Porky is sick....still? or again?

[doxielady5569128]

Oh gosh, here we go again.  My hubby and I were watching tv when Porky came running up to me.  He barked three times and laid down. I thought nothing of it until when I looked down again, I saw him quivering fiercely.  I felt his skin and it felt really HOT.    I freaked out and took him to a lukewarm bath to try and cool him down.  This seemed to help him feel better.   We came back down stairs and he was still shivering.   He looked up at me frantically and exploded all over the floor.   

Since he has all the same symptoms as he did two weeks ago, I'm assuming its the same thing.  I called the vet and she said that's what it sounded like to her also.   So...here we go again, more crate rest, more rice, and no sleep for the momma for the next few days.  I really want to get his fever down, but I also want to keep him warm enough to stop the shivers as that is making his little tummy even more upset.  We still have some of the tummy medicine and antibiotics left so once he finishes those I guess we'll go get more if he's still ill.   

I'm really puzzled by this all because after he was feeling better and did his crate rest, the vet instructed me to bleach all his blankets, bed, toys, ect....to kill the flu germs. I did all of that, even going so far to shampoo my carpets.  So..since he has it again so suddenly, could it be something else or did I not do a good enough job?     I'll keep you all posted on how he is doing.   If anyone has any ideas on how i can make him more comfortable, or to settle his tummy, that would be greatly appreciated.     He is keeping nothing down but water at the present time.     

[doxielady5569128]

I forgot t mention since the diarrhea last time was caused by a parasite in the water he has been getting bottled water and I washed ALL of his dishes in HOT water before giving him anything. 

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

The shivering could be from pain or being uncomfortable and not from being cold, so if he has a fever I wouldn't try to make him warmer.

I thought his last problem was the flu, but it was a parasite? My Aunt that just passed away was fighting giardia for the last couple of months, she would think it was gone and suddenly it would hit her like a Mack Truck again. She was hospitalized 4 times in one month with it. If Porky has anything like that it is very hard to get rid of.

I am not understanding a few things, so I probably don't have it all right what was thought to be wrong with him...why is the vet having you crate Porky for diarrhea? I've never heard of a vet prescribing crate rest for a tummy bug like this, he wouldn't be able to get away from the mess he can't help making. Plus I don't see why crating would be needed, if he is weak he should self limit and he should be free to get up and get a drink if he wanted, etc. I can't think of anything being loose would hurt...Maybe there is more to his illness?

Was this your vet friend you called, the same one who came to your house and diagnosed him this last time? Just wondering if there are two sets of eyes here. OK I"m reading your post again and you mentioned he did have the flu, so he had the flu and a parasite at the same time?

Is he or was he coughing or sneezing? (how did the vet determine it was the flu, and what strain did they think it was the new kennel cough virus?) As much as he is having diarrhea and vomiting, really watch his hydration, he should be on IV's if he is not able to hydrate himself well enough.

I remember him having explosive diarrhea on the bed a while back I just wonder if it could be IBD or something? I am sure the vets diagnosed him correctly and you are all doing the right thing, I just don't think I know what the final diagnosis was for sure this last time, I was confused because I thought it was the flu but sounds like it might have been a parasite...or both? What is the tummy medicine you have for him?

Is your vet friend available to come over tonight if you need him? Maybe tent up Porky's skin on his back or sides to be sure it snaps back into place and to be sure he is hydrated. Also you can check his gums to be sure they aren't "sticky". I'm sorry I don't have much advice to give you but I feel for you and hope Porky feels better soon. You don't want to force water down him if he throws it back up, he'll get even more dehydrated that way. Keep us posted.

[Brekkesmom]

Is there something that got bleached that may have been a bit damp when Porky was on it?  My vet says to use hydrogen peroxide, not bleach, when cleaning the things our puppers use.  Bleach has a nasty effect on our furkids if anything is the least bit damp and they lick it or themselves after having sat or laying down on them.

[cheryl186]

Maybe you should take Porky to a more specialized hospital or care center.  Do you have one near you???  I think I would want a second opinion at this point.  Rays, prayers and hugs to Porky Pie for a speedy recovery......Please keep us posted as soon as you find out anything or if there is any change in his condition!!!

