acute vomiting/potential obstruction

[Patrick]

Hello, I am having a tough time with our 12 month old mix (terrier, chihuahua aprox. 10lb) Last week (wednesday) she began vomiting after eating. We determined that it was not regurgitation, and began watching her closely for the next 24 hrs. unfortunately she hasnt stopped. We took her in Friday morning to our Vet. They took xrays, which found that she did have some small objects in her small bowel. Because she was not symptomatic of a severe blockage they had us bring her in the next morning for anther xray to see if the objects had moved. The next morning the new xrays showed that the objects were in fact moving slowly. They also took blood work, and fecal samples to rule out any other possibilities. They also ruled out pancreatitis as well. Everything else was normal, except the vomiting has cont. Saturday she actually went back 3 times because they ended up giving her sub q fluids and some anti-nausea meds which worked for a few hours before she threw up again. Sunday we took her back for more fluids and anti-nausea meds which was determined ok because she was still having normal bowel moventments although ofcourse very small amount. We also determined from a looking in her stool that the objects are actually seeds called hackberries that are in our back yard. They are non toxic and as I said her blood work is normal. The food the Vet gave us this weekend is called prescription I/D basically canned rice and chicken. After she vomited that this morning I spoke to the Vet this morning and they are considering a barium xray tomorrow morning. Over the last few hours I gave her some of her old food ("science diet") only about 10 pieces after soaking in water for a few minutes to help her eat it. She has actually been able to keep this down for a total of about 6 hours.

My question(s), if anyone has experience with this kind of situation? Me and my wife have spent almost $800 in 5 vet visits over the last 3 days, and I really hate to do the barium (another $400-$600) if necessary. I dont want to sound cheap, but its hard to determine whether this is all needed. Throughout this event her demeanour has been pretty normal at this point. Ofcourse she is a little tired, but all the traveling and stress would do that to any healthy dog. We will probably do whatever our Vet tells us, but again I was looking for some comments from someone of you that might have some experience.

Thanks!

[borzoimom]

you should have had a ultrasound by now. I did not see your vet did that to show it. also an xray shows a hard type like bones etc.

[EmmaGirl]

I'm sorry I don't have any experience in this kind of thing (except for people medicine). Actally a Barium Swallow may actually provide some answers as to how the gut is really funtioning. Clearly there are foreign objects in the gut which is slowing down her digestive and elimination function. If they are passable...then I image they will pass in time. Good luck and please keep us posted.

[JTP]

My Dane ate a bunch of rock about 2 months back, we took a single set of X-rays, and it was obvious that the **** had ate a bunch of pebble.
We pretty much jut watched him and he got better, and normalish in a few hours, and acted fine, with no sign of true blockage, I was there at every poop event for two weeks, wearing latex glove sqishing poo, and never saw, or felt a single rock, but he was fine , and guess maybe the acids broke them down, or they are still rolling around in there, popping out slowy over time. I am now well versed in doody, and the various textures

The ultra sound would have been about 250.00 and our vet did not seem to concerned, and did not recommend it. he said to just waych and see.