OK, I've made myself half crazy trying to research on-line since vets, so far, can't figure out how to fix my boy. I'm hoping that these symptoms may sound familiar to someone ... someone who got a diagnosis and treatment.

My Gizmo was a very happy, healthy 4-year old until a week ago. He hasn't eaten anything since last Tuesday AM. He was vomitting a bit of bile for several days (something he occasionally does when girls are in heat), then there was a lot of mucous with it. Tuesday evening (1/6), he wasn't himself; Wed AM he was VERY sick, lethargic, moving slowly with back hunched up, pain in his eyes. Onset of symptoms very sudden. No temp.

I rushed him to a local vet (good at diagnostics). Ran complete blood panel, tested for Lymes, Eurlichia, Anaplasma, all normal. Abdominal x-rays insignificant. Ran barium, no apparent blockage but found what she thought were at least 6 "ulcers" in the duodenum (first section of intestine). She can't scope, so started treatment for ulcers:
Sucralfate 3 times/day
Metronidazole
Famotidine (Pepcid)
Tramodol (for pain)
Amoxicillin (possible bacterial cause of ulcers)

I brought him home Thurs afternoon but he won't drink water or eat anything. I've tried raw liver, cooked liver, raw hamburger, canned I/D, A/D. He won't even look at it, spits out what I try to push into him. Still vomits bile once or twice a day but not today. I stopped the Amoxi in case that's keeping him nausous. By Friday, I realized he'd dehydrate so am giving 1000 ml fluids twice/day just to keep him alive. He's very weak and I'm half crazy with worry.

My brainstorming:
1. Possible hookworms??? I had a bitch about a year ago who got lethargic, went off food (but didn't appear in pain); couldn't figure it out so I treated with Metronidazole and Panacur, she bounced back. (I had suspected hookworms because someone else had them.)
2. Coccidia - I read it infects the duodenum and can cause lesions.
3. Flukes - encyst in duodenum, migrate to the liver.
4. Diverticulosis - lesions in the duodenum.
5. Pancreatitis - vomitting, abdominal pain, lethargy, anorexia; only 33% of dogs show abnormal test results.
6. Gallbladder rupture?
7. Pythiosis or Lagenidiosis (zoospores) - fairly rare, cause lesions, weight loss, vomitting.

I'm desperately trying to come up with something, hope to get someone to scope Gizmo tomorrow, maybe ultrasound, more tests (but for what???). This sweet boy is dying in front of me. I'm hoping someone from this knowledgable group has some input, can steer me and my vets in the right direction. Thank you.

Jenny

bowel obstruction?

Go to a Specialty Hospital, do you have a University
Vet school near by? If you went ahead and treated him for parasites, most of the things you treat him
with could cause the symptoms you gave. A fecal would be easy enough to check for those things.
The Vet can do a snap test for pancreatitis it can cause those symptoms and the onset can be rapid with
out symptoms leading up to the flare. What is his diet? Is he overweight? The lesions noted are probably a result of vomiting the acid, not the initial problem. He needs to be on IV"S!!! He needs
to be given meds to control the vomiting. I would have him at the Vet getting those tests and treatments. It does not sound like something that is going to improve on its own. It will be costly, it beats losing your dog. I wish the best for you.

i had a bitch get sick on me with verey similar symptoms she had picked up an airborn virus and was treated with fluids and antibotics, we started her on nutracal tubes of it to stimulate her to eat, goats milk has always worked well as a supplement , I can say for sure what this might be but keep him from dehydrateing andif necessary feed him with a tube on a special formula like you would feed a pup in distress, this may give you time and give him strength so what ever this is will pass.

I will pray for you, by the way my girl made it thur this and has never been sick since. about 4 yrs ago.

Jenny,
I agree that I would get him hospitalized asap to get him stable and hydrated. I had a dog with a splenic torsion and the symptoms were very similar to gastric torsion other than there was no visible bloating. According to my vets, splenic torsion is not very common. My dog was not a Labrador by the way. Ultrasound should be a good diagnostic tool for torsion.
Good luck with him and I hope you find an answer.
Julia

My gosh, I can understand your serious concern! Yes, agree with need to hospitalize- hydrate with IV's, nutrition by others means if he won't take food by mouth. Major teaching hospital nearby? Diagnostic assessment by high caliber vet? Ultrasound may be a good idea?

