I was wondering what you all thought about this. You all know how Cajsa is the goat-dog who will eat anything even if it's not good for her! :goat: Well, this week since she's been on pain meds and muscle relaxers for her back she's not been eating as much. (see my other posts in the health issues forum) I give her the meds in peanut butter (like a half teaspoon or so) so she's not going completely without food. In the last 48 hours she's eaten 1 of the four meals I've offered her. I give it to her in her crate so Gretchen can't get it or bother her while eating it and she still doesn't eat it. Should I assume it's because of the meds? or perhaps because she is still hurting or something? I honestly haven't seen her drink very much since yesterday morning either when I put her in front of the water dish. I don't know how much she's drinking and I KNOW that is more important than food, but I don't know what to do except possibly just watch and wait...
Keep an eye on her over the week-end and if there's no improvement by Monday I'd contact your veterinarian.
It very well could be the medication. Mine tend to lose there appetites when they are taking pain meds. It is definately more critical that she gets enough water to keep her hydrated.
When Toby was so sick last year the vet suggested two things. Mixing the food with warm water until it was a souplike consistancy. When that didn't work we went with syringe feeding him the soupy food. It doesn't take much to keep them hydrated so a few syringes full of water or watery food might not be a bad plan.
I would definately contact your vet if she isin't eating what you expect her to over the weekend.
Goat dog....gotta love it!
Rays coming your way that Cajsa is feeling up to her normal hungry self very very soon. Your doing a great job mama!
Quote from: April on April 13, 2006, 09:12:48 AM
Should I assume it's because of the meds? or perhaps because she is still hurting or something? I honestly haven't seen her drink very much since yesterday morning either when I put her in front of the water dish. I don't know how much she's drinking and I KNOW that is more important than food, but I don't know what to do except possibly just watch and wait...
It could be from either thing. I personally (from your description, and from my experience) think she's still in quite a bit of pain... since the inflammation is really not being dealt with since she's off the NSAIDs (and no steroids). If it were me, and I'd seen pretty much no positive change in her condition after this length of time, I'd be looking for a referral to a neurologist.
Just my opinion, of course, from experience with 2 back surgeries here. I really have a bad gut feeling about what you've been describing over the last several days.
MaryAnne
April,
I agree with Maryanne if she still seems painful i think i would ask the vet for a referral it cannot hurt to have a specialist see her. Poor girl hopefully there will be a light at the end of the tunnel soon :pray:
Jen
I'm the 3rd in line. With Clifford having had 3 ruptures, I know that if he won't eat, he's in severe pain. Even after his first (and worst) surgery, he still ate his food. I hope I'm wrong, but ....
How worrysome.... (sp?)....have you tried bribing her with anything that she likes and normally doesn't get (of course that won't hurt her tummy)? If she flat won't eat - I would check back with your vet right away. Sending rays in FULL force that our Cajsa gets better....please let us know....
I agree with everyone else! I really think you should check back in with your vet or see a specialist if possibl... Major rays coming your way!