Tinkerbell has gastroenteritis

[Tinksmygirl]

After seeming a bit better last night Tink is back to acting more depressed and uncomfortable. She is still having runny poops. Today is day 5 since this began. Does intestinal Gastroenteritis usually take a long time to begin to see improvement?
My vet felt that by this afternoon I would notice her feeling a little better. I am giving Tink water with a syringe and after all the meds I have been giving her she hides her head when she sees me coming with it. The sight and smell of the cooked chicken breast did not entice her at all, but I wonder if she should even eat with the severe diarreah she is having. She really needs a bath, but I have just been washing her bottom with a warm wash cloth.

[Ellie May]

I'm concerned for her at this point. An intestinal virus should be clearing up by now.

How much water have you been able to syringe and when is the last time sq fluids were given? She may need an IV at this point. Did your vet suggest Pedialyte? When is the last time she ate? All blood work numbers normal? Your vet does sound very thorough to have done all they have done. I would be going back tomorrow (if you think she can safely stay home tonight - otherwise to the ER). It sounds like they may need to hospitalize her or try some other drugs or go further with testing. Are her gums pink and wet or are they tacky?

[Tinksmygirl]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I'm concerned for her at this point. An intestinal virus should be clearing up by now.

How much water have you been able to syringe and when is the last time sq fluids were given? She may need an IV at this point. Did your vet suggest Pedialyte? When is the last time she ate? All blood work numbers normal? Your vet does sound very thorough to have done all they have done. I would be going back tomorrow (if you think she can safely stay home tonight - otherwise to the ER). It sounds like they may need to hospitalize her or try some other drugs or go further with testing. Are her gums pink and wet or are they tacky?

Thank you so much for confirming my feelings. I feel like the diarreah should be clearing up by now. She has been on the medications that I listed in my first post since Thursday afternoon. I have already decided that we would be heading back to the vets tomorrow unless Tink really started showing me that she was heading towards improvement. Last night she seemed to be showing this for a couple of hours and then went right back down to a depressed state. She had sub-q fluids on Thursday afternoon and again Saturday morning. For the life of me I cannot figure out what may have caused this. I feel like my vet has done all the right tests thus far, but I would like to start thinking about the next step. I just can't believe that we would continue on with the same without some signs of improvement.

Tink only weighs 4.8lbs and has lost .2 since Thursday. The last time she ate was Wednesday morning. My vet seemed less concerned about her not eating than he did about her getting fluids. He showed me the proper way to give her water with a syringe and did say that we would use a larger syringe if she eventually needed nutritional support. I have been feeling as if I just didn't realize what the normal symptoms of this illness were and maybe I was overreacting, but I am going to trust my instincts all the way. If you can offer me any advice as to what tests I should bring up to my vet tomorrow I would be thankful.

[Ellie May]

I'm hesitant to list tests because perhaps your vet has something in mind to try first. Unfortunately since this blood work has been done, I suppose they could go to ultrasound, but that isn't great for intestinal things. Sometimes biopsy is needed. I would hope that this is just a really bad virus though and that won't be needed.

You would have to be syringing a lot of water for it to meet her nutritional need - and it's just getting lost in the diarrhea anyway. With fluids not given since yesterday morning, I'd be very, very concerned about dehydration. That couldn't wait until tomorrow. While I agree that eating is the lesser concern here, it still has been four or five days. Unless you have been giving Nutrical (forgot what you said), she is getting no sugar. They can't really give any sq. I can tell you that I know a vet who doesn't get nervous about them not eating (when they go on a picky eating strike) for five days. After that, it's a concern to her. And it's going to be more of a concern since she is so sick. So I think they probably need to get her on an IV asap. The treatment so far just hasn't been adequate. I feel like she almost has to be dehyrated by now. If she is, she needs to go to the ER.

[Tinksmygirl]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I'm hesitant to list tests because perhaps your vet has something in mind to try first. Unfortunately since this blood work has been done, I suppose they could go to ultrasound, but that isn't great for intestinal things. Sometimes biopsy is needed. I would hope that this is just a really bad virus though and that won't be needed.

You would have to be syringing a lot of water for it to meet her nutritional need - and it's just getting lost in the diarrhea anyway. With fluids not given since yesterday morning, I'd be very, very concerned about dehydration. That couldn't wait until tomorrow. While I agree that eating is the lesser concern here, it still has been four or five days. Unless you have been giving Nutrical (forgot what you said), she is getting no sugar. They can't really give any sq. I can tell you that I know a vet who doesn't get nervous about them not eating (when they go on a picky eating strike) for five days. After that, it's a concern to her. And it's going to be more of a concern since she is so sick. So I think they probably need to get her on an IV asap. The treatment so far just hasn't been adequate. I feel like she almost has to be dehyrated by now. If she is, she needs to go to the ER.

I have been checking her gums and I don't think she is dehydrated. How long do the sub-q fluids usually last? I think my vet said 24 hrs, but I could be mistaken. I have been giving her nutrical 3 times a day since yesterday, and water every 2 hours. When I said a larger syringe for nutritional support I forgot to say that we would be mixing up some type of food paste.. I don't remember the name. Thank you for taking the time to post and give me your opinon it really helps. I am going to push for the IV. I will keep everyone updated.

[Ellie May]

It would depend on how fast her body uses it. I was told 8-10 hours before, but could be longer if she wasn't absorbing it very fast.

