Monday, August 27, 2012

What's Wrong With Samba?

What a day! Samba and I were up every hour all night. She would go stand in the yard, but nothing happened. Finally at 4AM she had a fecal explosion. I won't go into detail since it was pretty gross. I'll only say that her stool is completely liquid and quite violent. OK, enough about that for now.

bad bacteria
At 7:30 we dropped her at the clinic. Then I tried to concentrate till our appointment at 2:15. My thoughts kept going back to Samba and what could possibly be wrong. I did manage to knit a few rows but that was about all that got done.

When Dr B came in carrying xrays and boxes and bottles, he announced that it was mostly good news. I felt the weight slip of my shoulders and neck and my headache went away instantly. Here's what we learned.

The bile acid test was normal. The xrays show a normal looking liver and no masses were apparent.  Everything looked pretty good except that her small intestine was full, and I do mean full, of gas. He said they'd tried taking her out hoping she'd release some of the gas, but she wasn't feeling cooperative. Dr B did notice that her eyes looked less worried and she was more active than last week.

normal liver

So, if all the tests were normal, why is she not eating, having loads of gas and watery, explosive stool? And why did she lose five pounds in one week? The answer is we don't know. The most likely reason is prolonged steroid use and a possible tolerance problem with her special diet designed for her MMM. This is not to be confused with food allergy, she does not have that.

So, what are we going to do for her? For the time being she's eating a prescription diet designed for intestinal problems. It's very easily digested. We're feeding four small meals a day, instead of the two larger ones she normally gets.
good bacteria
She's getting a daily dose of beneficial bacteria added to her food, plus medicine to sooth her intestinal tract. We've also increased her prednisone temporarily because we don't want a flare up of her jaw disease while we're straightening out this new issue.

Dr B and I will be having phone conferences every Monday and Friday until we get this all fixed. We'll be working on tweaking the diet and adjusting the dosage on her meds till she's a happy girl again.


We think it was the Power Of The Paw that helped the most. All those good healing vibes flying thru Blogville had to make the big difference. We are so grateful to all of you who expressed concern for my little girl. We have a long way to go to get back to normal, but knowing that everyone's supporting us, I'm sure we'll make it. Thank you everyone.

21 comments:

Lapdog Creations said...

Yay Samba and double yay for the Power of the Paw! :) We're so happy to hear there were no masses or anything super serious and we hope Samba is back to her 'ole self soon!

One question - that extra gas is not a danger for possible bloat, is it?

Lapdog Creations said...

PS - now we hope you get some sleep!

Molly the Airedale said...

Our paws remain crossed for you, Samba! We hope you're back to yourself soon.

Love ya lots,
Mitch and Molly

Kerry said...

Samba, you go girl. And I mean that in every possible good way.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Well, it isn't the worst of news, thank goodness for that.

Sounds a lot like how Phantom can get when his tummy is off, but a tad worse.

Paws continue to be crossed for your sweet girl.

Hope you both get some sleep tonight.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Two French Bulldogs said...

poor baby...we will keep all our paws crossed
Benny & Lily

The Daily Pip said...

Oh gosh, I missed all last week. I am so sorry hear to Samba hasn't been feeling well! Paws crossed Samba continues to feel better. Tummy troubles are no fun.

Your pal, Pip

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

What an anxious wait you had. We're so glad that she's feeling better. Hope the diet works....poor girl.

We'll still keep our paws crossed.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy

km said...

Yeah! Now hopefully you can relax a bit.

Jo's World said...

You are very lucky to have a Vet who will consider you a partner. We know its because you are dog smart and he respects you, but we still say you're lucky!

Continued prayers and Powerful Pawz for dear Samba, we hope she gets back to normal fast!

Kisses,
Stella (and Jo)

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I was thinking of you yesterday (Monday) but didn't get a chance to look at the computer--I'm glad that you're headed in the right direction, and we're keeping all paws and fingers crossed here and sending prayers in your direction!

parlance said...

Oh, that's great. I'll keep up the prayers, and look forward to Samba getting back on an even keel and enjoying life to the full.

Matilda the Boxer said...

Oh goodness, no wonder you were skeered waiting for the report! I'm glad it was not bad news after all. I hope Samba gets better and all those bad bacteria get skeered away!

SissySees said...

Phew.

We still have paws crossed though. Hopefully, the special diet and soothing meds will do the trick!

Marjie said...

I'm so glad Dr. B has a plan. Even when things aren't fixed, having a plan is very comforting. And the fact that Samba's showing a little improvement is good, too. I'm very happy to hear this good news!

rottrover said...

Well, that sounds like pretty good news to us. Keeping paws crossed!

Bart and .ruby

Soggibottom said...

Poor Samba she must have felt terrible. Frankie de tabby's paws are crossed... lots and lots of love
X X X

Nicki said...

Sounds like a plan! Glad it was all pretty good news.

Dexter said...

I sure hope Samba's new diet works out. It sounds like things are going in the right direction.

Mango Momma

Anonymous said...

That is really good to hear that Samba is doing better! Keeping the Power of the Paw flowing your way. Sending tons of healing vibes to get Samba back to her playful happy self asap!

Love and wags,
The Roo Family

Agnes B. Bullock said...

POTP headed your way!