You and Gizmo are in my prayers- with all good thoughts for his full recovery.

Can't really get a fecal since he hasn't eaten in so long, and often inconclusive. No, not overweight, on the same quality food all his life. Good point about the lesions being a "result", not a cause. I will test for Pancreatitis tomorrow for sure. Thank you.

I will ask they consider a splenic torsion also, thank you.

I agree with the ultrasound and if need be an exploratory to see if anything has twisted, impacted or ruptured. Whatever he has it must be extremely painful. He needs I.V.s and 24 watch by vets. Wishing the best for your boy.

Doesn't match all the symptoms, maybe run and encephalitis test?

Holding good thoughts for your boy

sounds like an obstruction or twisted gut. Go to a specialist before its to late.
Good luck with your lab.

I would also consider a blockage of some sort. When I had a Lab who was obstructed from a squeaker from a toy she had similar symptoms. A squeaker does not show up on x-ray. A vet at the emergency clinic figured out what was wrong with my girl and she is alive and well today. Your vet may need to go in and do exploratory surgery if they can't come up with anything else.
Good luck -- hope he gets better.

Jenny,

I am very sorry to hear about Gizmo. The U of M has an emergencey clinic open 24/7, I have had, over all, good luck with them in the past. You do not need a referal. If you can, I would suggest loading your boy up as soon as possible and getting him over there.

Best of luck, and if I can help at all, please let me know.

Lisa

This was a number of years ago, but my Sam had similar symptoms - nothing showed on any tests including barium xrays -- my vet ended up doing an exploratory at midnight a few days after symptons started, because he felt Sam wouldn't last till morning -- it ended up being an obstruction between the intestine and stomach -- Sam had found (somewhere) netting that is wrapped around country hams and it hooked in there - things like that do not show up on xray. R

I am so sorry to hear this Jenny. I know how much you love him. I will be praying for him.

Love,
Judy and Tango

mast cell disease,
Lepto
toxicity
other tick diseases/rickettsial (sp?) -

This sounds like it could be Addison's Disease, it strikes dogs around the age of 4. They can do an ACTH stimulation test to diagnose. Good Luck.

HAVE HIS KIDNEY'S CHECKED OUT, THEY WON'T EAT OR DRINK BECAUSE IT CAUSES THEM SEVERE PAIN, THEY WALK HUNCHED AND HAVE TERRIBLE BREATH. IT IS VERY PAINFUL FOR THEM.

GOOD THOUGHTS GOING YOUR WAY.

SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS, DIDN'T REALIZE THEY WERE ON UNTIL I WAS READING IT.

Get an ultra sound done. I had a sick puppy and none of the vets could figure out what was wrong with her for months. She was treated for every parasite you could think of and x-rays showed no obstruction. It took an ultra sound to find out that one of her intestines had swallowed the other. She needed surgery and still to this day, they cannot determine the cause. She has recovered and is living a normal life now.

I sincerely hope you find the cause and the right treatment and that your dog gets better.

The blood panel indicated liver/kidney all within normal ranges.
I don't believe they checked for Lepto or "rickettsial" (sp?).
I relied on the barium run to rule out a blockage but will re-think that normal result. And consider a splene torsion.
I will ask to check for Addison's disease and tests for Pancreatitis.
I'm getting 2000 ml of fluids into him per day, so at least keeping him hydrated.
My specialist who is experienced with scoping is out of town until Thurs. Their ultrasound is more geared to finding puppies.
I think I'll take Gizmo to the U of M tomorrow ... he's breaking my heart.
Thank you, all, for caring enough to respond.
Jenny

"It took an ultra sound to find out that one of her intestines had swallowed the other."

This is called intussusception: "a drawing in of something from without: the slipping of a length of intestine into an adjacent portion usu. producing obstruction."

We had a young girl w/this several years ago. When reading about your boy's symptoms, this is what I thought of. You already know that time is of the essence. You and your boy are in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted.

I agree. Bowel obstruction, been there and the first time they checked they could not see an obstruction but sure enough it was. They go down hill very quickly and the longer you wait the more difficult it will be.

