Trees are Blooming and making Missy sick

[Susan J]

Spring is finally here in Texas and the tree pollen is high.  All week Missy has been waking up in the middle of the night (about 3 or 4 AM) to  .

It's mostly yellow mucus.  It's not that she is hungry.  She is a full 15 pounds, her top weight and sometimes the bit of food left in her tummy comes up first followed by lots of stringy mucus.  I can hear her clearing her throat and it's as if she has a sinus irritation that causes the mucus to drip into her tummy until that starts rumbling.

She always jumps out of bed before she starts to make the "gunking" noise and most nights, I have been able to hop up (my back is getting better) and scoop her up and onto the bathroom tiles before it comes up.  Last night she just wanted to lay on the bath rug a little while instead of coming back to bed and she was right.  In a little while more came up.  It was a lot and she is even getting a hot spot and itchies again.

Finally, around 5AM, I gave her a tiny bit of baby benadryl.   I hate to drug her but I think I might give her a bit at bedtime tonight and see if that helps.  Any one else have this problem with tree and/or grass pollen?

[Terri]

Oh no... poor sweet little Missy.

Belle doesn't have this trouble, so I don't know a thing about it, but I would think the Benadryl would be a good idea, just to relieve her discomfort.

You could send her to me, we still have loads of snow. (I know that's highly unlikely)

Hopefully someone will be along soon with proper advice for you. ♥

[Susan J]

Thanks Terri    She seem perfectly fine and normal during the day, except for this morning since I think the benadryl still has her a bit sleepy.   

[EDDEL]

Oh dear! Poor Missy!

I don't have any advice to offer since I have no personal experience to speak from.  Have you ever thought of / discussed immnotherapy with Missy's vet?  Here's an article on peteducation.com with more info.  I've read one way to combat inhalent allergies is through desensitization (or hyposensitization as immunotherapy is sometimes called).  This process eliminates unwanted reactions to the offending allergen through continuous exposure.  Drastic measure I know.  Don't think any of us can put our fluffs through it.

Please give Missy lotsa cuddles for me.  So sad that the coming of Spring spells discomfort for her.  

[Susan J]

Del,

I am a seasonal allergy sufferer and I remember when one year I was desperate enough to try a homeopathic remedy.     I thought I was going to die.   

I look at all the testing that Annie did with Jake (who also lives in a Southern state but with a bit different climate) and it seems as though he came back with allergies to just about everything.   

I'm afraid that is the case with Missy.  It's a shame because she so loves her very long walks.  I really hope that the bedtime dose of benedryl does the trick and , at least, she will be sleepy at the right time.     I know it does make her thirsty so a positive is that she will be drinking more.   

[Alison]

Poor thing.I'm so sorry to hear that.

I was wondering if the vet could give her a non drowsy antihistamine for a few weeks.Thats what they do for people,but not sure if they are available for dogs.

I hope she's feeling much better soon Alison

[Susan J]

Thanks Alison,

She is tired today but she took two long walks already even though she is catching naps in between.  She went over to the golf course yesterday for a long walk and probably was exposed to a lot of grass pollen too.

I guess I'll see tonight if giving her a dose at bedtime does the trick.  I'll also turn the ionizer on to help clear the air.  I think this is another example of fluffs being more like humans than dogs.  How many dogs do you hear suffering from hay fever? 

I'm glad that Abby doesn't have that problem added to her recovery. 

[kate1064]

Aw poor Missy 
What a shame  I've never had a fluff with hayfever.
I hope she sleeps better tonight after her benadryl and the ioniser 

[Susan J]

Thanks Kate.  me too     

[Lizzie]

I do so hope Missy gets a good night's sleep and you too.  Fingers crossed the Benadryl works.   

  can get hay fever.  We have a dog that comes regularly for grooming and every year he is put on Piriton.  It's the grass that causes his. John (his owner) hates the summer when his sit-on mower has to come out because bet your bottom dollar that as soon as it starts so does Snap.  His older brother = Crackle is not affected.

