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Dog with pancreatitis, meningitis, lower back issues; had diarrhea and vomited blood

AshleyS

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Hi, My 5 year old whippet has had health problems since she was 8 months old. Meningitis twice, pancreatitis, uveitis, lower back issues and in the last few months has lost weight, condition and 2 months ago had a bout of vomiting blood and diarrhea which lasted several days. Our current vets have no idea what's going on so I'm really stuck. She has been on a fully raw diet since November 2020 and before that cold-pressed grain-free kibble. Any advice on where to go from here would be much appreciated.
 
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Dr. Christina

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You have been an awesome pet parent, Ashley, to be dealing with all these problems. Unfortunately, you have been at the effect of a medical system focused on stopping symptoms without restoring vitality and balance. While useful in many cases, most animals (and people) just continue to become more ill.

There are many temporary helps you can do right now for the vomiting and diarrhea - slippery elm, marshmallow root, pumpkin, aloe vera, Reiki, Eden Energy Medicine, etc.

Most importantly, since she has been ill since a pup, the best approach would be to begin now to work with a veterinary homeopath (by phone or local) or a good TCVM vet (chinese medicine) if there is one near you. Then all the symptoms will be addressed with no need to discover the medical reason for them.

Along with that treatment, you will find many supportive approaches here at HA! in the forum, the EH, the Fundamentals Course and in the 15 minute vet Q/A per month.

Dr. Christina
 

AshleyS

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Thanks so much for your reply Dr Christina.

Here are some more details for info:

Her name is Boo, she's a 5 year old female Whippet currently weighing around 11.5kg (1.5kg less than normal). She's neutered (at 6 months old on vets advice as she started off life as an Autism Assistance Dog before ill health stopped her working).
She's been on a raw diet since last November and before that cold-pressed grain-free kibble. Because of her medical history she's had a lot of courses of antibiotics, steroids and pain killers. Her fast rate of deterioration with these illnesses has left us panicked and unable to understand what our other options are.

Her weight has dropped over the last 9 months. Appetite has been fine and we increased amount of food (raw diet) by over 1/3 daily but it hasn't seemed to make any difference. 2 months ago she vomited a lot of blood and stopped eating, this lasted for 3 days and the vets suspected colitis or a gastric bug (neither was confirmed). They did find a lot of grass blocking her bowel movement. Ultrasounds and blood tests showed nothing out of the ordinary. After 4 days on fluids, antibiotics and pain relief they discharged her once she'd started eating again. They felt that the weight loss was not related/relevant (I disagree).

She's actually not had any vomiting/diarrhoea since 2 months ago but she's in very poor condition and over 1kg underweight (hip bones and ribs prominent) despite feeding her over 1/3 more of her raw food daily. Would the herbal remedies still be beneficial for that?

Previous medical history:
  • 2/3 months old - standard vaccinations (UK)
  • 6 months old - spayed
  • 6 months old - conjunctivitis
  • 7 months old - kennel cough vaccination
  • 8 months old - meningitis (was given course of antibiotics, fluids and then 6 months of steroids)
  • 19 months old - meningitis (was given another course of antibiotics, fluids and then 4 months of steroids)
  • 2.5 years old - pancreatitis (was given antibiotics, pain relief, medication for acid reflux)
  • 2 years 10 months old - suspected ingestion of toxin after eating slugs, not in our garden! (was given activated charcoal and fluids)
  • 3.5 years old - lack of appetite and pain in abdomen (ultrasounds and X-rays showed stomach full of fluid and gas, was given pain relief, medication for acid reflux and fluids)
  • 3.5 years old - uveitis in both eyes (was given antibiotics, pain relief
  • 3 years 9 months old - DHPL vaccination booster
  • 4.5 years old - lumbosacral disease (x-rays showed some calcification on L6-L7 and CF possible narrowing and calcification on LS joint, given pain relief for daily use)
  • 4 years 10 months old - vomiting blood, not eating, abdominal pain (ultrasounds and blood tests showed nothing out of the ordinary, was given fluids, pain relief and antibiotics)

After doing a quick research of the info on this site I've actually managed to find a local homeopathic vet so will definitely get her booked in for an appointment there.