Jenny, we have a lab with Addison's. It is a very hard disease to diagnose. A lot of his symptoms sound similar to our Gunner's. However, Gunner's illness did not come on quickly. It took forever to diagnose it. He did vomit. Didn't really want to eat. I really thought he had a blockage, but it turned out to be addisons, and he responded to meds.

When you do the ultrasound, have them look at his prostate too.

My thoughts are with you, hang in there.

I'm sorry to hear your boy is unwell.

His symptoms sound to me like pancreatitis. We had 2 bouts with my now 7 year old boy, and he inevitably had very invasive surgery to remove a part of the pancreas. Do check that right away. A simple blood test.

Praying your boy is on the mend soon,

Melissa

Why wouldn't you take him to an internal specialist?

Oh Jenny, we are praying.

Only experience I had with those symptoms, my girl had eaten a rabbit.

After they removed the "wad" from her intestines she was ok.

But it could be a miriad of things, so please keep us posted here on the forum!!

D.

An Ultrasound Immediately Is Your Best Course.Hope All Works Out For Your Boy!

Intussusception. Our girl had a terrible ordeal with what exploratory surgery finally revealed as an intussusception which had untelescoped and resolved itself many times. Even barium x-rays were negative for blockage of any kind. She was one sick little girl.

Prayers are with you and your boy.

Most of all, I wish you and Gizmo a successful diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Symptoms sound close to our experiences with blocked intestines, pancreatitis and hookworms -- all treated successfully after much anguish. Please let us know more when you can. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Virginia

I am so sorry to hear this and understand your fear.

Please get your boy in for an ultrasound ASAP and go from there.

I went thru this and fluid in the abdomin sent us in for exploratory surgery to find a ruptured gallbladder. Had I waited one day she would have died.

Her symptoms were vomitting bile, off food and temp. Came on very suddenly.

Prayers they can find the problem and treat it.

Any news today?
Hoping all is well.
Annie

I have a male that at about 3-4 years old became very sick (vomiting, diarrhia). He was at the vet's twice on IV's. First time he went from 85 lbs. to 68 lbs. in about 2 weeks. The vet couldn't find a reason and finally diagnosed colitis. After that as soon as he seemed to be getting sick I would take him off food and give him pedialite for about 2 days. He recovered every time. This happened at least 5 times over the next few years and today at almost 14 years old he hasn't had a recurrence since he was about 7.
Hope your boy recovers well.

An update on Gizmo, so many of you have been so helpful, so concerned ... it warms my heart. I just got back from the U of M where Gizmo is in surgery, likely almost finished by now. (Long trip home in a snowstorm, 30-40 mph!) They took more x-rays and found a foreign object, don't understand how it didn't show up on previous x-rays and the barium run. So, my first suspicion, and many of yours too, was right. I already know that it was a piece of tennis ball because my daughter-in-law-to-be is in her last couple months of vet school there and popped into surgery. Actually, I've very relieved ... it's something we can deal with. The alternatives really scared me, he could have died before we got a diagnosis. Now I'm just praying that they don't have to remove part of the intestine, and that he comes through surgery OK.

Some of you will get a chuckle out of this, the first vet was young, apparently already aggrevated when the first gal told him what I wanted done first (ultrasound), and all the specific things I wanted tested and checked for. Apparently, he's more comfortable with pet owners who just say "Oh, please, doctor, just fix him!". When he informed me he couldn't guarantee that an ultrasound would be done today, only if "they" felt it was an emergency, I was furious. This isn't an emergency???!! He's been deathly sick for 6 days, I've barely kept him alive on sub-q fluids to get thru the weekend!!! If they hadn't done it, I was walking out, going elsewhere. When he came back, after looking at x-rays with the surgeon, had a different attitude, going straight into surgery. My "almost" daughter-in-law tells me, in school, they're basically taught to hate breeders, don't want to work with us!!! So what's new??? We really can be a "pain in the a.....", but we've often saved our dogs, and puppies, by being so!

I'm still waiting to hear that Giz made it thru surgery, am optimistic that he'll be fine. Then, he and I will talk about what nice puppies he's going to have to produce, and how many, to pay for this! $4000 estimate ... yikes!!!

