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.

 

[Camilla and Darwin]

Oh my heck... scary! I do hope he gets feeling better soon. I hate to see him getting diarrhea... how miserable for him.

[Camilla and Darwin]

 

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.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry this is going on right now. It sounds like his food isn't being digested. I wish there was some way you could get him to a vet.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Is the food not being digested a big worry? Is it a sign of obstruction?  Because if it is we will head to the vet right now. I just want to make sure we aren't going to get there and be told to watch and wait and do nothing, because heading down there is a big undertaking and expensive.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Camilla,

Is it possible to call the Vet and talk on the phone first?  I think if they know it's a three hour trip they should be willing to talk with you.  If they are closed they must have an emergency line.  I would be concerned at this point and would want to talk with a Vet prior to making a decision about what to do next.  I'm so sorry...poor Darwin.

[Donna K & Quincy]

 Here is a link to a good article http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_multi_gastrointesti...

Camilla, I know you are really worried is there a vet any closer that you could take him to? I would be very concerned with the diarrhea and the vomiting. I really hope that it is nothing but the symptoms coming after the ingestion of the chicken but being unrelated are very slim.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Camilla, I just don't know. It seems he isn't able to form normal stool (frequent urgent diarrhea) and with the vomiting, it's possible there is something in the GI tract causing this. I'd also be concerned about dehydration. But as you say, it's a big undertaking and expense, and I'm just not sure. Can you call the vet and tell them the situation?

[Camilla and Darwin]

They open at nine. The other number they provided was the emergency vet. They don't have his records or anything, do you think they would still talk to me or should I wait for our regular vet to open? 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Camilla -- I would call the ER vet ... the worst they can do is refuse to talk with you.  I'd explain the situation and just see what they say.  At this point I might also be looking for a vet a little closer than your regular vet!  Have you maybe made some friends locally that could make a recommendation.  Any members here in your same new Town.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Right, we've been needing to find a new one but haven't yet... should have. 

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Glad to see that you have gotten Darwin in and he is being tested!  I hope that you didn't take my response as you should have already gotten a new vet, I was just thinking that maybe you could get into someone local with him today if all else failed.   I do think you should be ok under your Pet Plan policy though.  Will be watching for updates.

[BG and Gavin]

Oh gosh Camilla - fingers crossed here that he gets sorted out quickly :(