Living in Japan. Abdominal pain but labs look fine-thoughts?
 

My pancreatitis prone girl woke up this morning and gave my husband and I a terrible scare. We are living overseas in Japan and the only emergency vet is a local vet who has seen our pup before for routine care. They are very thorough and loving but I worry that often times there is information lost in translation since we have to use an English speaking interpreter. I'm looking for any thoughts on tummy aches/pain when all lab work looks fine. Here is what happened. Ate dinner and went to bed. Abbie was fine all evening and her normal playful self. Woke up at 0530 to get daughter ready for school when I hear what sounded like a cough from Abbie who was on the couch. I turned around just in time to see her jump off the couch and she had a glassy look to her eyes and seemed out of it. She was panting and pacing, stopped for a second, looked up at me, walked away and then I realized that she had lost control of her bowels on the living room floor (very unusual for her). Wasn't diarrhea and she didn't strain as I was looking at her the entire time trying to figure out what in the heck was going on. At this point I call to my husband because she seemed as if she was having trouble standing. I also realized that the cough was actual vomit but just fluid that made the couch wet (and that is why i didnt notice it right away). I grabbed the liquid Benadryl and gave her a dose thinking that may she had been bitten by a spider while lying on the couch. She is allergic to red ants and has had an anaphylactic reaction to them when we lived in NC. I'm telling you, this dog keeps us on our toes! Anyway, she started to come around and was more alert but started whimpering and acting as if in pain. Took her to ER vet who did fecal and blood profile and I did see the entire chemistry and everything is normal. I thought maybe she was having an atypical pancreatic flare up but now I'm at a loss. She received subcutaneous fluids, Pepcid, antibiotic, and pain med. I did ask about Xrays but she has not eaten anything that we know of and vet said we would pursue that option if she isn't better in the AM. I have a feeling I will be back in the office this evening asking for those Xrays if she isn't a bit better in a few hours. We only have one very responsible 13 year old who knows the possibility of death from pancreatitis so she gets no food other than her prescription I/D and Science Diet lamb and rice. She did receive her rabies vaccine exactly one week ago and for the past week has been treated for an ear infection with Remicin ointment. She has also been taking Hydroyzine 10 mg twice a day for horrible inhalant allergies related to the tropical plants here in Okinawa. She still has slightly labored breathing even at rest and will whimper when being picked up. Her abdomen is slighlty distended but not to the point that I would suspect bloat. She has not vomitted or had a BM since the first episode this morning. She is sleeping off and on but you can tell she is in pain and still not herself. I do not think it is a slipped disk as that had crossed my mind too. I watched him perform the exam and it is definitley abdominal pain. Any thoughts about what might be going on are greatly appreciated. Has anyone had a basic "tummy ache" that presented with these symptoms? Thanks for listening. She is my best buddy and constant companion and I am worried sick that I'm missing something here.:(

Even a slightly distended abdomen could mean a blockage or gas buildup... which can be very painful. I'd get that xray asap. Also possible that she may have aspirated when she vomited.

My dog almost passed out the other night, at which point I grabbed hold of her and by chance held her upright till I got to the table. When I put her down to check her gum color and heartrate, she let out a very stinky burp, along with excessive drooling and panting, inability to settle. I held her upright a bit longer and she burped a few more times, then seemed more comfortable, stopped panting and laid down and went to sleep.

Wish I had some advice for you. I am in Japan too (Yokosuka), so I understand about the lost in translation issue. I hope the doc figures out what's going on and your baby gets back to normal soon.

Thank you for the replies. I have considered blockage even though I have no idea what she could have eaten. She is my shadow and even sits on the bathroom rug while I shower. She is only outside for leash walks and she isn't a scavenger so I don't think she has picked anything up outside. She is a definite squirrel chaser but scavenger no. I have scheduled her Xray appointment for 5:30 this evening. I would rather be safe than sorry and my gut is telling me that this is just not a normal tummy ache. Wish it were sooner but that was the first available and living in a foreign country means that we sometimes have to abide by different rules and expectations.

Even her regular diet could possibly cause a blockage, especially if they run around and play after they eat, or if they eat too fast. Gas can also make them vomit. If you position her so she's standing on her hind legs, front feet up it can help any gas to come out, if she's still uncomfortable. I had read an article about it somewhere before it happened to mine (if that is what is wrong). Now I carry her upright after each meal when I put her out to go potty... 95% of the time she burps before we get to the door.

Aspiration-I had not considered that. I don't think that would cause the abdominal distention and pain. Especially so quickly-right?

KJC, thanks for the advice. Since she has had pancreatitis in the past, I normally feed her 4 small meals a day because she will eat her food in one sitting if allowed. She never did this prior to pancreatitis but I suspect that the withholding of food during the pancreatitis has made her a bit of a food hoarder. Just the past two weeks or so I have been leaving her dry food out in 2 portions instead of four. I did notice that she ate and drank a lot prior to bed last night. My gut is telling me that blockage may be the problem but she is not having any vomit or loose stools.

No... back up a minute, lol... if gas is causing her pain, she may have taken a big drink trying to feel better.

You said she vomited all liquid... she may have tried to burp but the gas got behind the water and pushed it out (liquidy vomit).

Then you said she looked as if she was having trouble standing.... this can come from gas pains or aspiration... if the airway was temporarily blocked by the vomitus, the lack of oxygen could make her fall over/pass out. Usually it only lasts a second or two (the unsteadyness) then when the airway is clear they seem better: not falling over or unsteady.

