[LisaT]

Originally Posted By: Vicki KI have a question - (new gs owner, never had heard of bloat in a dog before this. I am trying to learn everything I can about it.)
This past Tuesday, Sam was fine in the morning, I fed him his IAMS - he has to be on a low protein food due to kidney problems; about 2 -2 1/2 hours later, I was sitting out with him and noticed that he wasn't acting normal. Not playful, appeared to be in distress. I looked around, and discovered 3 piles of food that he had vomited, 2 piles were covered in a slime like mucus. I called the vet right away, and he told me to bring him in. I did, and after a brief hands on exam, the vet said he needed to do x-rays.
Well, the vet said that Sam was "full of gas" but that it wasn't bloat. I was told to give him 1 gas-x pill, no food for 18 hours, and watch to see if he vomited up any water. Also, at noon the next day, I could give him 1/3 of a can of Hills prescription i/d. If he was able to keep that down, wait an hour, then give him another 1/3.
If he vomited it up, rush him back in for further help. Well, he never vomited again, never brought up water. Ate very slowly, like he was scared too. I watched him like a hawk.
Thankfully, he is now fine - however, should I consider this as a slight bloat?
My regular vet was off when this happened, so Sam was seen by the new vet whom I have never used before.

I wanted to ask how your dog was doing now? Any vomiting, etc.? how are his stools?

 

[Sams Mom]

Re: Vicki, about your dog

So far, he is doing ok. No more vomiting, his stools range from firm/normal, to somewhat loose.
He won't eat the Iams I bought for him, so I had to find another low protein food.
He was really gassy (stinky) when I first got him - he was on RC GS24, and the vet said to get him off that. Now I am at a loss trying to find a healthy, low pro food he will eat.
Thank you for asking. I do appreciate all the information. I love him and want to give him the best care possible.

 

[LisaT]

Re: Vicki, about your dog

Originally Posted By: Vicki KSo far, he is doing ok. No more vomiting, his stools range from firm/normal, to somewhat loose.
He won't eat the Iams I bought for him, so I had to find another low protein food.
He was really gassy (stinky) when I first got him - he was on RC GS24, and the vet said to get him off that. Now I am at a loss trying to find a healthy, low pro food he will eat.
Thank you for asking. I do appreciate all the information. I love him and want to give him the best care possible.

I suspect that some of the problems may have been with the Iams food.

How long have you had him? Has he always had food issues?

Are you a member of the yahoo list for dogs with kidney disease? They might be able to help you. The nutrition board might be able to help if you haven't posted there yet.

If he continues to have digestive problems, you might try some enzymes, but i would try different food first.

Has your boy ever been tested for tick disease?

 

[Sams Mom]

Re: Vicki, about your dog

Sorry for the delay in answering - computer problems.
I got Sam on June 6th. He was eating RC food, but my vet wants him on a lower protein food - no other food problems.
No, I haven't joined any groups on Yahoo, will go check it out.
He hasn't been tested for lyme, or anything like that, thankfully, we have not had a repeat episode of him getting sick. I have taken him off the Iams - will feed that to my heelers - they have cast iron stomachs.
Thank you for the ideas to try.

 

[LisaT]

Re: Vicki, about your dog

If there is any chance of a tick disease, I would have him tested. That could be a cause for the kidney problems.

If you can't find the kidney list, let us know -- I'm sure someone has the link.