its her energy level that's so low

What meds is she still on? Upthread you said she was on oral antibiotics and oral steroids. Plus all the various other OTC's. Besides all the vomiting and known inflammation that have dragged her down, lethargy is one of the side effects of some antibiotics and steriods.

The above post is so true plus antibiotics can make you feel about as bad as what they are treating does If she is still on them, I’m sure you know to feed her when she takes them. It’s too bad she can’t take the forta-flora. When any of us in this family has to take antibiotics we take florastor to keep from getting upset stomachs.

Dogs do get upset stomachs occasionally for a variety of reasons. Usually this clears up after a few days of a bland diet of chicken and rice. Not the case here which indicates a severe underlying problem. Chicken is not a healthy balanced diet for anyone. She is probably lacking in electrolytes, vitamins and minerals. With the episodes here, I would guess that she is in pain and suffering. Animals are very good at hiding this. She needs a complete series of tests as mentioned above to determine what the problem is and an appropriate treatment....if one exists.

Y'all are right, antibiotics could be making her have an upset stomach.

Usually this clears up after a few days of a bland diet of chicken and rice. Not the case here which indicates a severe underlying problem.

Or not. As I understand it, Lil vomited 6x one day and kept three meals down the next day but vomited up the fourth meal. I know that we get anxious when a dog isn't eating and want to feed but I suspect 4 meals the next day was pushing it. Maybe too much, too soon? Then the sore throat from the acids and assorted medications/ side effects to factor in.. May just take some time to sort things out.

You can give unflavored Pedialyte (electrolyte source) to dogs if you have concerns about a pup getting dehydrated. I always keep a container on hand for emergencies.

Lils med are...Prednisilone..it's the step down. Antibotic is Baytril.

After speaking to the vet today I'm advised to stop the antibiotic but continue the steroid. She also takes Pepcid.

Now she's not pooping..sigh. I'm giving her Vedalax prescribed by her vet every 12 hours.

The steroid has kicked in big time as far as increasing her appetite. .she wants to eat all the time...that's a good sign..right?

When I say she ate 4 times its only a tiny amount at each feeding. Lil has always done better with small frequent feedings.

As I watched her today I tried to step out of my shoes and see what others might see...I saw a dog that was sleeping much more than was her norm..I saw something in her eyes..sadness or tiredness..but nothing that would really stand out as looking like a sick dog...to a stranger at least...but I know her and somethings not right...than out of the blue she ran for her toy and played for 5 minutes...aggressive play...like a healthy dog. .....when I ask the vet today on the phone if she could be suffering malnutrition from being on boiled chicken almost a month with no suppliments...he said...absolutely. he ask if she vomited today..no...any diarrhea. .no...that's when I told him she hasn't gone in days...he advised me to give her 2 tablespoons of her prior kibble and let him know if vomiting or diarrhea starts.... I did give her the kibble...she tore into it as if it was the best tasting food she's ever had...an hour later is when she decided to play. She than took a nap..probably worn out as its the most active she's been in awhile.

This is what I think...a month ago when she was sick with bloody diarrhea. ..I think she got ahold of something which messed up her already sensitive belly...than the choking sound started which did go away...I think she had a hair in her throat....than a diet of only chicken for so long caught up with her...zapping her strength as she had zero nutrients that's required to be healthy and live...now she's constipated from only eating the chicken and getting zero fiber......am I making any sense?

By the way throughout all of this she continued drinking and peeing very well.

So in other words I think a series of things hit her in a short amount of time.

I could be wrong...

Someone ask me above^^^ isn't her vet a woman...yes she has a woman and a male..There's two women and a male in the office...they all know and are familiar with Lil.

Sherry I ask the vet about the food you mentioned and he said this isn't the time to try it...at least not yet. Thank you Sherry.

Lantro..Thanks for telling me about the unflavored Pedialyte..I'll remember that if she needs it..but she's drinking very well.

I know the best thing to do is testing.but I'm unable to do that. If there was a way I'd have all the testing she need done in a heartbeat...I love Lil. Heck I'd donate a arm if it would help Lil.

Iris.....THANK YOU! !!!!!!My vet told me you called and placed money on Lils account to help her. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your kind generosity has me speechless. I don't even have strong enough words to express my appreciation. Thank you Iris.