I've also recently had her booster vaccination reminder (she's a year overdue now) from her current vets but I'm assuming that would be a bad idea at this stage?
 
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Dr. Jeff

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Hi Ashley!

Fantastic dis-ease/symptom timeline, wonderful work with that. Boo has had an awful lot going on in her short life so far!?

It's no wonder that the vets are having a difficult time with helping you plan the next steps (which hopefully you'll implement fort he next decade or more of a happy life for Boo).

At HA!, we think that's what it's all about (a happy life).

Both because she deserves the best quality of life possible, and because happiness will help her heal.



Fantastic that you found a vet homeopath with whom to work, as that is the main goal for most of us (balancing energy to improve her life).

Symptoms and diagnoses are secondary.

All of her various symptoms are actually good things as they are clues to what is going on and how to help. The homeopath will explore them all to figure out your next steps.

In people, every symptoms is associated with, decreased cellular energy so the cells in her eyes, brain, intestines, etc. are not working properly (as seen by abnormal symptoms).

Regarding her varied symptoms, we could spend hours exploring them, but I have a few questions for now,

Did a neurologist make her "steroid responsive meningitis" diagnosis? Interesting that it first came up 1 month after the vaccine...:panic:

Are the vets now also giving rabies vax in your area?

Yes, I'd be super cautious with any potential stressor (like a vaccine).

When you have a chance, you may want to read or scan the vaccinosis ebook and webinar as well as the brain and behavior resources.

All of this info is to help give you the info. to make mindful medical decisions.

Here's an overview of the Holistic Medical Decision Making process:


At this time, how is Boo's BEAM and other symptoms?
 

Dr. Jeff

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Hi again Ashley-

If you have a chance, it would be great if you try re-uploading the recent test results.

They will help us evaluate internal symptoms (in addition to those you can see).
 

AshleyS

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Hi Ashley!

Fantastic dis-ease/symptom timeline, wonderful work with that. Boo has had an awful lot going on in her short life so far!?

It's no wonder that the vets are having a difficult time with helping you plan the next steps (which hopefully you'll implement fort he next decade or more of a happy life for Boo).

At HA!, we think that's what it's all about (a happy life).

Both because she deserves the best quality of life possible, and because happiness will help her heal.



Fantastic that you found a vet homeopath with whom to work, as that is the main goal for most of us (balancing energy to improve her life).

Symptoms and diagnoses are secondary.

All of her various symptoms are actually good things as they are clues to what is going on and how to help. The homeopath will explore them all to figure out your next steps.

In people, every symptoms is associated with, decreased cellular energy so the cells in her eyes, brain, intestines, etc. are not working properly (as seen by abnormal symptoms).

Regarding her varied symptoms, we could spend hours exploring them, but I have a few questions for now,

Did a neurologist make her "steroid responsive meningitis" diagnosis? Interesting that it first came up 1 month after the vaccine...:panic:

Are the vets now also giving rabies vax in your area?

Yes, I'd be super cautious with any potential stressor (like a vaccine).

When you have a chance, you may want to read or scan the vaccinosis ebook and webinar as well as the brain and behavior resources.

All of this info is to help give you the info. to make mindful medical decisions.

Here's an overview of the Holistic Medical Decision Making process:


At this time, how is Boo's BEAM and other symptoms?
Hi Dr Jeff, Thanks for your reply. From what I gather in the notes they have it down as suspected meningitis meaning they felt the symptoms fit but it wasn't confirmed by a neurologist....

"P presented off sorts. Onexam, howls on ventral flexion of neck , CM T:105.8. Adv Possible meningitis, Adv hospitalise, full bloods, fluids, antibx and steroids"

No, she hasn't had/doesn't need to have a rabies vaccine.

Behaviour - She seems stiff and in pain during the day e.g. reluctant to jump in car boot or on sofa which she used to be able to do, takes a while to sit, lie down or get out of her bed. Winces if patted or stroked on the head. She stretches in 'downward dog' a lot, grinds her teeth and has reflux.
Energy - Last few days energy has increased and she is more playful than she has been, not as active as is normal for her though.
Appetite - Good
Mood - Has seemed almost depressed the last couple of months but better in the last few days as playfulness has increased (we've been on holiday with her)

Her weight/condition and back pain are the biggest concerns right now, a healthy weight for her is around 13kg and she's currently 11.5kg with little covering ribs and hip bones.