Thank you ALL so much for being concerned and trying to help!

Jenny

I hope all goes well for your boy....good thoughts are heading your way!

Thanks for the follow-up, Jenny! I am keeping all good thoughts that he will be just fine and back in shape in no time! Thank goodness for your advocacy & the vet school close by. As you said, he has a job when he gets home as he needs to help with those vet bills-HA! I checked out your website and Gizmo is a fine looking lad (as a matter of fact- his great face has been on my mind all day as special prayers were sent your way). Continued healing thoughts for your special boy!

Sending good thoughts out for you and Gizmo.

What good news that they found out what's going on finally! It will be a relief when this ordeal is over and he's on the mend and making gorgeous mini Gizmo's. I'm so glad it wasn't something that could be a life long problem. Best wishes and continued prayers your way.

Thanks for the update! Continuing to hold good thoughts for a quick and complete recovery

So glad they have identified the problem, Jen. Sending healing thoughts your way for Gizmo and for YOU as well.

So glad they found the blockage and hopefully he is doing fine tonight. His symptoms sounded so much like what my Summer's were and her intestine was almost perforated from her blockage but 2 years later she is doing just great. I had also given her IV fluids over a weekend to keep her going but it was also over a holiday weekend and then ended up taking her in on the holiday for surgery as I knew she would die if I waited until the Tuesday. Continued wishes for a quick recovery for Gizmo and some sleep for you!

Gotta think that when you add up all the experiences of all the people on this forum, not many vets could come close. Especially the young ones.

When I mentioned to a friend who is an MD that another friend has worked for years as a critical care nurse, he commented that CC nurses are the best. He went on to say that the arrogant young doctors often need to learn to appreciate CC nurses, as they will save their sorry asses.

Think this is the same with breeders. A good smart vet will learn to pay attention!!!!

So happy and relieved to hear you got Gizmo to the right place & he will be OK.

It's good to know that your boy is going to be fine.


God Bless,



Phil

That is terrific news! Here is to a speedy recovery for Gizmo. It is nice to know that our own experiences could be helpful to someone else. Send one of those puppies my way.

I certainly agree with you ... that's why I posted this on the forum, so much knowledge. We've all run into this or that over the years, it's wonderful that it's so easy these days to share info.

I'm glad to report (to all) that Gizmo is out of surgery and appears to be stable. They were glad that I kept him hydrated over the weekend so they could go in immediately. They had to cut 2 incisions as there were 2 pieces of tennis ball (almost halves), one in the illium, the other in the section ahead of that. But didn't have to remove any intestine, that's good. My dauther-in-law to-be, Sarah, stuck around until Giz was waking up, stabilizing OK, bless her heart!

I'm wiped out from the stress of the last week, now going to bed instead of starting another fluid treatment and shoving pills down poor Gizmo! Can't wait to get him home. BTW, he's my Lewis boy, out of my Bleu daughter Emma, wish I could attach a pic of his sweet, gorgeous head/expression. Thanks again to all!!!
Jenny

Jenny,
What good news that Gizmo is out of surgery and you found your answer. I pray he makes a complete recovery and is with you for many, many years to come!

Julia

Jenny, I hope you had a great sleep last night - what an ordeal! Glad to hear surgery went well & I hope recovery is quick so you can get him home soon.

Jenny, I'm so happy to hear that Gizmo is on his way to recovery!!! Gizmo has a true friend in you, looking out for him and standing up to that young vet who tried to brush Gizmo's condtion off.

If there is one thing I've learned in the past 25 years of owning dogs, is that Veterinarians don't necessarily enjoy Breeder Clients who ask alot of questions or even more insulting to them is when we question their treatment plan.

My mother's vet in constantly spewing horrible things about breeders and how it's the reason why pure bred dogs have all the problems they do. I love how we are all lumped in one category, just like the AR folks lable us.

Wonderful news. As awful as a blockage is I am so glad it wasn't something more serious - as it sure sounded like it was.

Prayers for his quick recovery.

So very glad to hear he's ok and you found the problem, been praying for him through all this!
Aloha,
jackie

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Replying to:

I certainly agree with you ... that's why I posted this on the forum, so much knowledge. We've all run into this or that over the years, it's wonderful that it's so easy these days to share info.