She can still be having pain from the distention, the vomiting is only one symptom...

Is this how she was when she had a pancreatic attack?

Also my times are messed up... what time is it there?

This is not at all how she acted during pancreatitis. Normally the pancreatitis produces hyperactive bowel sounds that can be heard from across the room with bloody stool and vomit; and even though pancreatitis is painful she has never appeared to be in this kind of pain. Her prior vet even made a comment about what a stoic girl she is. It is 3:45 PM here. We are headed to the vet in about 1 hour. She is sleeping on her bed at my feet but I can hear her whining from time to time. My poor girl. :( I know the vet gave her Pepcid IV so you would think that would have at least calmed her belly a little. The only thing that I have noticed is that she is sleepy from the pain medication but it has been 9 hours since last given and I believe she is going to need another dose for this evening.

Might be good to wait till the vet sees her before giving her the next dose. Just take it with you, he may need to give her something else.
Good Luck... I'll be praying that it's something simple.... 2:02 am here, lol.

Update
 

Just wanted to leave a quick update about Abbie. She has been admitted to ICU with non cardiac related pulmonary edema. Will post more when we find out. Thank you for the prayers.

Thanks for the update.... I hope that she makes a quick recovery. I'll keep her in my prayers... and you and your family too. Hugs, Kathy

I hope she and you are feeling better soon, please let us know how she is doing...

Thank you all. It is 7 AM in Japan. We are headed to the vets office in 2 hours when they open. Will post an update around midnight EST. Thanks.

Thanks for the time translation, lol! When DST kicks in, we'll be 12 hours apart, for now 11.

Been praying all day for your little one... hoping for some good news.:thumbup:

Checking in for an update... praying everything went well....

I, too, am anxious to hear how your baby is. I hope she is getting much better with the medical care that you are giving her. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hate to hear about our babies in pain and also not knowing what to do to help them.

Kathy, I knew you'd be here checking back because you always care so much and have such a loving heart. I learned a lot from what you wrote earlier in this thread.

Thank you so much for the continued thoughts and prayers.
 

Good news! She has been moved out of ICU and the oxygen chamber. We were able to hold her and hand feed her a bit of kibble. She is still on the Lasix drip but if all is well with her X-ray in the morning then she will be weaned off and monitored for 24 hours before being released. Doctor said he may release her Monday afternoon. Please continue to pray for her.

*Edited to include more info*

So sorry to take so long to update. We have had a hard 24 hours and found out this morning, while on our way to the vet, that one of the horses at my daughter's riding club had to be put down today due to colic. He lived a long and healthy life and was well over 20 years old but it was still a shock to us all. I believe I am all cried out at this point but I have good news related to Abbie. She has been moved out of ICU and the oxygen chamber. We were able to hold her, love on her, and hand feed her a bit of kibble this evening. She is still on the Lasix drip but if all is well with her X-ray in the morning then she will be weaned off and monitored for 24 hours before being released. Doctor said he may release her Monday afternoon. We are going back at 10 AM tomorrow (Sunday in Japan) to get the results of her morning X-ray and to visit. Will update again around 8 PM EST Saturday. Please continue to pray for her.

I'm so sorry that you had such a rough day. Please tell your daughter I said I'm sorry too. I am so happy that Abbie is responding to care, and I hope her little body heals very quickly. Your family continues to be in my thoughts and prayers. Even though it is so sad that she is in ICU, that must have felt like the best feeling in the world to be able to hold and cuddle with Abbie.

So sorry about the loss of the horse. My sympathies to your family and friends. Very sad to lose an old friend...

So glad Abbie is out of ICU, off the oxygen, and eating again. Very good news! Praying that she will be able to go home as expected. :D

Thank you all. Headed to vet in about an hour. We were sitting in the parking lot yesterday morning waiting for them to open but our vet explained that it would be best if we gave them just a bit more time this morning so that they could repeat the Xray and be able to discuss her plan of care in detail. I'm holding myself back until 10:30 or so. I just miss her so much and even had dreams of her last night. Will update soon.

I will be waiting! I have everything crossed, I'm so hoping for her to be better...I know how you feel, I really do. Good luck hon.

Lol.... waiting is the hardest thing. Praying hard for an excellent xray!

Update
 

Back from the vet and Abbie is doing well. She has not yet been weaned off the Lasix so they won't repeat X-ray until this evening. We were able to hold her and love on her for a few minutes. She is ready to get out of that cage and was so happy to see us. Her breathing was not labored so we are hoping for a discharge tomorrow. We are going back to vet at 8 PM to get updates. Will post again around 7 AM EST. Thank you all so much for praying for our family. :animal36

Great news! No sense in rushing this too much... it does take time. I'm so happy for you guys, and Abbie too!:D

I'm so happy that you were able to cuddle with Abbie and that she is improving. I'm sure your love will help her body to heal. You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Update
 

We are back from our evening visit. Abbie has continued to improve and is looking better each time we see her. Vet will do CBC and final X-ray in the morning. He will adjust meds as needed and hopefully discharge her after 4 PM. Thank you for the continued prayers as they are obviously working. I hope to update tomorrow evening (around 4 AM EST) with news that she is home. I know we are looking at a long road to full recovery and I don't want to rush it but our family misses her terribly. Hope our sweet girl is home soon. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

I'm so happy, keep us posted, continued prayers...!!!