Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

Discussion in 'Labrador Health' started by Jen, Nov 18, 2013.

  1. Jen

    Jen Registered Users

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    Scouts got diarrhea now!!! I think I'm cursed to have dogs with dodgy bowels. :(

    I was wondering when you would take a dog to the vet with an upset stomach if there's no blood and no other symptoms and the dog is behaving as normal?

    When Scott had his peculiar upset stomach a few weeks ago Jacqui posted that she didnt really agree with antibiotics for upset tummies. I agree I wouldn't automatically go to the doctor if it was me. My trouble is going to the vet is my default reaction because Murphy would always have blood in his diarrhea.

    I think scouts tummy might be because he managed to eat a couple of decent sized pieces of antler yesterday. At the time I wasn't overly worried I didn't think they were too big for obstruction, although that is now at the back of my mind (I'm so good at worrying) . I'm thinking it was too much/too rich for his system.
    Of course that could just be a coincidence but antlers are now off the menu back to nylabones !!

    Thanks for any advice

    Jen
     
  2. Oberon

    Oberon Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    Personally, I would wait and see (and I am usually quick to go to the vet when in doubt). If he is pooping and behaving normally then his bowel isn't obstructed. I've had a dog with an obstructed bowel and he was in obvious and serious pain and wouldn't eat and couldn't poop (and spent a week at the vet). So it doesn't sound to me as if that's a worry with Scout.

    It could have been something totally unrelated that's caused the diarrhoea. Maybe either no meal or a small, plain meal tonight then see how he goes tomorrow. That's what I'd do :)
     
  3. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    What a worry Jen! I hope he is better soon.
     
  4. Dexter

    Dexter Moderator Forum Supporter

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    Oh gosh,there's always something isn't there?im a great one for being at the vets as you all know...or at least on the phone ....do I remember you saying you don't really like your vet though?sorry Jen I forget now.If there are no other symptoms I'd do as Racahel says and makes sure plenty of water is going down and if no improvement consider a visit tomorrow.....I've heard stories on here about dogs passing socks :eek: so they do have strong constitutions although not ever a good way to find out .....
     
  5. Jen

    Jen Registered Users

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    Thank you the panic was slightly starting to set in then so I looked and id had your replies and now I feel better. Iam rubbish at worrying about everything when it's my dogs when really if I think sensibly I know it's only diarrhea and he's racing about like normal so he's not bothered.

    I've given him some anti diarrhea paste and will see what he's like tomorrow like you suggest Rachael I know that's the sensible thing to do.

    I've got a new vet now Angela all though I don't really know him yet but at this rate it won't take long. ::)

    Thank you all

    Jen
     
  6. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    Well-cooked rice and chicken, lots of water, not quite so much running around as normal - and chances are he'll be fine tomorrow. If not, then a trip to the vet.

    It seems to me grown up dogs quite often get upset tummies or are sick, and sometimes it's not an infection, it's just that their bodies go into overdrive to digest the amazing stuff they eat... Poppy was sick on Sunday morning - it was the remains of a bone she had the night before, a bit thicker than the usual chicken wings etc (it was a piece of lamb neck). So I think she just couldn't digest all the bone and got rid of it by vomiting it up.

    Sorry, that was a bit off topic - just meant to say if he seems fine otherwise and is drinking, I wouldn't worry for 24 hours.
     
  7. Jen

    Jen Registered Users

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    Thank you Karen.

    I'd say the same as you and Rachael if somebody asked me. For some reason when it's my dog I turn into a neurotic owner, start imagining all sorts and become irrational. I don't know why ???
     
  8. Stacia

    Stacia Registered Users

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    I think it is because we are emotionally involved with our own dogs. I used to work for a vet and remained calm in all situations, even when a client brought in a dog with his side hanging off and the vet was out! However, when one of mine was ill, I was a trembling mass of anxiety!
     
  9. Oberon

    Oberon Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    [quote author=Jen link=topic=3334.msg36218#msg36218 date=1384779203]
    I'd say the same as you and Rachael if somebody asked me. For some reason when it's my dog I turn into a neurotic owner, start imagining all sorts and become irrational. I don't know why ???
    [/quote]

    Then you are completely normal ;D
     
  10. Jen

    Jen Registered Users

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    Thank you all for making me feel better. ::)

    I'm afraid I caved into my neurosis and took him to the vet. It was after projectile liquid diarrhea every 2 to 3 hours and obvious tummy ache just before he had to go. Rest of the time he was fine.

    Turns out he had a temperature aswell so yes we have got the usual antibiotics and he had an injection.

    He was so good though much better than Scott. Being terrified obviously turns scout stiff, literally. He just stood still on the levitating table while he was examined.

    I've decided I like my new vet. He also very kindly said he would dispense the same tablets for Scott without seeing him, because he gets so stressed going, if he should come down with it. He thinks it's a bug because of the temperature.

    Thanks again for putting up with me.

    Jen
     
  11. Oberon

    Oberon Supporting Member Forum Supporter

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    Well that sounds good :) Given that he was starting to show signs of distress you definitely made the right call. Hope he's all better soon.
     
  12. JulieT

    JulieT Registered Users

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    Hope your boy is better soon, Jen. Good news about the vet.
     
  13. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    [quote author=Jen link=topic=3334.msg36318#msg36318 date=1384850695]
    Thank you all for making me feel better. ::)

    I'm afraid I caved into my neurosis and took him to the vet. It was after projectile liquid diarrhea every 2 to 3 hours and obvious tummy ache just before he had to go. Rest of the time he was fine.

    [/quote]

    That's not neurosis - that sounds much worse than I had imagined. I would have taken my dog in too, I think. Good call.
     
  14. kateincornwall

    kateincornwall Registered Users

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    Re: Diarrhea when to go to the vet?

    So glad that you got to the bottom of it ( pardon the pun ) , he will soon be back to full strength , bless him :)
     

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