Please see attached files for test results around her first meningitis episode and test results for latest vomiting issues.

Here are the notes from her last vet visit...

"31/03/2021 Weight: 11.1 kg KB lost weight since October despite inc food and decreasing exercise KB
17/04/2021 Weight: 12.2 kg EC
Examine Dog EC 1.00 Vetemex Solution ml EC 1.20 Metrovis T ablets 250mg EC 10.00 (Wear Gloves
GIVE ONE TABLET TWICE DAILY - START THIS MORNING)
Omeprazole Capsule 10mg EC 28.00 (GIVE ONE CAPSULE TWICE DAILY BY MOUTH START HIS MORN
ING)
Sucralfate 500mg T ablet (, 30) EC 10.00 (GIVE ONE TABLET TWICE DAILY - START THIS MORNING
STOP IF FAECES BECOME VERY FIRM)
Document: Consent Off Licence Standard Form EC
Document: Consent Off Licence Standard Form Sucralfate EC
Vomitd fresh red blood this morning. Did not want to eat. Some blood EC and mucus in rectum surrounding formed motion. Colour good. Start treatment for colitis/mild HGE /poss gastic ulcrer and rex 3-4 days. Adv
do not give any nsaids during this time.
Weight: 12.3 kg CF
Document: Consent Hospital Form MV CF
Re examine Dog CF 1.00 not really eating and vomited this morning that looked almost like CF diarrhoea, pin k tacky mm poss pre scap LN on left side inc cf right all others NAD, heart NAD did prayer position outside, OR passing scant faeces that look black tender to plapate cranial abdomen lip smacking
and temp 102.4 faeces with fibrous and seed head like material in rectum no blood
In House Standard Profile + PLI CF 1.00 Attachment: In house Standard Profile + PLI System
Set Up Intravenous Fluids CF 1.00 Isolec Hartmans 1L CF 1.00 Buprenorphine Injection CF 0.60 Vetemex Solution ml CF 1.20 Metronidazole Bag 500mg 100ml ++ IN051 CF 1.00 eaten chicken this afternoon and much more comfortable CF
Light Protective Giving Set (, 1) CF 1.00 Buprenorphine Injection CF 0.60 Buprenorphine Injection CF 0.60 Dog Hospitalisation Overnight Nursing Care (Meds & Fluid) CF 1.00 Attachment: In House In Patient Electrolytes NTS
In House In Patient Electroytes NTS 1.00 stopped eating today and appearing more uncomfortable discuss with CF owner opt to ultrasoiund GI tract to assess for underlying disease.
Place Intravenous Catheter CF 1.00 Ultrasound Scan - Abdominal JC 1.00 2104211536547066 :: DX :: ABDOMEN
Buprenorphine Injection CF 0.60 Vetemex Solution ml CF 1.20 Dog Hospitalisation Overnight Nursing Care (Meds & Fluid) CF 1.00 Buprenorphine Injection CF 0.60 Buprenorphine Injection CF 0.60 Isolec Hartmans 1L CF 1.00
WE11250 Lumbosacral disease
WE11250 Lumbosacral disease
20/04/21
21/04/21
Page 15 of 16
22/04/21
23/04/21
In House In Patient Electroytes CF mouch more comfortable and eating chicken well has passed large CF volume of solid faeces with more liquid at the end. Plan to continue on paracetamol, metronidazole, vetemex and buprenorphine. If remaining
eating well and passing faeces then plan to send home
Attachment: In House In Patient Electrolytes SL Place Intravenous Catheter CF Weight: 12.5 kg SR Buprenorphine Injection CF Vetemex Solution ml CF Buprenorphine Injection CF Document: Consent Hospital Form MV CF Synulox Inj Small Animal CF Noroclav Tablets 250mg CF (Give half a tablet morning and evening with half the 50mg tablet Start Saturday morning)
Noroclav Tablets 50mg CF (Give half a tablet morning and evening with the half 250mg tablet Start Saturday morning)
stomach now empty very loose liquid orange faeces on rectal, discuss CF with owner opt to send home and cont on noroclav metrovis and
paracetamol 250mg BID resee Monday with CF
Discharged from accommodation: D4 SJ Notes: scan
tgh 2.45 with meds
Weight: 12 kg CF eating approx 50% of normal food no vomiting and passing green sl CF sloppy stools OR teeth grinding and some burping/reflux, weuight
reduced and temp 102.4 given 0.5mls of dexadresn in case
inflammation and as appeitite stimulant resee friday for repeat weight
check
 