I'm glad to report (to all) that Gizmo is out of surgery and appears to be stable. They were glad that I kept him hydrated over the weekend so they could go in immediately. They had to cut 2 incisions as there were 2 pieces of tennis ball (almost halves), one in the illium, the other in the section ahead of that. But didn't have to remove any intestine, that's good. My dauther-in-law to-be, Sarah, stuck around until Giz was waking up, stabilizing OK, bless her heart!

I'm wiped out from the stress of the last week, now going to bed instead of starting another fluid treatment and shoving pills down poor Gizmo! Can't wait to get him home. BTW, he's my Lewis boy, out of my Bleu daughter Emma, wish I could attach a pic of his sweet, gorgeous head/expression. Thanks again to all!!!
Jenny

Jenny good news!!! Our home was praying for him. Just had the same thing here, with our tula.Long recovery .Start food slowly and use canned.( id) My girl was in the hospital for a week. My vet was cost was 1800.00. Found a collar in three different places in the intestine. The collar broke down and left a 2 foot 7 inches of thread through the intestine. She had to cut three openings and cut the thread to releave the tension Then she was able to remove the collar peices.She had the same symtoms!!My vet keep her hydrated before surgery but she couldnt pass them. You could see it moving slowly from different xrays views. She didn't do barium dye. She said it could pass around obstruction. So she considered inconclusive.She is a Marley(if you catch my drift).

Well, I'm glad your Tula made it through THAT ordeal! Sounds a bit more complicated than the average obstruction. Was she really slow coming around the first couple days??? See my update that I'm posting next, I'm still worried. BTW, I only WISH my bill was going to be $1800!!! I've already paid the first vet over $600; the U of M estimated $4000!
Jenny

Although the surgery went well Monday and they didn't have to remove any sections of intestine, Gizmo isn't doing as well as hoped. He's weak, lethargic, no interest at all in food or water. They've got him on pain meds, started tube feeding yesterday, etc. His heart rate is faster than desirable, they think due to pain. He pulled the tube out once so now he's got an e-collar. I visited him today, he didn't react like I'd hoped, not even a wag. But as I left, he tried to follow me. I just wanted him to know that I hadn't abandoned him, maybe perk him up. I could tell he HATES the tube in his nose, probably less likely to try to eat with that in. I know he needs some calories now (without eating for a week), but wonder if we should pull it tomorrow and see. Thoughts???
Gizmo's not out of the woods yet I'm afraid. Please keep the prayers coming.
Jenny

Oh, Jenny. I was hoping he was better today. Prayers continue for Gizmo and you.

Jenny,

I am so sorry to hear that he is still having such a hard time. My thoughts are with you and Gizmo.

Again, if there is anything I can do please let me know.

Lisa

Visting Gizmo is a very good thing and will help in his recovery. It is a good sign that he tried to follow you home. What can he eat? Can you try something like baby food to get him interested? I have a Bullterrier that has had 4 surgery's in his 12 years to remove objects and during the recovery stage my vet always had us feed him chicken or turkey baby food. Dogs like it and it is gentle on their digestive system.

Poor guy! But I agree, it's a good sign that he started to follow you. Hopefully each day will bring a little more improvement. Gizmo is in my prayers. Hang in there.

He hasn't been interested in eating anything at all. When I was with him, they brought 3 different dishes, hoped I could get him interested. He did lick at a piece of something like deli meat in my hand (they were surprised), but that was it. He spit it out when I put in his mouth, wouldn't look at anything again. I will see if my daughter-in-law would pick up some baby food ... good idea, I used to use that to get granular Panacur down.

Anyone have thoughts on asking them to pull the feeding tube tomorrow??? I know he needs the calories but he HATES it. My gut tells me he's not going to eat while it's down his nose. I just hate to have to have it re-inserted though ...
Jenny

My co-owner and I just had a very sick dog in Nov. who spent time at the vet school here on and off for 2 weeks. He had lyme's nephritis. He also would not eat and would spit out any food, part of the reason was likely the doxycycline made him very nauseated. He ended up with a feeding tube through the side of his neck. He was fed 4 times a day through that, co-owner took him home on the tube feedings. She slowly got him to first eat just a piece of meat, then a few kibbles and slowly worked up. He also was on metachlopromide (Reglan) to help his gut and another antinausea med. He is fine now fortunately but it was a long haul.