I truly appreciate all of you fine folks for your prayers,suggestions and words of kindness. Thank you for being there and listening. Your a great group of kindness.

That is wonderful news. I have always used Pedialyte for sick pets since they need the electrolytes even though they are drinking water. WM has it.

Hope the worst is behind her!

You might ask the vet about sweet potatoes. Lots of carbs and most dogs love them. I might have said upthread that we feed our yorkie ground lamb, sweet potatoes, squash and rice. Sometimes we add kale. She won’t eat rice by itself, but she will eat sweet potatoes.

Mama... do you keep Nutrical onhand? I always do since little dogs can get low blood sugar easily. You might want to check it out or ask your vet. It comes in a tube and you just rub it on their gums or they can lick it off your finger. I copied and pasted info on it below...

Description

Nutri-Cal by Vetoquinol is a caloric supplement to help boost dietary intake in pets, particularly those suffering from under-eating or malnourishment. Those animals that need an extra boost in their diet or vitamin balance will benefit greatly from a regular regimen with Nutri-Cal in addition to their regular food intake. The product also works very well for working dogs that consume a lot of energy in their duties and need to be kept fed on the road to keep their energy levels up.

Nutri-Cal Paste includes a high-potency mix of protein, fat, various vitamins, minerals, and various organic acids, producing an energy-boosting calorie booster that will keep animals at their motivation peak rather than suffering from hunger or lack of nutrition.

" ...now she's constipated from only eating the chicken and getting zero fiber......am I making any sense?"

Yes. Our dog's pre-mixed raw diet comes with some cooked non-starchy vegetables mixed in (butternut squash, kale, broccoli, etc) not for nutrient value but to "keep 'em going."

How did her regular kibble stay down? If she can start back on that, that would be great!

Psyllium husk/ husk powder is also good for constipation. I used one & a half to two teaspoons mixed into canned dog food with added liquid (water, broth, pinto bean broth, etc.) once a day for Tex( 30# Sheltie) when he started being chronically constipated. I tried a lot of things before that--pumpkin, oatmeal...--that didn't work. Didn't help matters that Tex was a really picky and light eater and drank very little water to start with...making it a challenge to get him to eat enough of anything else to have much of an effect.

If you do try psyllium, be forewarned that the stools will look different (gelatinous) so don't freak out. (Psyllium husk is the same thing as Metamucil; I could not find unflavored Metamucil locally so I ordered psyllium from whatever source had the best price.) Also, if giving meds, be aware that the psyllium might interfere with the medication being absorbed....probably can get around that problem with appropriate timing.

You are getting many good suggestions here that are effective.....but with Lil's overly sensitive stomach it may be wise to run things past your vet first.

When will you have the consult with the nutritional vet? Hopefully she will have some recommendations that will get positive results. In the meantime sticking with her regular dog food, providing she keeps it down, is a good start.

Ali. The nutritional vet is supposed to return my call..two calls...so I wait. I can't give her anything without the vets approval.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and I'll run it by the vet.

MiMi I no longer have the stuff your talking about. I can't even remember the name of mine except it was in a toothpaste type tube. We had to always have it handy when she was younger. I do keep the corn syrup out and ready if I see signs of her blood sugar dropping.

Vet tech told me to go ahead and add some unflavored Pedialyte to her water...I'll pick some up today. Thank you.

Sherry her regular kibble stayed down. She hasn't vomited since ..I think it was last friday...I think.

Thanks everyone. You are so appreciated.

Something that has worked well for an issue I have is slippery elm powder. It was suggested when I was suffering with stomach problems. It is useful for dogs with Lil's problem. Read up on it and if you think it might help, ask the nutritional vet.

drmartypets.com/slippery elm for dogs has some info but there are many other sites.

Mama I want to pay for the vet bill to take her in. Going to pm my number and just call/text and I will call in a payment to the vet of your choice. She’s gonna make it I just know it, hang in there.

Larisa, if you click on Mamapinky’s name, there is a message button (you didn’t set yours up it seems) I have the number of her regular vet, but maybe a specialist is needed. Mamapinky, sorry to kind of answer for you, but I don’t think a private phone number should be up here for long.

