More problems with diarrhea

[mblab]

Hi all! Well, Zoe might not be an eater as far as quantity is concerned but she's certainly an eater as far as finding all of the naughty things possible to eat! A day or two ago I realized that a plastic bag near her X-Pen was close enough for her to reach while in there and she had nibbled at it! Of course once this was noticed she started having diarrhea! It's been a tiny bit over a day, with two wake ups in the middle of the night (which she NEVER does unless she's sick) and it's still here. I wasn't too worried at first since I wasn't sure if this was just a random upset stomach. Having been through this just a little over a month and a half ago I cracked open the ID food and started her on that this morning. I'm worried now because we're going out of town for Thanksgiving (Wednesday through Sunday). Though she was always going to be going with us now I'm worried that she's going to be sick while we're there!

When I spoke to my Mom about this she suggested giving Zoe some of the meds the vet had given us last time. (I didn't think this was a good idea at all, just so you guys know.) The medicine is Metronidazole and it worked well for her last time when her stomach was really upset and X-rays showed her intestines to be inflamed. (Presumably from eating something "naughty")

Like I said, I've started her on the ID food which is super bland and should hopefully settle her back out. My Mom had suggested trying more of that medicine but I didn't agree, since it'd been prescribed and this was only left over medicine now. That said, if someone on here knows enough and feels this is actually a good idea I'd be open to hearing why.

I'm hesitant to take her to the vet as we have been through this before and I also want to see if the ID food makes all of the difference and that needs at least a day or two to take effect. But then again I'd hate her to be sick and need to pull an emergency visit. (That said I'd also hate to make a vet visit that wasn't necessary, as we did last time and I paid $50+ for the vet to say give her this food and she was fixed.)

Sorry for such a silly/stupid thread. I've come to respect everyone's opinions on here and I'd like to know what you guys think would be best. That and I'm supper stressed right now. I've got a major exam in an hour and a half, I've got to bake (3 batches of muffins, 1 large cranberry mold, and pumpkin bread pudding) for Thanksgiving before we leave, I've got to get my car fixed before our 3 hour drive (plus one of my head lights is broken), Zoe has just started to get double teeth (after she got spayed), and now this is just pushing me over the edge a bit.

Anyway, I'd appreciate anyone's response even if it's to say for me to stop freaking out. Thanks ahead of time!

-Vicky and Zoe

[Wylie's Mom]

The Metro has probably gone bad by now, as it doesn't last very long -- when did you last use it?

If you think this is only from the bag (and nothing else), you probably do have to wait for her to digest it (which she should have by now, I would think). But, it does sound like from your desription that her system can/will get irritated when anything goes awry. So, she could have after effects like you're describing. If this were me, I probably would give the Metro *if* it was still good (since the Metro was prescribed for "irritation" last time as well). Also, I'd go to Petsmart/Petco and get some Benebac (cheap) - and give that over the next few days. You could also give some canned pumpkin.

But, if this doesn't clear up within a day or 2, you may really have to take her in. She's not vomiting right? If she is, I'd take her in asap. I hope she feels better soon!

[mblab]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

The Metro has probably gone bad by now, as it doesn't last very long -- when did you last use it?

If you think this is only from the bag (and nothing else), you probably do have to wait for her to digest it (which she should have by now, I would think). But, it does sound like from your description that her system can/will get irritated when anything goes awry. So, she could have after effects like you're describing. If this were me, I probably would give the Metro *if* it was still good (since the Metro was prescribed for "irritation" last time as well). Also, I'd go to Petsmart/Petco and get some Benebac (cheap) - and give that over the next few days. You could also give some canned pumpkin.

But, if this doesn't clear up within a day or 2, you may really have to take her in. She's not vomiting right? If she is, I'd take her in asap. I hope she feels better soon!

Thank you so much Wylie's Mom for responding! I lucked out and made a trip to the vet (without Zoe). The Metro *is* still good, it says it expires early in 2009 (don't remember the date off hand). When I asked at the vets they said it'd be fine to use the Metro if the ID food didn't work enough on it's own. (The vet tech actually suggested not feeding her to let whatever this is clear her system. I don't feel comfortable with that, she's too little at 4 pounds-in my mind at least-to starve her of food.) I feel MUCH better knowing I can take that with us as a "just in case" kind of thing. I have no problems taking her to see a vet, if she needs it. (Though taking her to a "strange" emergency vet is the last thing we want to do if we can avoid it.) I just feel better knowing what I can do to try with her, before doing that. As long as she's not dehydrated (which she's not) and she has no other symptoms (which she doesn't) I'm going to continue with the plan of bland foods, the Metro, and some leftover pumpkin from when I start baking tonight.

Thank you soooooooooo much!!!

-Vicky and Zoe

[Cheryl]

I too have the same problems with my two yorkies! I think that is the medicine that has to be refrigerated too! Right? I usually give that if I am really worried that they are really sick or to divert anything getting out of hand! I usually will give a small syringe of water in intervals so they will not dehydrate! If you use pumpkin, it is only a very small amount such as 1/2 tsp. twice a day! I had given too much and it does not set well with them! I will do the ID food too or just brown rice and a little bit of yogurt too and that will settle their tummies! Good luck!

[mblab]

Originally Posted by Cheryl

I too have the same problems with my two yorkies! I think that is the medicine that has to be refrigerated too! Right? I usually give that if I am really worried that they are really sick or to divert anything getting out of hand! I usually will give a small syringe of water in intervals so they will not dehydrate! If you use pumpkin, it is only a very small amount such as 1/2 tsp. twice a day! I had given too much and it does not set well with them! I will do the ID food too or just brown rice and a little bit of yogurt too and that will settle their tummies! Good luck!

Exactly!!! Thank goodness, Zoe and I aren't the only ones AND I'm actually doing the right thing then! Yeah, the Metro is refrigerated. She was prescribed .25cc 2 times a day so that's what I'll do this time around if there's no improvement by bed tonight. Zoe's lucked out a bit as I'm making pumpkin muffins tonight, so my measure is the tiny bit that's on the can top is for her to lick off. There's no way, even with 3 can tops, that she could have very much, let alone more than 1/2 tsp! All the same, thanks for that since everyone says pumpkin but no one says how much pumpkin!

Anyway, Zoe's now snuggling against me (my cooking be damned) and doing okay. (Though no luck on the poop end, in fact she pooped on me a few hours ago! Poor thing groaned and couldn't keep it in any longer.)

Anyway, thank you all again for all of the advise, it means so much!

-Vicky and Zoe