[Susan J]

Thanks Lizzie.      If the benadryl doesn't work, I'll ask her vet about Piriton or other alternatives.

[lorraine]

Poor Missy, that can't be nice for you both. I am sorry that I can't offer suggestions that may help but hope that the nasty pollens dissappear soon. Do you have this problem every spring, Susan?

[Susan J]

Hi Lorraine, 

We have had the problem with the itching every Spring but this has been the worst so far for the mucus. She has never been one to  much.  I think the fact that it has been almost every night this week around the same time is what is so different this year.

We have had one of the worst winters in our record books and there is a lot of dead and decaying vegetation along with all the new stuff coming out.  We have daily reports for allergy sufferers and right now both tree and grass pollen are very high.

[marilyn]

Aww thats such a shame the pollen season is a real nightmare for the fluffers and humans

Do you have to wash the pollen from her coat Susan?

I remember being at Gregors one March and everything was green in the morning we had to hose things down. His Cat's are not allowed outdoors for a while during this month.

So hope the wee one gets some relief tonight

Sending huggles 

Marilyn 

[Susan J]

Yes, Marilyn, it does help to bathe her.  When she comes in, I can see the stuff all over her.  Clothing helps a lot too.    There are also a lot of grass fleas, etc. all hungry and ready to bite her.  She takes Sentinel so if they bite her, they die but that doesn't keep them from biting.  I'm looking at an all natural repellent that the rescue site sells and wondering if that would help with the bugs. 

[princess]

   aww so sorry to hear that Missy is so unwell  


its so scary when they are sick    and even more so in the middle of the night  


Have you ever tried homeopathic remedies  

My youngest daugher Ruby had huge problems with her throat and ears and having gone down the modern medicine route to end up with her having to have life long antibiotics    in desperation i took her to a homeopath and within months she was healthier than she had ever been    we bought a home kit of 60 remedies and without fail they have helped with everything from croup to conjunctivitis    All the remedies are safe to use of pets .

I hope she and you have a good night tonight  

[marilyn]

Susan have you seen this site?I  was looking at it the other day,I use a UK company Dorwood

http://www.dog-health-care-information.com/brewersyeast

Marilyn

[Susan J]

Have you ever tried homeopathic remedies 

Hi Annmarie    I had such a terrible reaction when I tried homeopathic remedies for my allergies that I would be adverse to go that route with Missy.     I am glad that they worked so well for your daughter and think that it just shows that with humans as with fluffs, something can work wonders for one and have no effect or worse on another.   

Susan have you seen this site?I  was looking at it the other day,I use a UK company Dorwood
 

Interesting.  I think that there definitely are things that can strengthen the immune system, the difficulty is finding the right blend.  I've been concentrating on not weakening her system anymore by excess vaccines. 

She is so miserable when she is throwing up but since her food is mostly digested by the time it hits her, she is not losing any weight.  It's supposed to rain this weekend and that may keep some of the pollen from blowing around so much.

[Princess Lucy Loulou (Tina)]

Oh Missy you poor baby,   I can sympathise with you sweetie as I have recurring sinus infections since I broke my nose a few years ago   and it's not nice when it runs into your tummy and makes you sick.   Ive just had a rather nasty bout and no matter what I do I can never get it out.   Sending you big gentle cuddle   and kisses   hope your feeling better soon  

[Susan J]

I'll give her that hug and kiss , Tina.     That's exactly what she is suffering.      I know that it is my own diagnosis but then I am her mom and have an edge in trying to figure out her ailment.  She has never gotten sick from anything but those miserable allergies. 

[Andrea]

I am so sorry for poor little Missy.  I did not know that you were having  back problems, but glad that they are better.- Noah has not been through a whole spring here as he was born the last of May.  We have terrible pollen here as you do in Texas.  Everything takes on a yellow hue and the pine trees are the worst for allergies.  I hope that the benadryl will help get Missy throught this pollen season and keep her comfortable.  they are so pitiful when they are sick.  Give her lots of hugs from Noah and I.  OUr weather is still a little cold so no pollen yet, but not long.

