cannot repeat that enough because the medicine is helping him. He acts normal both during and after a bowel movement during the day.

He is not constipated at all, the consistency of his poop is either as it is in that video or even looser so its not constipation. I will bring up the other things you guys suggest to his vet. The vet is also asking around to see if anyone has ever seen this before.

I am actually thinking of emailing this video to all the vets around me and giving them the background of it. I would just take Thor to the vets but he acts so awful at the vet, as I imagine all dogs would as much as he has been poked. He shakes and is scared and I don't want to put him through numerous vets and fear if they can't help me.

Again thank you all very much for the concern and I promise you we do everything possible to make this babies life HAPPY even though he hurts.

OMG! I would take him to someone else! I had to stop the video my heart was breaking. I would take him to someone right away! There has to be something else wrong there!

With the swelling, the pain, and the straining - paired w/ normal stool consistency, this seems structural.

Therefore, I'd run to be getting a CT/MRI as fast as humanly possible.

I think that's a great idea! I must admit, I agree with Wylies Mom, and I would be at the emergency room too, or where ever you go to get those things, Ann where would that be?

I have to agree, that at this point I would be going to a specialist to get a U/S - why wait, why chance something :( and your right that he can't be on those meds for long without side effects popping up on a young pup :(

Glad you cleared up about the Pedigree not being your first choice, but honestly IAMS is pretty bad too :thumbdown

Some better choices would be:
Canidae
Merrick
Natural Balance
Nature's Variety
Solid Gold
California Natural

My son suggest that you send the video to the veterinary school at Penn State University, maybe they can help.
hugs,and best of luck with your baby.
hugs,
carmen in nj

I'd call the nearest Vet ER, ask about their equipment - if they don't have it, they should quickly know who does. Even your own vet, ThorsMom, should know where to access this equipment. Otherwise, call your nearest Vet Medicine School.

Poor wee lamb.:( he sounds so distressed , I hope someone can help you get this sorted.

Letting everyone know, I just emailed that video to every vet with an email address up to an hour away. I will let you know as soon as I hear back from any of them. I would just rush him to the vet as you are all saying but he has suffered so much fear at vet as it is, I don't want to take him if they are just going to say, we can't do anything.

I emailed them the video, his past medical treatment history, and his daily habits as far as eating and how he acts.

I hope to hear back from someone that can help very soon...thank you all.


And I understand that Iams "isn't all that great" either, but our cats have been on it their whole lives with no issues so personally we trust it. The breeder of Thor also has used this food with all of her pets and litters with no issues. The Vets (both our present vet and the 2 that the breeder took him to as a tiny puppy) have told us the food is not the issue. If the vets tell us that he needs to be off the Iams we will move forward that way but so far they say the Iams should not be the issue here.

I just wonder if the leakage is due to feces being somewhat blocked so the liquid gets through and leaks out. Could also be some nerve damage due to the past constipation or current straining. Constipation can lead to mega colon - a very large colon. I still wonder about him having stenosis, a narrowed area in the colon. It would cause constipation and straining and pain I would think. It's a congenital defect that happens during development. Have you done xrays? Diagnostic images or exploratory surgery may be a good idea

omg he breaks my heart i havnt dealed with this issue it looks frustrating for him hopefully he get's better soon

Oh that was hard to watch...my poor Pixie looked very concerned!
It must be heartbreaking for you to watch your baby go through this:(..I sure hope that you find out whats causing this as soon as possible.

I agree with Carmen...almost. Find the university closest to you that has a vet school & send that video to them. They have cutting edge technology!
I was in tears listening to your baby...it must completely tear you up inside.

If you are comfortable about feeding Iams, than that's all that matters :)

I also just want to stress, that the video AND your explanations of the events are very disturbing to alot of us here on YT. We can tell that you deeply care and love this baby, BUT, he is obviously in extreme discomfort and pain when he is trying to poop. I, as well as others, truly think you need to call Vets in your area and get him in with a Vet that has experience with U/S and GI issues. I simply do not think your current Vet has enough experience or knowledge in this particular situation, and I think the longer you wait.....:( :( :(

Please keep us posted, we are all on the edge of our seats wishing we could reach out and help your baby :(