update on Digger

Discussion in 'Labrador Health' started by Digs Mom, Jul 24, 2020.

  1. Digs Mom

    Digs Mom Registered Users

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    I'm so scared and worried for my
    Digger....

    please keep him in your prayers

    He has totally stopped eating.
    He was not even interested in steak this morning.

    he's on his way to the Vet for the third time..

    Thank you
    Sher/Digs Mom
     
  2. J.D

    J.D Registered Users

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    So sorry you are having such a hard time. It is especially difficult with a young dog too. I hope he turns the corner soon. His condition is not something I have heard of. Keep us posted.
     
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  3. Digs Mom

    Digs Mom Registered Users

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    Thank you JD, he is still at the vet.
    Luckily my daughter is a tech vet there.
    The waiting and not knowing is hard, I want to text her, but its a busy clinic,.so I wait....

    Uveitis in Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/uveitis-in-dogs
     
  4. J.D

    J.D Registered Users

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    Sounds miserable for him. Fingers crossed it is one of the more straight forward reasons and will clear up soon.
     
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  5. Digs Mom

    Digs Mom Registered Users

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    I appreciate you chatting me, its nice to have someone to talk with who cares.

    Digger's diagnosis is perplexing and leaves me unsettled.
    The Vet now believes he has Horners Syndrome which means there maybe damage to the nerves that go to the face and eyes, and usually effects one side, causing droopieness, drooling, and loss of appetite. She cannot pinpoint the exact cause... Maybe an injury or a tumor, supposedly Horners Syndrome in its self is not painful yet he was put on pain medicine, also an appetite stimulator, and another eye medicine for dry eye.
    So eachmorning he gets an antibiotic, pain medicine, eye drops, and eye ointment. He gets the appetite stimulator late afternoon, then some dinner.

    He did take a couple treats this morning which thrilled me because before he wanted nothing.

    I know I have to be patient, but hes so lethargic, and just looks lost.
    I want my Tigger boy back!

    Thanks for being there.

    Sher
     
  6. J.D

    J.D Registered Users

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    Hi Sher
    Sometimes it’s good to just write it down as helps to process the information. I joined this site last year in the hope someone would have an insight into Mast Cell Cancer which my lab had been diagnosed with. Whilst nobody(fortunately for them) was able to help I was able to get support from caring dog owners and just off loading was therapeutic.
    Keep us posted with progress. Having a lab not eating is very strange as they usually wolf it down. With a previous lab I used to tempt him with cooked chicken/beef/tinned recovery food. Hopefully it will be short term and he may lose a few pounds but he will soon put it back on.
    Look after yourself too.
    Julie
     
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  7. Digs Mom

    Digs Mom Registered Users

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    Thank ypu Julie

    Thanks Julie,
    Digger ate half a can of dog food Monday evening and I was thinking he had turned the corner, he even stole his sisters dreambone, he was a little perkier, and his eye was not as red or squinting.
    Unfortunately this morning he's not even interested in steak.
    This mornings meds were a challenge/struggle, he would not have anything to do with the pill pockets, or cheese. So I had to do it the hard way... He clamped his jaws down like a vice grip, he has to take 4 pills and the liquid appetite enhancer. I had to back him up against the sofa, pry his mouth open, with his head leaning upwards and pop them in and quickly close his mouth rubbing his throat, and blow in his nose. Poor guy was drooling, and foaming and shaking his head. He is now hiding in the bathroom. and I feel like a monster.
    After about a half hour he came out and ate half the steak.
    The Vet is still trying to figure out whats going on...Uveitis/Horners syndrome, and now maybe trigeminal-neuropathy.

    This is so frustrating !

    Digs Mom
    Sher
     
  8. Athena

    Athena Registered Users

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    Hi Sher,
    Sorry to hear Digger is having a rough time (may I steal him please - so handsome).
    I'm not sure what else you tried for giving pills but I've had success with sliced roast beef, genoa salami, sliced deli ham, and peanut butter. I switch between these because Johnny can be fussy. I wrap larger pills individually, and yes too many calories but it's temporary.

    Keep your chin up and don't feel badly for advocating for Digger
     
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  9. Digs Mom

    Digs Mom Registered Users

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    Thanks for your suggestions. Unfortunately we have had to resort to forced medication. I put soft butter on them to help them slide down a little easier, then pry his mouth open and push them in quickly rubbing his throat and blowing in his nose. Of course he is not thrilled, shakes his head, drools, foams, not fun for either of us. I hate doing it but know I have to.
    Thanks
    Sher
     
  10. Christina2807

    Christina2807 Registered Users

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    Does Digger like watermelon? You could try putting the tablets in that for him.
     
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  11. Digs Mom

    Digs Mom Registered Users

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    Water Mellon...hmm never tried that out on our dogs, for the most part they rarely get people foods, I'll have to make an exception in this case.

    Thanks
    Digs Mom
    Sher
     
  12. Christina2807

    Christina2807 Registered Users

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    Luna gets loads of different people foods but in small amounts. Watermelon is great if we feel she isn't drinking enough, strawberries are great too or raspberries as they have the natural hollow middle.

    Hope you find something that works for him and he doesn't notice the tablets.
     
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  13. Edp

    Edp Registered Users

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    I agree with @Christina2807 my dogs have always had human foods to take tablets. Anything that makes it easy for them. Sausages, cheese, are good for hiding tablets. Stuffed in with butter or cream cheese to seal the end up. Pop it in quickly followed by a non tablet version, works well.
     
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  14. Digs Mom

    Digs Mom Registered Users

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    Digger has been too smart, we have tried everyones ideas, plus a hollowed hot dog, hamburger, liverwurst, peanutbutter, cheese, tried to make it game of catch, he either spits the whole thing out, or just the pill.
    Fortunately he's finished his medication regime for now.:D

    Thanks for all your ideas!

    Digs Mom
    Sher
     
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  15. Christina2807

    Christina2807 Registered Users

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    These puppies are to smart for their own good sometimes, we can't trick Luna with anything now she just knows whats happening.
     
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