Continuing to send good thoughts.

Tennie had surgery for a blockage (a towel) at age 8 months. She was very sick - we almost lost her before the surgery and then after as well - sounds so similar to your experience! I got her home right before new year's weekend because I could care for her 24 hours a day. She turned her nose up at everything. I bought goat's milk at the health food store which she lapped up a bit and gave her a little every couple of hours, gradually working up to canned food and kibble. When there is nothing in the system the "pump needs to be primed". Goat's milk is very palatable and very digestible. You can get it fresh, canned or powdered. Hope this helps!

what about seeing if they could put the feeding tube in between his ribs. I hope he is doing better!

Jenny I wish I could be of help. I don't know what to say. How about diluting 4 tablespoonful of sugar in a glass of water then give it to your boy. Give it to your boy 1 tablespoon at a time. I hope this gives him the energy and move on from there.

Keep us posted.

God Bless you and your Boy,


Phil

Hmmm ... the goat's milk sounds like a good idea, it's certainly good for and easy on puppies. The attending vet called a little bit ago and said Gizmo had lapped a bit at water, a good sign, some progress! So maybe he'd drink up some goat's milk, maybe there's something nutricious they could even add to it.
Thanks.

BTW, they have already tried baby food, no luck so far. Could add that to goat's milk maybe, for starters.

I've got an oversized crate set up in my bedroom, hoping he'll be able to come home by Friday anyway. All your stories about similar cases is encouraging, and greatly appreciated. I have to believe he's going to make it.

Can you get your hands on any Seacure? It is a a hydrolized fish protein that is sort of pre-digested and it is supposed to be great at providing nutrition in cases like this. It stinks to high heaven, too, so your boy might be tempted by it. You only feed a teaspoon or so at a time, and it could easily be added to water to give some needed nutrition at a time when your dog doesn't want to eat.

You may want to do an internet search for it to learn more about it. If it were me, I would have some overnighted and start immediately. Good luck to you and your boy. I'm glad they figured out what was wrong with him and I hope he makes a fast recovery now that surgery is over.

Those sound like all good signs for Gizmo recovering. Maybe he is starting to feel better and is getting his appetiate (sp?) back. Think possitive, sometimes we can be amazed at how these dogs can bounce back. My puppy girl was nearly dead and today she is a spunky 2yr old full of life.
Sending you all the best for a speeding recovery for your boy.

Morning Jenny. How's Gizmo doing this a.m.??? While I know the feeding tube, etc. is scary, it is doing a job. I'm wondering if he's not feeling like eating because his gut is just plain sore and as he feels better will be more inclined to eat. I wouldn't be surprised if he's more inclined to eat with you there and trying and/all of these suggestions sure can't hurt. Hugs to you & Gizmo!

It sounds encouraging that Gizmo is starting to drink water. Taking soft food should follow shortly. Everyone has great suggestions and I can't add to them, however, I do want to wish Gizmo a speedy recovery.

I am sorry to hear he is not doing as well as expected.

I went thru this with my girl in the ER and no appetite. Low albumin almost killed her, among other things.

If you can't get him to eat and his albumin level drops below normal for too long it can bring on edema (life threatening).

please try Seacure tablets. They saved my girls life - I have no doubt.

They are 60% predigested fish protein (easily assimilated by the body) and she would eat these tablets like treats even though she would not eat any food. I had her up to 20-25 a day by the time I got her home from the ER. It also comes in a powder form if you need to dilute in water and syring into his mouth.

www.propernutrition.com carries Seacure. If you want more info on it call the company and ask for Dee.

The other thing I suggest as you mention fear he thinks you abandoned him, sleep with a blanket thru the night and then take it to the ER and have then put it in his crate with him so he has your scent.

I pray for you that he pulls thru this, and soon.

Please keep us posted.

Nothing to add in terms of ideas. Gizmo & you remain in my prayers for sure!