[Tinksmygirl]

I just wanted to let everyone know that Tinkerbell is doing better today. She woke up happier than I have seen her in days. She drank some water for me out of her dish this morning and actually eat a very tiny amount of chiken and rice. I am thrilled to see the improvement as last night I was so desperate as too how long this could go on. She has not pooped yet today so that is also a good sign. She has an appt. for 2:00pm for a recheck at the vets, but I think she may finally be on the road to recovery. Thank you everyone for your help.

[Catherine M]

Originally Posted by Tinksmygirl

My Tinkerbell has been sick since Wednesday night. She started with runny poops and then vomiting. I took her in to the vet yesterday afternoon and she recieved sub-q fluids and a shot for nausea. My vet took exrays, did a cbc/diff, intestinal parasite test, snap CPL for pancreatitus, and all came back good. He sent me home with cerenia for the nausea, proviable, and loperamide for diarrhea. I cooked up some chicken and rice and she still refuses to eat. She will not drink either. I spoke with the vet tech this morning and was told not to worry if she won't eat today, though I still am because she hasn't eaten anything since Wednesday morning. I will take her back later this afternoon if she still isn't drinking for more sub-q fluids. She is laying around looking pitiful, but will get up and greet me when I come in the room. I have her at work with me today so I can monitor her closely. If any of you have been through a similar illness with your dogs can you tell me when I might see some improvement with her appetite or drinking? Has my vet covered everything thus far? I feel very comfortable with my vet and trust him completely I just want to make sure I am keeping myself informed. Thanks in advance.

My 5 y/o Bella has had the same symptoms off and on for a few years
diagnosed with gastroenteritis/pancreatitis antibiotics, cerenia and
SQ fluids were also given, it does take a couple of days to recover and
she starts shaking everytime she doesn't feel well she tends to be delicate. Our Vets ( a large clinic and she has seen 3 different ones ) all do the same thing and she gets better within 2 days. Bella is on Pepcid every day 1/4 10mg pill I cook chicken thighs every day for her and she eats
Eukanuba Yorkshire Terrier dry food, since taking Pepcid she hasn't had
any symptoms because she is so nervous the Vet has given her Anxitane S
for small breeds 50 mg ( 1/4 tablet ) twice a day and she has also
been on Valerian root drops, both help with the nervousness. Bella was
referred to a Neurologist to determine if she has had a stroke because
of her shaking, but he tested her and said " You just have a very nervous
and anxious dog " He recommended Valium to get her in a calm state
however I stopped it as it has an opposite effect and tends to makes
her more anxious, but I do give her the Valerian Root. My heart goes out
to you, these little precious dogs are our babies and when they are are
not well, it's very upsetting to us. When Bella hasn't felt well I wrap
her in a recieving blanket and hold her, she become very needy. Please reply and let us know how Tinkerbell is doing.

[Tinksmygirl]

Thanks for the well wishes and prayers everyone. Tinkerbell continued to improve as the day wore on. I took her back in to see the vet at 2:00 and he was pleased with her progress, but cautioned me on letting her eat too much too soon because there is a risk of relapse. She did not need any more sq fluids and is drinking well on her own. I am amazed at how quickly Tink improved overnight. I was really worried yesterday!

[Catherine M]

Originally Posted by Tinksmygirl

After seeming a bit better last night Tink is back to acting more depressed and uncomfortable. She is still having runny poops. Today is day 5 since this began. Does intestinal Gastroenteritis usually take a long time to begin to see improvement?
My vet felt that by this afternoon I would notice her feeling a little better. I am giving Tink water with a syringe and after all the meds I have been giving her she hides her head when she sees me coming with it. The sight and smell of the cooked chicken breast did not entice her at all, but I wonder if she should even eat with the severe diarreah she is having. She really needs a bath, but I have just been washing her bottom with a warm wash cloth.

I have to agree with the others the gastric symptoms
should have been better by now, Yorkies get dehydrated so quickly and that can be a problem Pedialyte works well to get her electrolytes in balance, I am not a Vet but have raised Malamutes, miniature horses
and Llamas and the course is pretty much the same, diagnose and treat
you might just insist on getting another opinion and your Vet probably will agree. Tink is much a child to you as your own child is, treat her like she is your daughter, she a specialist if you have too. My prayers are with you.

[Catherine M]

Originally Posted by Tinksmygirl

Thanks for the well wishes and prayers everyone. Tinkerbell continued to improve as the day wore on. I took her back in to see the vet at 2:00 and he was pleased with her progress, but cautioned me on letting her eat too much too soon because there is a risk of relapse. She did not need any more sq fluids and is drinking well on her own. I am amazed at how quickly Tink improved overnight. I was really worried yesterday!

I am so glad Tinkerbell is better, I have been praying for her and you,
I know how stressful it is as this little ones cannot tell us how they
fell, sounds like your Vet is on top of things too, post us on her progress.
Have a restful week end.

[Kiki Mama]

We just got home from the vet with this. She hasn't vomited today but had some concerning diarrhea this morning. Thank goodness she is eating a little bit. Small amount of boiled chicken for lunch& cottage cheese and chicken for supper. I hope this clears up soon.

[Tinksmygirl]

Kiki Mamma,

This was and old post of mine from a couple of years ago. Tinkerbell had a very bad case of gastroenteritis and really had me scared. Thank God she has not had a reoccurrence since.

I sure hope your little one is doing better. You might want to start another thread if you need some urgent advice.

[Kiki Mama]

Thank you she was doing better yesterday ate really good but hasn't eaten today & no IBM's since Thursday. I've left a message at the vet.