UUUGH. Darwin Just Ate a Chicken Carcass...UPDATE 4

[Camilla and Darwin]

Okay guys, we have been transitioning Darwin to free roam and he has been doing perfectly. We always put the garbage up though, because he is a sneak and will get into it. Well this time we forgot. And he ate an entire carcass of a rotisserie chicken out of it. I know that chicken bones are dangerous, and I know to feed him white bread. DH is getting that now. The question is, how serious is this? Can we feed him the white bread and just observe him? He seems to be acting normally but this only happened an hour ago or so. 

Our vet is 3 hours away and closed. So if possible I'd like to just watch him for any signs. But I'd appreciate any advice... 

How much white bread should we give him?

He seems so happy and pleased with himself that I keep forgetting to feel guilty. But I am... bad us. :-(

This morning I took Darwin out to go and he did go poo without any problem. I didn't see any chicken bones in it, but he didn't have trouble getting it out. I fed him more food and some more bread as well. He didn't finish the bread... I guess he's too full. He's been acting normally other than that. Thanks for you concern everyone, just when we think we have made all the dumb mistakes we possibly can.... always be watchful. :-) I will continue to update.

 

UPDATE 2:

He has gone poo 3 times today already. The first was normal, the last two have been diarrhea. No blood, or bone fragments. I'm concerned about the diarrhea but at least he's having no issues going?

 

UPDATE 3

He is still having liquid diarrhea and had to go at 4:30 this morning, then again at 7:00. He also threw up his kibble from last night, which still looked like kibble. I am stressing out because we really can't take him with diarrhea, but we really can't cancel this trip either. I would just take him to the vet, but it's a 5-6 hour drive round trip... in the wrong direction. Unsure of what to do at this point. DH is buying pumpkin.

 

UPDATE 4

Now that we are back from Idaho I thought I would update everyone again. Darwin is doing extremely well. The vet gave us medicine that coated his stomach to prevent small splinters from scraping or puncturing. She also gave him a shot to calm his stomach and an anti-diarrhea medicine. It cleared up almost immediately and it was pretty obvious that he felt much better. We went up to Idaho immediately after, and he slept most of the way which was nice. He was energetic and alert, and very well behaved the whole weekend. We fed him chicken and rice which he felt was a special treat. :-)  I was relieved and proud of him for being such a good boy. :-) He had solid poos the next morning and hasn't had a problem since.

Next, I want to thank all of you SO MUCH. You have all been so helpful. I received offers of help for any possible bills and so much awesome advice. This is truly such a special and supportive group and I am so grateful. Darwin is sending virtual doodle kisses to all of you!

Nobody is perfect, but that doesn't make it feel any less bad when you make a mistake that lands your dood in trouble. :-( I'm so glad he was okay and I am reminded to always be careful and watchful. Also I'd like to remind everyone to get insurance now! We have insurance for Darwin and it was a huge relief. I did look up the policy and found out that F was correct, our insurance does cover emergency vets, they cover 80% which is awesome. It's another good reminder to study your insurance policies so that if a situation like this comes up you won't panic or put off going like I did. 

Thanks again to everyone, you are the best.

 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Camilla,

I know it is late and not many are on right now.  I'll start searching and reading. When your dog is sick, it is hard to start looking things up-FAST.

In the meantime, don't panic too much. I've had some serious garbage accidents in my life.  All came out okay.  I've had dogs eat the chicken, the bag, and then dinner and do just fine. 

I know for sure--do not make him vomit.  BRB though.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Here is one reply:

Keep checking his stools to see if the bones pass. Watch for blood in the stool, or any signs that he’s straining to defecate.

You should also keep an eye on your dog’s temperament. If he becomes moody or listless, take him to a vet immediately.

Perhaps the best thing you can do is try to "cushion" the tiny bones inside your dog’s tummy by overfeeding him a little more over the next couple of days. Cooked rice (that’s completely cooled first) is ideal, because it is gentle on a dog’s stomach and digestive tract. You could serve up a small helping of plain white rice alone, or mix some cooked rice in with your dog’s normal dog food.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

and this one...

there is nothing that you can give to dissolve the bone the bread will help --really just give her the regular food you feed her but keep her full to promote passage and to bind the bone into a food mass ---most importantly just watch her for the next 3 -4 days --if she stops eating or acts like she is painfull or if you see blood in her stool take her to your veterinarian immediately ----bones are never a good idea to give to pets but in truth most pass without causing any damage --keep a close eye on her --take her in if she acts differently and she will most likely be just fine

from Ask a Vet

http://askville.amazon.com/dog-ate-chicken-bone-help-dissolve-givin...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

and one more. They all seem to say the same thing.  WAIT and WATCH

After determining that my dog ate raw chicken bones, she asked if he had blood in his stool. Blood in the dog's stool could indicate damage to the intestines, and the vet would need to see him.

Since my dog didn't have blood in his stool, the vet asked about diarrhea and constipation. Sometimes after eating chicken bones dogs have a hard time pooping or have diarrhea. If a dog has is constipated, the vet suggested giving him some bread soaked in cooking oil. Since my dog had diarrhea and only a little bit of trouble with constipation, the vet told me to withhold food for 24 hours but make sure he had plenty of fresh water.

If there was no constipation or diarrhea, and the dog was able to poo as normal, the vet suggested watching for unusual behavior in the dog. If my dog started acting weird or as if he were in pain, continued diarrhea beyond two days, or was unable to poo for two days, I was to take him to the veterinarian's office.

I learned that the biggest danger when dogs eat chicken bones is the possibility of choking on the bones. Dogs can choke on cooked chicken bones and die if not treated immediately by a vet. If your dog is eating chicken bones, take them away. If he is choking, take him to the veterinarian right way

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks Joanne, that really sets my mind at ease. We will vigilantly watch him. We gave him the bread, which he gobbled up happily. Do you know in your experience, have you seen the bone remnants in your dogs poop, or do you just make sure they don't have trouble going?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

With my labs I saw everything in the poo.  I was young, with young children and ... well not the best owner at the time.  Crayons, toy parts, paper, Popsicle sticks...  Some things scared me. 

You certainly may see bones in the poo!  Or bits of things. 

I know what you will be doing and talking about for a few days.!  Happy Pooing

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

One thing to watch for... once the dog has the taste for it, it may happen again.  Treat yourselves to a can with a lid. I built my trash, finally, into a cupboard door because it happened too often.  I don't hide my money as well as I hide my garbage  :)

[Christine & Camus]

Camilla, I don't have anything to add, just wanted to say I hope Darwin is okay and that Joanne's suggestion regarding a trash can with a good lid or better yet hide the trash in a cabinet or closet (mine is under the kitchen sink).

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Camilla, Let us know how Darwin is doing. Hope "this to shall pass." 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Hoping all is well this morning with Darwin!  Will be watching for updates!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Hope it all passes without incident! Get better Darwin!!

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Here's hoping that Darwin is still feeling ok today. You too!