Twice in the last three days, Halley has thrown up her entire bowl of food. It has happened about 1-2 hours after she eats. She doesn't seem to have a problem with her nighttime meal, only her morning one, but she is throwing up ALL the food she ate at that meal.
Normally I'd put her on some boiled chicken or rice, but she doesn't seem to have an upset stomach. She's definitely hungry, she's been playing like normal, and she hasn't had any, er, bowel problems (sorry if TMI). We haven't changed her food or eating schedule at all, and she's never really had stomach problems.
Any ideas? I can call the vet, but probably won't get in until Tuesday. I tried searching the idog boards, but coming up empty. Thanks.
**UPDATE** Called the vet this morning; when she found out Halley had been throwing up water, too, she said I should bring her in ASAP. She was afraid she'd swallowed a piece of a bone or chew toy and needed an x-ray.
After work, I rushed her over. After taking her temp (no fever) and checking for dehydration (there was none) the vet said it was unlikely she had something in her stomach. Instead, she probably ate a bad bug and her body was just rejecting things. So she gave Halley some injections and prescription food, plus a 10-day course of antibiotics. If she's not better by Wed., I am supposed to bring her back, but the vet thinks she'll be fine.
Here's the (very) bad news. While I was there, I asked the vet to look at a small, button-sized bump on Halley's side. I noticed it a few months ago, but it was above the skin. Every once in awhile, it would sort of shrink down, then go back to normal size. She has chronic pyoderma (dog acne), so I figured that's what it was. Even though it didn't seem to bother her, I figured I'd ask about it the next time we went in. Anyway, the vet says it's very likely a tumor, and the kind of tumor that causes cancer. She says there's a good chance that if we take it off right away, she'll be OK -- but we don't know for sure until it comes off and is biopsied.
I am so sad; I have been crying since we got back. She is only 6 -- I would be more prepared for something like this if she were 9 or 10. I am so angry at myself for not bringing her in immediately after I noticed the bump, and I am so grateful I went in today, because her annual appointment isn't until March.
Right now, I am waiting for the dr. to call back with a surgery appointment (she can't have the surgery for at least 10 days, until she's done with her vomiting antibiotics) and a cost estimate.
Sorry this is so long...thanks for listening.
-- Edited by halleybird at 19:32, 2005-11-14
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"We live in an age where unnecessary things are our only necessities." --Oscar Wilde
I would call the vet and explain what's going on to the receptionist to relay to the vet - they should be able to call you back and let you know if it's serious or to just keep an eye on her. If she starts acting funny though, I'd call the urgent care center and get their opinion on bringing her in.
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My first thought is that she might be eating unusually fast for some reason. I'd probably try forcing her to eat slower by spreading her food on the floor or just giving her half her meal at a time.
If you think that is definitely not the case, call the vet. Hopefully they can tell you over the phone whether or not she should come in.
My first thought is that she might be eating unusually fast for some reason. I'd probably try forcing her to eat slower by spreading her food on the floor or just giving her half her meal at a time. If you think that is definitely not the case, call the vet. Hopefully they can tell you over the phone whether or not she should come in.
I agree about the eating to fast thing. My mom's dog drinks too fast sometimes (and too much) and ends up throwing it back up and it always happens in the morning when her tummy is empty.
my husband just said that when she threw up earlier, it was a LOT of food, so I am thinking she threw up her breakfast AND last night's dinner. Both were undigested.
We skipped her dinner tonight, but she just threw up water I am going to leave a message at the vet's office now so they can call me back tomorrow AM.
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"We live in an age where unnecessary things are our only necessities." --Oscar Wilde
Both my dogs have had episodes of puking and both times it ended up being a big hairball (this is gross but I have long hair and no matter how much I vacuum they ingest it) and grass, bits of toys they've chewed up etc. Intestinal blockages can be very serious - if she's throwing up bile/water and not food, I would definitely take her in to the vet.
PS. I no longer have anything remotely chewable in the house for the dogs. It is the Kong or nothing, baby.
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She gets dry kibble twice a day, and I put some water in the bowl with is to slow her down (she would inhale it otherwise). She also used to have problems with puking shortly after her meal, and the kibble would be whole still. Then the vet suggested putting her bowl at head-level, so she doesn't have to bend her head down. That helps the flow of food to the stomach. That's pretty much cured her problem.
Your dog sounds worse than that though. Keep us informed on her condition!
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Halleybird - I am so sorry to hear about the tumor. Try not to worry too much until they have removed the tumor and tested it. My Mitch had to have a similar tumor removed about a year ago, and the vet gave me the same warning about potential cancer. He was only 3 at the time, and I was a complete basketcase. He turned out fine though, and I'm sure Halley will too. It sounds like you caught the bumb early enough to remove it. I know that isn't much consolation right now.
I'll be thinking lots of healthy tumor removal thoughts for Halley and your family.
Halleybird - I am so sorry to hear about the tumor. Try not to worry too much until they have removed the tumor and tested it. My Mitch had to have a similar tumor removed about a year ago, and the vet gave me the same warning about potential cancer. He was only 3 at the time, and I was a complete basketcase. He turned out fine though, and I'm sure Halley will too. It sounds like you caught the bumb early enough to remove it. I know that isn't much consolation right now. I'll be thinking lots of healthy tumor removal thoughts for Halley and your family.
That acutally helps a lot, luckylily-- thank you.
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"We live in an age where unnecessary things are our only necessities." --Oscar Wilde
Aww...poor Halley. I'm sure she's going to be fine though. Dogs get tumors all the time, and they're usually not that big of a deal. My old dog had tumors on her ankles and she'd get them under her skin and stuff. Kinda gross, but I think it's pretty normal. I'm glad you took her to the Dr.
Halleybird, I'm so sorry to hear about Halley's possible tumor. I'm sure she'll be okay, she's a healthy dog. I know how attached to your babies you are, and what a good mama you are so I'm sure this has to be *so scary* for you. Big hugs to you, and I'll keep Halley in my thoughts.
I don't have any advice, because I don't have a dog. But I'm sending good vibes to you and Halley. I hope everything is okay with her! And you shouldn't be kicking yourself for not taking her to the vet earlier. How could you have known? You are a fabulous pet owner!
luckylily wrote: Halleybird - I am so sorry to hear about the tumor. Try not to worry too much until they have removed the tumor and tested it. My Mitch had to have a similar tumor removed about a year ago, and the vet gave me the same warning about potential cancer. He was only 3 at the time, and I was a complete basketcase. He turned out fine though, and I'm sure Halley will too. It sounds like you caught the bumb early enough to remove it. I know that isn't much consolation right now. I'll be thinking lots of healthy tumor removal thoughts for Halley and your family. That acutally helps a lot, luckylily-- thank you.
I agree with luckylily. My old dog, Muffin, had three tumors removed and none were cancerous. The vet probably just brought that up as a worst case scenario. Sending healthy doggie thoughts to you and Halley!
I'm sorry to hear about Halley and am sending good thoughts your way. I hope everything is ok! Don't be hard on yourself. You take such wonderful care of your pets and it's likely that everything will be fine. Halley's lucky to have such a good mom!
tri_sarah_tops wrote: Don't be hard on yourself. You take such wonderful care of your pets and it's likely that everything will be fine. Halley's lucky to have such a good mom!
Exactly!
i will keep her in my thoughts and hope its nothing too serious, please keep us posted....