[Susan J]

Well she just threw up another pile of yellow mucus and it's not even 5PM.  She just went out for a little walk (potty call and to get the mail).  The pollen is blowing all over the place.

I hope that Noah will not be as susceptible to it. 

[Angels_ Mom_ Ann-Marie]

Awww, Missy, sweetie, we're SOOOO sorry you feel yucky.      My mom has real bad allergies, worse in the Spring and Fall, tho it never goes away the rest of the year either. 

We both have great success with Eastern Medicine, so here's a website that will give you and your Mom info about a Chinese herb that might help..   http://www.wellvet.com/perimine.html   We know your mom is a super  nurse, so we're sure she's doing everything she can to make you feel better, hang tough bff, she'll get it solved!!  Til then, we send our 

 
  and am

p.s.  Susan, have you tried Accupuncture?  I had to do it for my first love, Frizzy.  I swear she was allergic to her own hair!!!  It made a difference for her....

[Princess Lucy Loulou (Tina)]

I'll give her that hug and kiss , Tina.     That's exactly what she is suffering.      I know that it is my own diagnosis but then I am her mom and have an edge in trying to figure out her ailment.  She has never gotten sick from anything but those miserable allergies. 

Susan no one knows their fluff better than their mum  and I think your definatly right with Missy,  these allergies are a pain  I have to take allergy tablets when mine is bad but if it gets too bad I end up with an infection and need anit biotics,  I dont know if you get them over in the USA but we can get non drowsy benidryl or non drowsy Piriton.  Mine are non drosy but the are prescription drugs,  worth a look if you worry about the others making Missy sleepy. 

[Susan J]

We both have great success with Eastern Medicine, so here's a website that will give you and your Mom info about a Chinese herb that might help.. 

Thanks Ann-Marie.  The Perimine looks very interesting.  I woke up this morning with a severe sinus headache and congestion.  This is really a terrible year here for allergies.  The pollen is all over and there is no escaping it.

I can't imagine Missy and acupuncture though one of the vets at our practice apparently does it. 

Mine are non drosy but the are prescription drugs,  worth a look if you worry about the others making Missy sleepy. 

Thanks Tina,

Missy threw up at 3AM and again at 4:30.   I made an appointment with her regular vet for Monday afternoon.  Their practice does have regular hours today and tomorrow as well as 24 hour coverage which is the main reason I switched practices.

Missy doesn't seem to be having any problems with her food/water intake and output so I am not worrying about her becoming dehydrated.  She is also in very good spirits, not lethargic at all.  So I will wait until Monday when her regular vet can see her.

Adding to the sleeplessness, one of the smoke alarm back up batteries started beeping the "change me" signal every hour starting at 2:30 AM.      It was easier to put a pillow over my head than to get up on a step ladder and change it then.    Ted fixed it first thing this morning. 

Now , if we could only fix the pollen situation as easily.  Rain isn't forecast until Monday and I think that is probably the only thing that will help.

[Alison]

I posted early,but its gone.A lot of people say putting Vasaline around their noses helps as it catches the pollen before it goes in.Might be worth a go if she'll let you and it won't do any harm.Alison

[Susan J]

Alison,

That is a very interesting suggestion.     I might try it on me first since I know that I won't lick it off.   

[lorraine]

I am amazed how much pollen you have and that you can actually see it covering things.
I hope the visit to the vet can offer some solutions to help Missy. 

[Angels_ Mom_ Ann-Marie]

Awwww Susan, we're sorry that you're feeling yucky too.    I so know what you're going through, I almost daily have sinus pain and congestion (which triggers migraines).  I'm heading to TX a month from now and am already packing extra meds to make the trip less painful for me.

Alison's suggestion is also a good one.  I use that to coat the inside of my nostrils so that the offending allergen stays OFF.  Maybe if you were to try it on a q-tip to put on Missy, it will help minimize the inhilation of it.  Also, I had a thought, do you wash Missy's face, esp. eyes/nose when you bring her in from a walk?  I'd hate to think that you need to wash her down after every outside trip, however, maybe just washing her face will help?!  