Got it...delete now

Deleted, if she needs a specialiat let me know where and I’ll pay ahead.

Folks from the KT...Larisa is one of my special chicks from the laundry room.

Larisa remove your # sweety. I thought you had my email?

Larisa..Thank you...I want you to wait until I find out what it's going to cost to do the testing ect on Lil...I know your there dear...I'll give you a call..ok.

Mama, my hubby and I well understand vet bills, being animal lovers and having had many of our own bills. We would like to help you too if you would please email with your name and address and we would send you a check. My email is: Maretich@Comcast.net Put your screen name in the subject of the email so I will know it is from you.

She certainly sounds like a special person!

Iris. Yes she's a special person...as you are...hearts of GOLD.

Larisa I thought about calling you to talk...but am afraid it's to late. I would never want to disturb you at night.

Good folks...I want to say...I have been BLESSED to have such caring folks as all of you that have been there listening to me cry over Lil...My heart is full of gratitude to all of you.

On a good note....Lil POOPED!!!! A huge healthy looking poop. I had an appointment set up in the morning to start a series of enemas with her vet...it's what the vet wanted done since 6 doses of her stool softener wasn't working. We can cancel the enamas. And concentrate on deciding on what tests should be done...the vet said a scope is a must and will provide answers.

I feel hope again...because of all of you. Thank you.

Mama call ANYTIME you want. I always seem to be awake these days lol when I’m not I just simply don’t answer and won’t ever bother me. I am SO glad she pooped. I bet you both felt better. Get her to the vet and decided. You can call or text before and would be happy to pay before you go. Hugs.

Good news since it does seem that Lil is on the upswing. I know that you have to be feeling some relief, Mama.

I sure know of the anguish that you've been going through. I lost Tex in November and it has left one hell of a hole in my heart. I loved that dog so much and just feel lost without him. He followed me everywhere and kept a watch over me, kinda' a silent warning to me to 'Don't do anything stupid' sort of thing.

But enough of that. Just want you to know that I'm really glad to hear that Lil is doing better.

Glad she's doing better...I know you say that your kids would never ever give her some food (sneak)...but still, I would not rule this out. Now that school is back in session, seems she's doing better! I have an acquaintance that has a dog with bad stomach issues and I once I suggested that perhaps her grands were slipping her food when she wasn't looking and she got really angry at me for even suggesting such a thing and said "my grand children aren't like that, they mind me and would not do such a thing!" SOOO fast forward about three months and her dog had terrible diarrhea and she was telling us that her grand kids gave her dog some oatmeal cookies the day before and she was all mad at them for doing it. I think she had already forgotten that she told me they would never ever do such a thing because they know the dog gets sick.

Lantro..Oh my gosh. I'm so so sorry for your loss of Tex. Yes I'm sure that hole in your heart is huge. Our pets sure do fill our hearts with love.

Lil has been pooping....this steroid has her begging for food constantly even waking me in the night begging. It's also caused excessive drinking and peeing. She's been fluctuating from feeling and acting well to acting like somethings wrong.

Arkansas. LOL. My grands live with me and have most of their lives. So the oldest just turned 11 and the youngest is 9...Lil is 9. They don't know a life that Lil wasn't in it. She's the boys greatest joy. They are plenty old enough to understand how bad it would be to sneak food to Lil. They love her and want what's best. Food in my house is at the table except game night on Saturday but even that changed in case someone dropped something. She's definitely not getting any human foods. She's had belly issues forever and never was given human foods or any treats except the handful of times in 9 years that I gave her one bite of cheese and even that's been a very long time ago.

I do wonder though if I'm placing all these problems on her sensitive gastrointestinal issues when this could be something completely new and unrelated. My gut tells me this isn't one of those times her belly acts up than she's fine until the next episode. ..yes I know this is why the testing is important.

Remember the choking sound she was making and I had a feeling it was hair in her throat....well in her one stool was a long strand of hair. So maybe.

So far I'm giving her a tiny amount of her original kibble twice a day with chicken being her main diet.

I will be glad when the steroids are done which is yet another week. They sure do make a dog hungry and thirsty. Makes me feel bad refusing her food but of course I can't over feed her.

