Louise is VERY sick this time.

[weezyNollie]

The history:
Addison's
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The symptoms:
Vomiting
Diarrhea (complete liquid)
Lethargy (to the MAX)
No appetite

The diagnostics performed:
Electrolyte panel (all normal.. which we thought might be why she was sick was because of the Addison's)
Albumin - normal
Fecal - normal
Urinalysis - undiagnostic, too dilute
Abdominal Radiographs - normal. Stomach and intestine show marked thickening, although this is normal for any GI signs and she has irritable bowel anyways.
Chemistry Panel/CBC - TBD, Results on Monday
PLI/Cobalamin/Folate bloodwork -- TBD, Results take up to 5 days

The treatments performed:
Sub-q fluids
Cerenia injection (anti-vomiting)
Famotidine (Pepcid) injection

The plan:
Continued fasting -- which is easy, because she has no appetite. Feed small amounts starting tomorrow with rice/veterinary canned diet. Continue famotidine injections. If vomiting continues or becomes worse, bring her to ER for admit to ICU for fluids. Otherwise hopefully she gets better or stays the same?

The probable diagnostics:
Pancreatitis
Dietary Indiscretion (although, I doubt this.. her radiograph was normal. No obstruction or foreign body. And usually when louise gets into things, she will vomit and have normal activity level. She is NEVER this lethargic. )
Can never rule out cancer

She started this Friday morning, and that day brought her in with me for observation. No more ins and outs, but I wanted to rule out an addisonian crisis. So i brought her blood sample over to my old hospital to run it in their lab, since they have the equipment. Normal. Tried to feed her Friday night, no interest. She ate half of it, but very slowly. Sure enough Saturday morning more vomit/diarrhea. So I brought her again with me and did another list of testings. She vomited a few more times mid-morning while at work. The worst part is that her lethargy is the worst I have ever seen from her. She wouldn't get up to go outside last night, she doesn't even get up to the chime of kibble in the dish! Nothing.

This whole thing is very frustrating because for the average dog, there is a simplifed answer and treatment. Louise's diagnosis is unknown, and therefore the treatment has no plan. It's all palliative treatment. Treating the symptoms and hoping it goes away.

The only thing we haven't done is ultrasound, but I am not sure that would tell us much more than we already know or don't know. Next in line would be an abdominal exploratory. And I'm not sure I am ready to go that far yet, plus she is not a good anesthetic candidate.

Maybe the bloodwork that comes back this week will tell us something new.

Keep Louise in your thoughts.. I am worried about her. Plus, it is never easy to watch your kiddo sick. I can tell she feels like ultimate ****.

[Dax]

Poor Baby... I will be thinking of her and sending her my prayers. Maybe Santa can bring her health for the new year.

[Bosley Slave]

Keep us updated on Louise. Your both in my heart and thoughts. It is so hard when we don't have answers, hang in there.

[Deb's Tiny Dogs]

SO sorry to hear about Louise. Poor thing! But, she's got the best mom ever to care for her and that's a great thing on her side!! I'll keep you both in my prayers.

[FairyDogMother]

I'm so sorry Louise isn't feeling well. Sending well wishes to her! The worry of our furry babes is so hard when they can't tell us what's wrong... hugs to you.

[mara]

Really sorry to hear Louise is having such a hard time....sending positive thoughts your way and wishes for a speedy recovery....

[borzoimom]

In our thoughts and prayers. Hopefully the blood work will show something for treatment.

[saluki-sue]

Poor both of you, we'll be sending get better very fast vibes to your sweet girl and it's going to be OK vibes to you.

[EmmaGirl]

Awww so sorry to hear this. The one thing that struck me was the dilute urine. With the likelyhood of dehydration, I'm wondering why the urine is dilute. Just a thought.

Prayers are with you and Louise.

[alimel]

I am sorry Louise is not feeling well. I will keep her in my prayers, and you as well, as this is difficult for you not knowing how to help her