Throwing up

[nbrard]

Just got the results. His RBC and hematocrit are still low, but that's probably to be expected. But, they are higher than they were pre-surgery, so that's what we want.

The vet also thought that the mucus/congestion was normal. He said that they had to tip Bentley at such an angle for the surgery that there was a significant amount of reflux that could cause irritation. His temp was normal, he looked much perkier than previously, so he thought it was okay. Just something to keep an eye on.

He does seem a bit perkier today. I have to remember that if he were a human having this surgery he'd still be in the hospital watching TV and eating jello

So glad to hear that he is starting to perk up, hopefully that will continue at an increased pace. I could be wrong but something tells me that if they were given the chance most shelties would love jello!

 

[Sumac3890]

That is so true Ashley, surgery takes alot out of us and them, and they are so much smaller. Sounds like he is getting better and will get stronger every day!

 

[corbinam]

Bentley just threw up his entire breakfast.

The vet said that was one thing to not hesitate to call about...so I called. The vet tech said it was "up to us" if we wanted to bring him in or not. What does that mean?! I mean I have no idea if he should go in or not!

He was seen yesterday and they said he looked fine.

The tech recommended I feed him again and see if it happens again. There were some big chunks of food so I wonder if a)My husband didn't break it into little pieces and b)If Bentley ate too fast.

Bentley does seem perkier today...in fact he tried to chase the cat (from in his xpen) and has barked multiple times at dogs. But the throwing up has me all worried again!

 

[SheepOfBlue]

I would guess he is feeling better than his stomach is and ate to fast (he is a Sheltie) BUT I am not there and I can certainly understand your concern. Hard call

 

[danisgoat]

If only we can get black and white answers to our questions

I am a firm believer in following your gut.

If you feel like something is wrong, by all means bring Bentley in. If you think maybe it was just a little too much for his tummy, then you can wait it out and just watch him.

I am wondering....are you monitoring his temperature?

That may be a way to see if his body is fighting an infection or just healing.

If it were my dog, I would probably take his temp twice a day (AM and PM) and just write it down and monitor it. But I am far from an expert.....so again, follow what your instincts are telling you to do.

 

[corbinam]

Thanks SheepofBlue and Danisgoat...

My gut tells me that he just ate too fast because it was just his breakfast (not much else). He has been eating much more excitedly today than before, and he may not be able to handle it. I am also wondering if the post nasal drip may be making him feel sick, too.

And Dani, I think monitoring his temp is a great idea! They took his temp yesterday but I didn't even think to ask what it was. He's sleeping now, so I'm going to take it when he's up again.

 

[danisgoat]

And Dani, I think monitoring his temp is a great idea! They took his temp yesterday but I didn't even think to ask what it was. He's sleeping now, so I'm going to take it when he's up again.

You may want to give them a call and just see what it was so that you have a baseline to work from.

 

[take4roll10]

Oh no! I hope it's just because he ate too fast.

Hand feed him his dinner, so eating fast won't be an option for him.

 

[k9kreationz]

Poor Bentley. Getting his temp taken after a nice nap.

I'm hoping it was from him eating to fast. Especially since I'm sure he hasn't been eating too well lately and with his stomach all stitched up. Poor little guy. He may be feeling better and was very hungry. Will you try feeding him a little bit later? I think that would be a sign (good if he keeps it down and eats slower, bad if he doesn't), and you could do what you need to do.

BTW, I am angry for you at the tech's response. I probably would've told them to ask the vet what THEY thought. Ugh!

Hugs. I hope Bentley was just hungry!

 

[Silaria]

OK, I feel bad that I completely missed this thread and everything Ashley and Bentley have gone through. I'm VERY glad to hear that he is doing better and starting to act more like himself.

Curious about the food since you mentioned he threw up today... how much do you feed him at one time currently? The first 10 days Edan was home from surgery we had to feed him 1/4 can every 8 hours - basically 3 times day. It was mainly to keep his intake relatively small and slow right after the surgery. Now, admittedly, Edan's surgery was a bit more serious since it included the gallbladder but its still the same 'system' in the body.

(Also, the vet did not allow payment plans. Does that seem weird? Ramen noodles for us!)

Ashley - look into CareCredit. Its a credit card specifically for medical purposes and it IS useable for Vet bills. If I understand the program correctly, once you are over a certain cost amount ($1,000 I believe) you qualify for payment options such as 6 months same as cash; which is how we are paying for Edan's surgery & emergency clinic visit, which was nearly $3,000.

True, this information is after the fact but with these guys you never know when something may happen and at least this presents the option of making payments over time vs all at once if the bill is really high.

Dani's dog went to Red Bank for detox and my chihuahua went there for chemotherapy. RB Animal Hospital is highly recommend by most vets in our area.

I will have to keep this in mind if anything happens to the dogs when we are visiting the in-laws in Spring Lake Heights. Always good to know where the top places are.