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If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

repeatedly ill labrador - any advice

8 replies

cotswolder · 23/11/2010 04:13

Hi

Background

we've got two dogs, one lab 4.5 years, one mixed bag 17 years. The lab who I've had since 8 weeks has a recurrent stomach upset every few weeks. It essentially shows itself by him going off food initially, followed by horrible sounding gut noises (we call it gurgle guts!) followed by lots of grass eating and sickness (which is why I am up and awake here at 4am!).

It used to be once a month or so but over the last few months it seems to have become more frequent. Only real reasons beyond normal I can think of are that it is winter and therefore get more excerise walking pavements rather than charging round fields (more likelhood of picking up other dogs bugs?) and that I'm 33 weeks pregnant with 1st (and he's reacting to this in some way).

I know labs will tend to eat anything and everything but he's always been a bit fussy about food. Doesn;t like certain brands of dog food and could happily leave a big bag of food and he wouldn't gorge himself (although the 17 year old would have a good go!).

We have spoken to the vet before who doesn't seem that bothered really. just says he has probably eaten something dodgy which labs tend to do, starve him for 24 hours and then chicken and rice for day or so. Basically says that as long as drinking water and doesn't seem in pain then just deal with it amd that is what labs do!. We have also changed food into something more bland (Pets at home own brand food which was suggested) which although he seems to prefer, problem is still there. That's fine, but it does seem to be a regular recurrent problem and I just get the feeling that it shouldn't be this way and something is wrong - not least it keeps making him a bit miserable every few weeks. I am tempted to take him back to vets and push the issue.

Sorry for rambling in the small wee hours but grateful for any advice!

OP posts:
ceres · 23/11/2010 07:21

i am NOT a vet but i wonder if it's worth asking your vet about colitis?

our staffie has had colitis for the past few years, he always had a 'delicate' tummy, prone to upsets and lots of gurgling.

since diagnosis we have managed to control his colitis with a combination of diet (he has been on naturediet since, great stuff) and slippery elm bark powder which we have found brilliant - it is natural and completely non-toxic to both humans and canines. the powder is cheap from health food shops (capsules more expensive and you have to open them anyway). you mix it with boiling water to make a sort of gloopy slime (yum!) and mix some of this in with the food. it works by coating and soothing the digestive system. it is worth a try for any tummy problems - have a google, there is loads of info out there.

good luck!

frostyfingers · 23/11/2010 08:39

Since it has increased from monthly to fortnightly I'd say it was worth going back to the vet. It's not fair on the dog to be uncomfortable like that on such a regular basis.

minimu1 · 23/11/2010 13:49

Definately back to the vet and hassle. There are loads of things it could be and if the symptons are more frequent it needs looking at

Lizcat · 23/11/2010 14:24

Your lab has big clues in his history please go back to your vet and tell everything the pickness and the gurgle guts. Is he windy at either end? The most common cause of these symptoms is easily controlled and can really improve the dogs quality of life.

cotswolder · 23/11/2010 14:39

Thanks and don;t feel so paranoid now - will go back to vet although may try another one - it is the usual vet that keeps telling me that he's a lab and that they do this.

In all other ways he is a happy boy - despite being up last night was still charging round the fields this morning after his ball. Some things never change.

OP posts:
midori1999 · 23/11/2010 15:55

I wonder if it could be food related?

Definitely go back to the vet, or find a different vet.

daimbardiva · 24/11/2010 12:16

Different vet for sure - this level of discomfort is not usual or acceptable, poor dog. Hope you get it sorted out

kormachameleon · 24/11/2010 12:22

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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