Archie is sick!

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

So Archie hasn't eaten anything in 24 hours and has loose stool and a little constipation.  He has been drinking a little which is good, but not as much as usual.  He has been sleeping at every chance and when we go outside to the bathroom, we walk like each block (We live in the city) and he just sits there and stairs aimlessly.  He is very lethargic and just walking slow with head down.  He tends to get upset belly here and there and I think he just had a tummy ache, but I always get a little nervous with the little guy when he's not acting his crazy wild fun silly self. 

But I am most confused by his walking a block or so and then just stopping, sitting down and starring at me.  When I say lets go and start to walk he pulls back and won't move a budge.

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

Hi All,

Archie just returned from the vet and I think he is gonna be just fine! He has a fever of 104 and a bloody stool, but they tested the stool for many things and ALL came back negative.  They gave him some IV fluids and some other injections to help with his fever. It looks like Archie has just a bad stomach bug that should go away within 24 to 48 hours. He also was prescribed some Metronidazole which is taken twice a day or like every 12 hours...something like that.  

Thanks for everyones concern, but it looks to be nothing serious and just an ugly stomach bug that no one wants! Poor Archie is now laying at home next to me as I work from home. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I hope Archie gets better soon. There are some concerns re: Metronidazole being given when the cause of the problem is not certain. I would guess his "bug" might be viral in which case this medication will not help. Please be sure to give a good probiotic a couple of hours before or after the medication if you do give it to him. That helps restore the normal GI bacteria.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Amen, F, I agree completely. 

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

When you say a probiotic? What would you recommend?  They said I could give him something tasty with the pill.  He is certainly looking a little better and moving better. 

He is just sleepy now from being nervous at the Vet. He hates it there ever since his neuter LOL

[F, Calla & Luca]

I have used Proviable-DC but you may not be able to get it locally. I got it on Amazon.Do a search, Karen has written extensively on what probiotics are out there.

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

The meds are for his inflammation around and in the butt. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

For now, until you get the Proviable, give him two tablespoons of plain, unflavored nonfat yogurt twice a day, and make sure you do not give it within 2 hours of the meds. That goes for the Proviable, too. 

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

The Vet never said anything about this being necessary.  They said just to give it with something tasty like yogurt, PB, etc. 

Also, plain unflavored nonfat yogurt can be of any brand or a certain in particular?

The meds are given twice a day I think or maybe it was once every 12 hours....?

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I'm pretty sure when the vet said that, they just meant it as a method to help Archie want to take the pills. I'm certain it had nothing to do with ensuring that the Metro doesn't destroy the natural flora in his gut.

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

Right right.  But they never said to take other precautionaries while giving him these meds. I am sure if there was an issue with the med they would have said do this, that, and the other.  They are very close to attention to detail as it gets. 

I trust all of you on this, but I think just giving him some yogurt a few times a day will be alright for the next few days as I give him this med and his stool hardens. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am a physician although I don't advertise that here. But twice a day and every 12 hours are the same thing especially for something like an antibiotic. The vet should have said something but why ask us for advice, we do have lots of experience and knowledge, if you didn't want to listen. It gets rather tiresome spending time to try to help people who then ignore us.i don't get involved in these discussions all the time anymore because it gets very frustrating. But every now and again I feel sorry for the dog involved.

[Sam, Risa and Archie]

Oh no no! Sorry if you took that the wrong way.  I absolutely am listening to you.  I just am going to get the yogurt...thats all.  I didn't want to have to order the other stuff for a timeliness thing, that is all.  I always appreciate your input and knowledge :) That is why I came to this forum and why I ask the questions...its because of people like you.

Also, since this is the first time Archie has ever been prescribed this antibiotic, I want to see how he reacts using just the yogurt.  I am going food shopping later this evening, so I will get some then. He has already been given his first dose at the Vets office.  So for tonights dose he will get it with some yogurt a few hours before....