An X-ray, an ultra-sound and $547.00 later . . . .

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

This a.m. started off just fine - well, except for getting up at 4:30 a.m. to help DH pack and drive him to the airport.  I fed Rooney about 5:30, he ate just fine, had aready gone poo and pee and he was just running around like a crazy toddler.  The mobile groomer was coming at 9:00 to give Roo a much needed spa day, I was excited - I love it when he is buffed and puffed - so cute.  So I'm thinking this is going to be a good day - till 8:15 when Rooney threw up his breakfast.  I didn't really think too much of it - sometimes puppies and kids just do that.  So I gave him a sip of water to get the icky taste out of his mouth and he immediatly vomited again, and again.  Hard.  7 times in all.  This all took me back to January 5, 2011 when Rooney ended up in the animal emergency hospital with a suspected stomach obstruction - that never was.  They never could explain what caused it that time and here I was again.  So the grooming got moved and off to our vet we went - thank goodness they are 5 minutes from my house.  I'm there so often that I'm now asking for my own private parking space - lol.  X-ray and ultra-sound later we are now home.  They thought they saw a cloudy area on the x-ray and because the ultra-sound guy just happened to be there today they also did that.  They concluded that they don't really see anything.  Rooney got fluids injected under his skin, got a shot of Cerenia for the vomiting with pills to start tomorrow, Famotidine for gas and bloating.  No food or water till this evening and then he has to eat their canned food - Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Gastrointestinal Health, for 5 days.  Both this time and last they thought there was something in the stomach at the Piloris (spell).  They say they don't see a defect but the vet said that if he has another episode then she wants him to get an endoscopy.  The 1st time this happened it scared me to death but then I figured it was a fluke, now I'm worried.  So for $1,500 we don't have a cause let alone a cure.    Those killer shoes I bought yesterday at Nordstrom - they'll be going back - lol.  So the vet said ANY vomiting on the Cerenia should be considered an emergency, I'm picking up copies of the test results today at 5:00, I asked for them just incase we have to head to the E.R. tonight.  Any help, experience with this or advice?************************************UPDATE****************************************

I decided to call the Referral Center /ER / Critical Care Hospital where Rooney was treated in Jan.  They would like to see Rooney tomorrow for a consultation with their internal medicine specialist, they had 1 spot open and I took it.  I like the idea of not waiting for the 3rd time around.  I'll sleep better knowing that I have done my best.  I'm not freaking out or anything - I don't see this as life threatening but of course I want him to be healthy.  I'll let ya know what they have to say!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Keep us posted.  And I agree, that doesn't sound like the flu. 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Heading off to the specialist's office in a few minutes.  I only want a consult and am not prepared for them to do any testing today.  I'd like to get their thoughts on what we might be able to try to prevent another attack, short of surgery or an endoscopy, I hate to think of him under sedation.  If he needs testing we will schedule it for May.  I'm having surgery myself in 2 weeks (nothing serious - out patient girl stuff) so I'm not prepared to move forward at this point.  I really do not think it is the flu - both times he was playing, happy and then without warning - violently ill, that just doesn't sound like flu to me but I'm no expert, I'll let ya know what they have to say. 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Jane...I get this magazine every few months from our vet called the Healthy Pet.  This month there is a one page advertisement on the new Canine Influenza Vaccine.  It caught my eye because I never really knew that there was a doggie flu.  The lead in title is "The Ony Thing Worse Than Having The Flue Is Not Being Able to Tell Somebody." Then it goes on to say..."There's a new flu around that only affects dogs.  Talk to your vet to find out if your dog should be vaccinated.  If you've ever had the flu, you know how bad it makes you feel.  And it's no different for dogs.  Over the past several years,dogs in 34 states have become ill from a new, year-round dog flu that continues to spread.  It's highly contagious, and virtually every dog is vulnerable to infection.  In some dogs, the flu can become very serious and lead to pneumonia.  Fortunately, there's a new canine influenza vaccine available to help protect those loved ones who can't speak for themselves."  To learn more, visit www.doginfluenza.com

 

So after reading this we are now given one more bit of information towards what might be ailing our babies at any given time.  Just something to ask the vet.  Hope little Rooney is feeling better by now and that maybe it just is the doggie flu!  hugs

[Camilla and Darwin]

Keep us updated, I hope Rooney feels better.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I hope Rooney improves rapidly and the mystery is solved.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I too think I should have a personal parking spot at my vet, I am there so often. I hope Rooney feels better and that whatever it is that is causing the issue is a quick and easy fix. Nothing is worse then not knowing and wondering.

[Kyoko]

I hope he feels better soon... You must be worry to death.....

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Hi Jane, I'm sorry you and Rooney are going through all this ( I didn't know about the 1st time) if it makes you feel any better, I have to get an endoscopy done tomorrow. (sorry) Anyway, hopefully this other Dr. will be able to give you an answer and he gets better FAST Jennifer, Chloe & Myla Feel better soon Rooney  (and Jane)

[Donna K & Quincy]

Hope little Rooney is feeling better and that the diagnosis is the best one possible. Doodle Hugs.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

OMD, I feel so bad for Rooney...and for you.  These situations where you don't know what's causing them to be sick are so frustrating.  Here's hoping that with the meds he'll be back to his healthy, adorable self really soon.  I'll be waiting to see what those test results showed.