Doing a rain dance in your honor to hopefully settle it down so you both can heal.  

  and am

[Susan J]

I am amazed how much pollen you have and that you can actually see it covering things.

Yes, it is very heavy right now Lorraine.

I'm heading to TX a month from now and am already packing extra meds to make the trip less painful for me.

Alison's suggestion is also a good one.  I use that to coat the inside of my nostrils so that the offending allergen stays OFF.  Maybe if you were to try it on a q-tip to put on Missy, it will help minimize the inhilation of it.  Also, I had a thought, do you wash Missy's face, esp. eyes/nose when you bring her in from a walk?  I'd hate to think that you need to wash her down after every outside trip, however, maybe just washing her face will help?! 

Hopefully, by next month the worst will be over Ann-Marie.  What part of TX are you heading to?  The weather varies greatly depending upon the part of the state. 

I do wash Missy's face, paws and bottom every time she come back indoors.  Thanks for the qtip tip, I guess I'm just not thinking clearly today. 

[MattiesMom (MaryEllen)]

My Sassy has a late summer, early fall allergy like that.  Her eyes start to look like Cujo's and she coughs and vomits too.  I give her a quarter of an adult Benedryl (she weighs 9 pounds).  Works like a charm and she doesn't get sleepy at all.  It's much better than her being sick as when they vomit, stomach acid goes up the esophagus and can eventually do damage.  My 14 pound dog (previous) used to get a half Benedryl safely.   I know you don't want to drug her, but a dose in the AM and a dose before bed may do the trick until she gets past her allergy season.  Last year I had Sassy on it for a bit more than 4 weeks.  She had no adverse reactions.  Poor Missy!  I hope you find something that works.   MaryEllen

[Susan J]

Thanks Mary Ellen.     ( I think this icon looks a lot like the weeds that also seem to be springing up all at once  )    I just gave her one dose yesterday about 9PM and that didn't work.  I used about a quarter teaspoon of children's  benedryl liquid and I guess I should have used more.  I've always been so conservative when it comes to drugs.   I also realized that the expiration date on the bottle was 6/09 though I'm not sure that it was that much weakened.

The vomiting is upsetting to watch since she really has to work to bring up that mucus.    I do worry about what damage might be done if it continues which is why I scheduled the vet visit on Monday.

[Susan J]

Missy is back from her vet visit.  Her vet said that in her experience dogs do not vomit due to allergies or pollen. 

She thinks that Missy may have eaten something that upset her tummy.      She said that it doesn't usually take much for dogs who are on a very regimented diet to react negatively to something.  She knows that I am not an advocate of drugs so she suggested that we try probiotics first.  I purchased a box of FortiFlora from her and Missy will have a packet with her evening meal today.

She also suggested that I pick up the over the counter human acid reliever, Pepcid, and give Missy a quarter of a table at bedtime. 

So, I'll see how this works out.  Last night was a full seven days of the middle of the night  .

I hated taking her to the vet.  She shakes like a leaf as soon as we go in and she can't wait to leave.   

Hopefully, this will do the trick and get her back to her healthy self and we won't have to go back for a long while. 

[Annie36]

Well....I am glad that the vet doesn't think it is serious. I would second guess her since it is so predictable(same time every night for 7 days).

Jake has seasonal allergies as well. He has allergies to alot of things but mostly dust mites and rag weed. Spring is not here as of yet....your pollen must be spreading to here cause my allergies are messing me up now. I hate those Bradford Pear trees, they are the worst for pollen.

I put Jake back on his claritin today. We have had 60+ degree days for a week now and spring will be here very soon.

As an after thought.....could she be allergic to something in her food? It can happen pretty quick or just sensitive.....I hope the pepcid and probiotics clear her right up.

[lorraine]

Seven nights is an awful long time for you and Missy. I hope the vets advice helps her and offers a solution to the problem. You will be at the stage of feeling worried every night and just listening to her to see if she is ok.  All the best for a trouble free night, tonight.

