Vet Doesn't Have Time to See Dogs

My Vet Doesn't Have Time to See Dogs

I have an 18-month-old Chihuahua and a year old Corgi that both seem to have lost interest in food. They aren't eating normally, and I can tell they have lost some weight. My Chi has been eating grass and throwing it back up, and they both have blood in their stools.

What could cause this? Could they have some kind of infection inside that is causing all this, or could it be something they ate? I don't know what to do. Both dogs were with a pet sitter while I was away, and when I tried contacting this person to find out if they were behaving like this there I got no answer. So, I am basically clueless on how this happened.

If you have any information on this please let me know what I should do to help them get better. The vet's office is booked up until the end of the month and won't see my dogs as a walk in appointment. They say they are just too busy.

Thank you very much~~ Tabitha B.

Expert Reply

Hi Tabitha,

I'm sorry to hear your dogs aren't feeling well. I really think you should either start fresh with a new vet who is not over booked or visit the emergency vet because these dogs need to be seen. Are they still drinking water? This is essential because if they become dehydrated they will only feel worse. Now let's talk about the symptoms.

• Lack of appetite
• Bloody stools
• Weight loss

I am not qualified to make a diagnosis, but the combination of these symptoms could mean the dogs have anything from a bad case of worms to a virus. Only a veterinarian can tell you for sure.

If they were my dogs, I'd find a vet who is willing to see them and bring along a stool sample from each dog. I'd also take away their kibble and offer them some boiled lamb and rice to get a little nutrition in them. Hopefully the special dinner will spark their appetites.

I'm sorry I can't offer you more definitive advice. This is one of those occasions when you truly need a health care professional.

My best wishes for both dogs' recovery.

~~ Kelly

Was Dog Diagnosed Incorrectly?

Hi,

Two months ago, my four-year-old dog went through treatment for heartworms. He got through all that okay, but now he's been sick and vomiting for about three weeks. I took him back to the vet thinking it had something to do with the treatment, but the vet said my dog probably just had a tummy ache and gave me some pills for him, which he took.

The medicine didn't help and my dog is still sick and vomiting. He's got a cold wet nose, but he had a slight fever when I took him to the vet. I'm wondering if the vet perhaps overlooked something. I have seriously have spent a fortune on this dog and I can't spend more.

Thanks~~ Cat

Expert Reply

Hi Cat,

I'm so sorry to hear about how sick your dog has been. In the case of the vomiting, it does indeed sound like your vet went with the diagnosis that required the least investigation. Honestly, a simple tummy ache is not going to result in a three week long stint of vomiting. The fact that your dog had a fever also indicates this is more serious than a bout of indigestion.

I recommend you take your dog back to the clinic, but request to see a different vet if there's another one available. Since you are an established client and your dog wasn't exactly diagnosed properly, they should be willing to let you work out a payment plan so your dog can get the care he so seriously needs.

Thanks for your question, and I'll keep your dog in my thoughts. I truly hope there is something that can be done to help him feel better very soon.

~~ Kelly