Thanks everyone

Lantro.... ((((HUGS))))

After reading through I tend to agree with Arkansas, Mimi, Raven and Pat about this recurring problem in the small breeds caused by something as simple as eating a bug. Yours has had gastro problems from a young age. Perhaps something could have been done then. Now at 9 she is older and the problem has always been there and isn't going away.

I suspect she ate something forbidden somehow. Adding new food and otc meds while she was having an upset, only exasperated the problem. It is possible withholding food to allow the stomach to settle down, would have worked.

I do understand the bond between a human and a pet, still, I find you get very dramatic. Pets do pick up on these feelings.

Dramitic....

Hmmm. Well perhaps on here as I'm trying to express my feelings.

Mamap.....in your defense I don’t think you are being dramatic... I know how much you love Lil... just like I love my two dogs! I can’t even talk about my first dog who i lost over 7 years ago....that’s how much it still hurts.. I know that dogs do pick up on our feelings but sometimes we can’t help it.

Thank you Annie. I'm sorry you lost your dog..I cant even imagine the pain. (((HUGS)))

I'm sure not dramitic irl..well maybe if I'm trying to make a point. LOL. My sister would be quite surprised if she ever came to Houzz and read my posts. She always said my biggest and most irritating flaw was that I don't open up and share my feelings. I do find it easy to share in a forum though.

I'm sure not dramitic irl

Some of your descriptions of your real life events are quite dramatic. Washing machine. Dog. Furnace. Events at children's school. Aimee's boyfriend.

Lucille. Are you saying other people don't have sick dogs,sick washing machines, sick kids, sick furnace. Hmmm I never knew I was the only one or the minority that has stuff happen..

People and pets get sick. Household stuff breaks..or maybe I just talk to much. I'm working on that.

Mama,

Being dramatic is not necessarily a negative trait. You said you were not, my perspective differs. Lots of people have a flair for the dramatic. I think you are one of them.

I don't see where Lucille said or implied any such thing. I think you are deflecting. When these common occurrences happen to you, they seem more dramatic. I recall the bad haircut fiasco.

I bet most of the world have things happen in their life...Maybe they can be classified as dramatic but as for my person..na I'm sure not dramatic. I'm actually more on the quiet side but I do know I've opened up a lot in the forums often being dramatic to get a point across. I don't like that about myself...feeling like I have to explain. That should be my New Year res. LOL.

Ok back to Lil. She's napping again after refusing lunch which she was begging for prior to me fixing it. I read her steroid bottle for the 10th time. She's now on one does a day for 5 days..than one every other day for 5 doses. Getting there.

MiMi. The vet said we will likely start the probiotics you sent Lil soon. He wants to wait until she's done with the steroids and proceed slowely. I will keep you informed. ..ok??

Mamapinky, still thinking about you and Lil. These ongoing health problems are so stressful. Especially when you have no idea what is going on. I had a few of them, the latest one was Hailey a couple of years ago. It started out with a lack of appetite and constipation. Went to the specialist and everything. The last time she spent a few days at the clinic, I picked her up one afternoon (the vet called and said she is doing great, feisty enough to bloody him and a technician). An hour later there was a thump after she jumped off a bed. She walked with the paw in a weird position. I was really thinking “ she did not just break a paw after all this”. Called the vet. It was after hours but they were still there. Said it looked neuronical. Kept her overnight. When we went there the next day, they said it was a tumor on the spine. My husband was not ready to let her go right then (she was actually doing well, Paw was normal again), so they sent us home for the weekend with plenty of pre filled syringes of Morphin. She did well the weekend , but I woke up to her screaming Monday morning and she could not move her hind legs. She calmed down after a double dose of the meds (the vet said we could give her up to three) and they were in early, so as soon as I called we could just go to get her euthanized.

I wasn’t going to post anything to distract from you and Lily, but i was reading about the being dramatic. Times like the one with Hailey and some other ones and not being dramatic (or at least trying to hide how worried I really was with anybody) caused me a lot of sleep and stomach problems. Talking here to get you less stressed out is going to help Lil, too. This was Hailey on her last weekend. Big lump in the front is one of the dogs.