[MattiesMom (MaryEllen)]

Well, I disagree with your vet based on my experience.  They do vomit up mucus.  My Missy had allergies to grass all her life (14 years).  Every year in May we started.  If I did nothing, by June she would start daily vomiting.  So we used Benedryl (half) everyday all during grass season.  Missy never vomited again once on the Benedryl.  I've had the same experience with Sassy.  Once on the Benedryl, no more vomiting and her nose and eyes no longer run.  Anyway, see what happens, but at least you have something else to try if the vet's plan does not work.  MaryEllen

[Susan J]

I put Jake back on his claritin today.

Hi Annie,   
Are you giving Jake just regular strength over the counter claritin?  How much are you giving him ?  I still want to keep my options open regarding allergies and I know that claritin works well for a lot of people. I just didn't know that canines could use it too.

The vet said that it is about the same time every night because she eats at the  same time and the lying down for causes the acid to build up.

[EDDEL]

I thought today is Monday (therefore not your Monday yet) but it's Tuesday (so your Monday is over).

I really hope the probiotics and Pepcid help poor Missy.

My heart breaks just thinking of her having vomited for a whole week.
Sending lots of over to Texas.

[Susan J]

 You will be at the stage of feeling worried every night and just listening to her to see if she is ok.  All the best for a trouble free night, tonight.

Lorraine, I am so exhausted.    I sprinkled the FortiFlora over her food and she loved it.    Unfortunately, I didn't run out and buy Pepcid yesterday and tried a half a Tums at bedtime.

At 2AM, she woke up to   but it wasn't the think mucus.  That usually comes at the second   which follows shortly after the first.  Not last night.    I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop but she went back to sleep and I kept listening to her tummy gurgle and finally at 4:30, the mucus came up.  So I didn't get to sleep until 5 AM.  

We will get the Pepcid today.

Well, I disagree with your vet based on my experience.  They do vomit up mucus.  My Missy had allergies to grass all her life (14 years).  Every year in May we started.  If I did nothing, by June she would start daily vomiting.  So we used Benedryl (half) everyday all during grass season.  Missy never vomited again once on the Benedryl.  I've had the same experience with Sassy.  Once on the Benedryl, no more vomiting and her nose and eyes no longer run.  Anyway, see what happens, but at least you have something else to try if the vet's plan does not work.  MaryEllen

Did you use regular adult benedryl tablets?  I've been trying the children's liquid.  Missy weighted in yesterday at 15.2 pounds, not fat since I can feel her ribs, just big.  

If I do go back to benedryl or try claritin, I want to make sure that I use a dose that I know worked well with other fluffs.  

My heart breaks just thinking of her having vomited for a whole week.

Thanks Del, it started the day after her birthday.     It's amazing how unaffected she seems during the day.


Thanks  all for your concern and advice.  

[MattiesMom (MaryEllen)]

Missy was 14 pounds and always got half of an adult Benedryl.  Sassy is 9 pounds and I give her a quarter of an adult Benedryl.  I don't know about Claritin, but I'm sure Annie can tell you.  MaryEllen
I would also continue looking for other causes of her vomiting, just in case.  Lots of observation is important to solving the problem.  MaryEllen

[kate1064]

Aw poor Missy and you Susan having this every night  
Sophie stomach used to gurgle-it used to drive me mad as i wouldn't be able to get back to sleep if i heard it! We eventually worked out the food she was on was too rich for her.
I hope you find something that will help Missy soon and you can all get a good nights sleep again  

[Susan J]

Mary Ellen, Did you give your Missy the half at bedtime or in the morning?  I agree about observation and it really helps to know what has/does work well with other fluffs.   

Missy's vet seems very open minded.

Sophie stomach used to gurgle-it used to drive me mad as i wouldn't be able to get back to sleep if i heard it! We eventually worked out the food she was on was too rich for her.

I know that so many of the fluffs have sensitive tummies and the right food is so important.  It's always in the back of my mind to make sure that I am giving her the optimal diet. 