The hospital should have something to offer him that is appropriate for what his G.I. tract has been through that won't upset things further. The last thing you want to do is add something exotic to his G.I. tract that will make him nauseous, vomit or worse.
They gave my Fiona something after 4 days of not eating after her rattlesnake bite that had electrolytes and protein in it but was very bland. It was watery and she just lapped it up and it gave her nutrients without upsetting her G.I. tract.
Your boy has been through a lot, please go slow and follow what the specialist recommends. I have a feeling he will pull through. Good luck to Gizmo!

I am thrilled to tell all of you that I brought Gizmo home this evening!!! He looked so poorly yesterday when I visited but they say he was a different dog this morning. They pulled the feeding tube and he started to eat a little of several things, drinking too. He's still weak and SO skinny, but I look into his beautiful face and eyes and I see my Gizmo again!!! He's settled in an oversized crate in my bedroom, on a comfy cushion bed, very happy and content to be home.

I can't even express how much I appreciate all of your responses, suggestions, your concern and prayers. It is truly heartwarming, especially since I don't even know who most of you are (via posting names anyway). Gizmo's giving some gentle kisses again and he is sending a nice one to each and every one of you! (Smooch, smooch!!!) And thank you, thank you.

To make this day even better, Gizmo's daughter Natalie just had OFAs this morning and looks like a strong shot at an "excellent", elbows normal! I needed a day like this after the past week!!!

Jenny

That's nice to hear that your boy is on the way to recovery.


God Bless,



Phil

Jenny, I am so glad to hear Gizmo is better and HOME!!!
Thank you for letting us know. Now you can both get some rest - together.
That's great about his daughter's OFAs!

Jenny,
What a wonderful way to start my day, knowing Gizmo is home with you and feeling better!!
I am so happy for you.
Julia

WooHoo...GREAT news! Thanks for letting us know.

What wonderful news to start the day off with!!!! YAHOO!!!!! Hugs to you & Gizmo & congrats on the OFA news too.

That is fantastic news about Gizmo. I am so happy to hear you have your boy back home again and he is feeling better. Before you know it he will be out romping around again. He is so handsome!! Also, congrats on the OFA's. Happy Friday.

Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! And thank God! So happy it turned so well!

Wonderful news. Prayers now that he continues to feel better and gains his weight back.

So glad to hear he is eating.

Wonderful news to hear. It's a sunny day in upstate NY and I hope the sun is shining on Gizmo too. Congrats on his recovery and the good news on OFAs for your girl.

Big News !!! for Gizmo. I knew time would bring him around ,just like my Tula. Easy on the food, go slow,
Id is the way to go. She ate this diet for two weeks until her stiches where out. Then I started bringing her kibble back into her diet.You want success with his weight gain to get him back to health. He will.It takes time.

Congratulations to you and Gizmo! See, we sent out all this positive energy and prayer and it was heard!
Go slow with the weight gain, small meals of the ID (3-4 tablespoons) four times a day for a couple days. He has the rest of his life to catch up.
I know you are just sitting there with him, looking at him sleeping with love in your heart, so happy he is alive.
I know what it is like to get a dog back from the brink of death, and you are just so grateful to be able to watch them sleep in their own bed at home!
A kiss back to Gizmo!

Yes, yes! You are SO right ... I'm just savoring every moment I can snuggle him, comfort him, make him feel happy! When he stole my slippers and brought them to me (like he's always done, given the chance), it brought tears to my eyes! They don't come any sweeter than Gizmo. BTW, the other dogs have been determined to get into my bedroom and visit him, especially his littermate sister Clarice, his two daughters and best buddy Jack. You know, tail wags, kisses thru the crate, so sweet!

It's very feasible that the outpouring of prayers and good thoughts helped save his life ... thank you all!
Jenny

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Replying to:

Congratulations to you and Gizmo! See, we sent out all this positive energy and prayer and it was heard!
Go slow with the weight gain, small meals of the ID (3-4 tablespoons) four times a day for a couple days. He has the rest of his life to catch up.
I know you are just sitting there with him, looking at him sleeping with love in your heart, so happy he is alive.
I know what it is like to get a dog back from the brink of death, and you are just so grateful to be able to watch them sleep in their own bed at home!
A kiss back to Gizmo!