Attachments

  • 2017-01-19 full bloods 13436315.pdf
    166.3 KB · Views: 2
  • 2017-01-21 In House Lab Results - urine 13436337.pdf
    89.1 KB · Views: 0
  • 2021-04-20 In house Standard Profile + PLI 22216158.pdf
    172.7 KB · Views: 1
  • 2021-04-21 In House In Patient Electrolytes 22218196.pdf
    93.8 KB · Views: 1
  • 2021-04-22 In House In Patient Electrolytes 22222808.pdf
    93.4 KB · Views: 1

Dr. Jeff

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Thanks for sharing this great info. Ashley!

It looks good overall.

However, and as you know all too well, normal diagnostic test results don't correlate with Boo's quality of life.

Her difficulty gaining weight is one example. This may actually be the fundamental issue. As she improves overall, her body will better absorb and utilize nutrients.

Your new vet homeopath will address this along with her other health challenges.

One thing to start today that will address her issues as well as her quality of life is increasing her cellular energy and function as I mention above.

Behaviour - She seems stiff and in pain during the day e.g. reluctant to jump in car boot or on sofa which she used to be able to do, takes a while to sit, lie down or get out of her bed. Winces if patted or stroked on the head. She stretches in 'downward dog' a lot, grinds her teeth and has reflux.

What was the very first episode of lameness? Was there any injury (that you saw)?

Do you have access in UK to order the Assisi PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic frequency) device? BTW-You can read more about it here:



There are lots of other PEMF devices on the market (but most are not research verified in animals). One notable one that master human homeopath Andre´ Saine recommends is called Earthpulse:

 

AshleyS

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Thank you, yes that makes a lot of sense. I've used the info on here to put together bit of a plan moving forward to incorporate more of what Boo enjoys day to day and hopefully keep her happier.

The lameness was strange, we didn't see any obvious injury...at the time I remember thinking it was possibly from jumping? she's always been very agile and enjoys leaping over logs or off banks on walks, but we hadn't noticed her injure herself. One day she just wouldn't jump into the car boot and it seemed to go from there.

Unfortunately I don't seem to be able to get hold of an Assisi loop in the UK but the Earthpulse mat is available so I'll definitely look into getting one of those.
 

AshleyS

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I got hold of our local holistic vet but unfortunately she's away next month and isn't taking any new clients until September. Are Dr Christina's herb recommendations suitable to help Boo's digestive system in the meantime? Or are they not relevant unless she's vomiting?
 

AshleyS

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Just after a bit of advice now we're further down the track. Following our chat last week Dr Jeff I added in some tree bark powder to further help Boo's digestion symptoms. Her stomach seems to be more uncomfortable over the last 3 days and she's been getting us up in the night for bowel movements which is really unusual. Her bowel movements are much softer than normal and still very mucousy. She also seems to have acid reflux back again (makes a coughing noise like there's something irritating her throat) and is eating more grass on walks. My question is, is this likely part of the detoxing and carry on as we are? Or could the tree bark be exacerbating things and should I reduce/stop it for now?
 

Dr. Jeff

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Great question Ashley!

The answer depends on Boo's BEAM (most decisions we make for our pets are based on it).

The symptoms are probably not detox. My guess (until you get back to us about BEAM) would be that the new supplement is not agreeing with her.

What exactly are you using?
 

AshleyS

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Her BEAM wasn't quite as good as it had been, whining from obviously feeling uncomfortable in her stomach and more lethargic than before.

I think you're right that it might be the new supplement which is a shame as it was supposed to help soothe her digestion! I didn't give her a dose yesterday and she slept through the night like normal.

It's Dorwest Tree Barks Powder and has Slippery Elm Bark and White Poplar Bark in it.
 

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