Mama...yes do!

mamapinky0

"I bet most of the world have things happen in their life..."

if it isn't most of them, it sure is a lot of them. My life has been like that. Just when I think life might settle down, it's turned upside down again! It's life. go with the flow of it...

back in the 70s when I worked at a bank (3rd shift), the ladies there couldn't seem to wait from day to day to find out what happened in my life between shifts. one week I had my oldest son in the ER 3 x. the 3rd time one of the nurse asked what school I'd gone to... I looked so familiar to her. No kidding! 3x in one week!

Iris....I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful kitty cat.

Iris. Hailey just beautiful. Pet owners sure do go thru much pain and sorrow along with the joy. I'm sorry you lost your lovely girl. ((((HUGS))))

I've never lost a pet since Lil is my first but just the thought is painful.

Iris, I'm one of those that don't share my feelings irl. Seems it's much easier in the forum. I have had dramatic things happen in my life but I'm not really a dramatic person although I suppose with my sharing at the forum it probably appears I am. Lol.

Desertsteph...LOL at the nurse. I have raised three boys..my adult sons.....need I say more. LOL when my Michael was 12 he climbed a fence at my sister's cutting his hand and ended up with a boat load of stitches. Two days later he was running around our back yard when the neighbors dog came charging biting him in the leg...more stitches and a drainage tube. ...that same day he was running down the steps fell off of one measly step and broke a leg..same leg as the dog bite. They cut a window in the cast. Oh my yep it was always something. I do certainly have drama in my life..who doesnt. Lol

I think it's rude to call someone out as dramatic, even if they are. For some people, this is an outlet to communicate with friends. I'd really hate it if one of my friends called me dramatic. I'm quite animated at times, so I suppose I'm dramatic too. I guess we are in good company, MP.

Iris, I'm so sorry for the loss of Hailey. She was a beautiful girl, and you did the right thing for her. But I know it hurts and you miss her.

A person who has overly emotional reactions to events or situations, is just part of a person's personality just as others are calm and collected in stressful situations.

I honestly just brought Hailey up because I think it would have helped me to come here and vent/ ask for advise like Mamapinky did. My husband is traveling a lot and is often in different time zones. He is also overly optimistic in an almost unrealistic way if it concerns our pets. I didn’t want to worry my daughters more than they already were and the one time I asked my mother in law if she thinks another unusual blood test would make sense she started crying about her cats past. So I think getting opinions from the pet owners here would have meant a lot. It was a really confusing 3 weeks going from her being constipated with a lack of appetite to how it ended. Throw in Mamapinky’s worry about paying for tests (Hailey cost about 3500 in that time) and there is every reason to be a bit dramatic. Even though it didn’t sound like it to me in the first place.

Iris.... so sorry about your beautiful Hailey.....I really feel for you with your hubby traveling too:(

Sleeperblues, Thank you. Im honored to be in your company.

Iris, my husband has the overly optimistic trait also...he's just not a good one for me to vent to. I'm not going to share my fear with the boys as they need to see me being strong and in control to a point. . There's no one else so I came here knowing all you animal lovers would understand.

Update on Lil...she's about the same. Sleeping a lot, occasionally grabs a toy and wants to play but doesn't seem to have the energy other than a few times. She is back to sleeping with me but never goes under her blanket. I think steroids can cause a dog to feel hot. No vomiting or diarrhea but I can tell at times her belly bothers her. I will be glad when the steroids are done but at the same time I wonder what will happen.

Anyway. Thank you all for being there and listening to me vent. I appreciate you all.

Larisa, I'll give you a call soon just to chit chat. It's been hectic around here and just when I think I have some quiet time to call you...it ends up not so quiet. Lol.

Mama, oh yes, I knew why you were sharing about Lil here. Living in a house full of men pretty much explains it. And with the grands there, you can't really talk about it in the house because you don't want to alarm them. You have to suppress emotion and put on the calm, assured face in front of the kiddoes AND the pup. Because a pet can very much pick up on your emotions.

As far as being 'dramatic'--eh. I just think you have a flair for telling a story.

I think you're right about the steroids making Lil feel overheated. Also, they can play havoc with the tummy. Just hang in there while Lil completes this course of meds.