[Valerie]

lots of hugs for Porky. 
I agree, a 2nd opinion sounds like a good idea. 

[Kelly]

 :pray:Rays are coming to Porky Pie from Illinois! Hang in there little buddy!

[Barb]

I think a 2nd opinion also is a good idea.  You sure don't want him to get dehydrated and they may want to get some fluids in to him.  Rays on the way - please keep us posted -

[Kari]

I'm thinking to go for a second opinion - just to be sure.

[cheryl186]

Getting nervous because we are not hearing an update on Porky........

[doxielady5569128]

DD, to answer your questions, yes Porky does/did have the flu AND a parasite both last time.   The parasite is supposed to be gone after the medication he took for it.  The crate rest was prescribed last time because Porky was really weak after having diarrhea for four days and that was the only way we could get him to rest instead of running around and wearing himself out more.   Porky seems to be really restless when he is feeling icky.   We have had him checked out by two different vets.   They did a blood test and found out it was the new cannine flu that he was being affected with a few weeks ago.   Yes, he does have respiratory symptoms as well, but they were getting better.   

I am really wondering what is going on with him too.  Unfortunately where we live there is a limited amount of vets to take him to.   Porky does seem to be doing better today.  His tummy is not upset at all today, so maybe I'm just paranoid??? :crazyeyes:  I'm keeping a close eye on him and if it happens again we are going to take him to a vet in Colorado that might be able to better diagnose him.  As long as he is feeling better and acting like himself again, I'll just assume it was a one time thing last night.   His respiratory symptoms are almost completely gone and he has seemed to be doing great until last night.   

As far as the bleaching stuff went I made sure everything was completely dry before Porky had access to it.   Some of his things I just simply threw out.  He has been drinking water and is able to keep himself hydrated just fine. 

I'm sorry it took so long for me to give you all an update.  We were at the vet's office all morning.   The second vet, said Porky seemed to be doing fine and that I shouldn't worry about it.   This is why I'm thinking of just packing him up and taking him down to Colorado if this happens again. No one seems to concerned about it. Its strange.

[Dee Dee and Hallie]

What kind of antibiotic did the vet have him on and what was the tummy medicine? Sounds like Porky is feeling a lot better and that's the main thing. Again I am sure the vet is doing everything right, it's just some of the things he/she has prescribed and suggested you do seem very odd to me. I too would not use bleach, as Julia says hydrogen peroxide would be a safer route. Hopefully this won't rear it's head again!  :xfinger:

[cheryl186]

Glad to hear Porky is doing better.  This type of thing is very worrisome!!!  Taking him to Colorado if this happens again sounds like a wonderful plan.  Hugs and smoochies to Porky Pie.....GET ALL BETTER LITTLE MAN!!!

[doxielady5569128]

I can't remember the name of the antibiotic, but the medicine i was told to give him for his tummy was kaopectate.  I only gave it once and only gave 1 mL.  I am leaning more towards the IBD thing too. That's what I think Porky has.  If this happens again I am definately going to a vet in Colorado and getting him tested for IBD. 
Thank you so much for all your helpful advice and concerns about my baby boy. 

[Frankys_mom]

Gosh Porky... Don't scare us like taht!
Sending lots of reays and soft belly rubs for your sick tummy.

Dawn

[Sandishooligans]

Poor Porky boy.  We love your.  Soft belly rubs and dachsie rays coming your way.

[Mike]

Beaming rays that this is just a momentary setback on the road to recovery.

[papbouv]

Gee Porky sorry to hear you are still ill sending healthy thoughts & rays your way.Patches

When Gizmo was little and had the Reflux disease I gave her plain pedilite like you give to babies & kids kept her from having to have Iv's,  If the bottled water is new for Porky changing water sources can give them diarrhea also when giving him the bottled water is it always the same brand?
Papbouv

[doxielady5569128]

Yes, the bottled water is always the same brand.   Porky seems to be doing much better.  The pedialite idea sounds like a really good idea.  Porky seems to be drinking and eating just fine.  His hydration is good so I'm not worried about that anymore.  Could all this be caused from his anal glands?   He has been scooting the last few days so we are taking him in to get them expressed today.