[barofgold (Paula)]

I missed this before now and am hoping that Missy is feeling a little better after having the Benadryl
  s from us
I hope you find the cause (if not the tree pollen) soon Susan 

[princess]

just wanted to send some  and  and  to you and Missy


its been a long week for both of you    I too have to disagree with your vet  as the only time Princess has ever brought us mucus after vomit is in late spring/early summer (after the first couple of grass cuttings) usually after a couple of weeks she is back to normal so we just have a week or two on benadryl 


thinking of you both xxx

[Susan J]

I hope you find the cause (if not the tree pollen) soon Susan 

Thanks Paula.  We won't give up till we do. 

 I too have to disagree with your vet  as the only time Princess has ever brought us mucus after vomit is in late spring/early summer (after the first couple of grass cuttings) usually after a couple of weeks she is back to normal so we just have a week or two on benadryl 

Thanks AnnMarie.  It seems there is a lot of agreement with my maternal instinct as to the cause.      The probiotics won't do her any harm though and I guess the Pepcid will help control the acid regardless of the cause but I am still thinking that benadryl or even claritin might be a good solution since she does suffer from itching and sneezing every allergy season. 

[MattiesMom (MaryEllen)]

My Missy got a half in the AM with breakfast and a half in the PM with dinner.  Sassy gets a quarter pill at each meal.  I agree that there could also be something in the food that is upsetting her stomach.  Did you try a limited ingredient food?  That is a food with only one protein and grain source, no vegetables and no fruit.  Wellness makes "Simple Solution" using this formula.  It's a good place to start to see if the problem clears up and then try adding other foods.  So, if you find it is not due to mucus and may be due to a food sensitivity try something like Simple Solutions. 
MaryEllen

[Susan J]

Hi Mary Ellen,

I am very familiar with Wellness and for her first 4 years, Missy ate the Whitefish and Sweet Potato blend.  After the episode with the struvite crystals, I started looking into something different.  I also read that several fluffs seem to be allergic to root vegetables such a sweet potatoes. 

At the time, there were only 2 options in the Simple Solutions line, duck and lamb.      I see that they have now added Salmon and rice.      

[Lizzie]

Susan - I do so hope that Missy is feeling so much better and that you have both managed to get some sleep.

Not having dogs with allergies - I feel I am lucky watching all the posts on this site.    I did reply much earlier to a post of Marilyn's about Dorwest.   I have been using Dorwest Herbs for many years and wouldn't be without them.  I use Garlic and Fenugreek daily to boost the dogs immunity.   Raspberry Leaf for the pregnant bitches.  Glucosomine for the older ones and Omega 3.  If there is a particular problem you can email them and they will come back with advice.  I find them extremely helpful. I've never posted links but - if you look on the Web for Dorwest Herbs you should be able to find them.  They're based here in the UK and they are a small familyh business but do distribute worldwide.

The probiotic won't do Missy any harm.  In fact it will line her stomach and get the gut working properly.  At the end of the day Susan - you know your own b*t*h and Mum does know best.

I'll keep watching and pray that things will settle down. 
Love Lizzie 

[Susan J]

Thanks Lizzie 

The Gulf coast of the US is terrible for seasonal allergy sufferers, human and bichon.    We just picked up some of the pepcid which is a brand name for Famotidine, a long lasting acid reducer.  If it is food related, that should take care of it, if it doesn't then, I'll try the seasonal allergy relief.

I'm glad that you agree with giving her the probiotics.   

[Alison]

How is she today? I hope the probiotics do help.Poor thing.Abby shakes at the vets too.Alison

[Susan J]

How is she today? I hope the probiotics do help.Poor thing.Abby shakes at the vets too.Alison

Abby has a lot more reason to be frightened and , hopefully, that will change.      Missy is fine during the day and I'm really hoping for a better night tonight.   

[Alison]

I think its just the smell of the places  and they all freak each other out.

I hope you both get some sleep tonight.You must be exhausted.Alison

[MattiesMom (MaryEllen)]

Hi Mary Ellen,

I am very familiar with Wellness and for her first 4 years, Missy ate the Whitefish and Sweet Potato blend.  After the episode with the struvite crystals, I started looking into something different.  I also read that several fluffs seem to be allergic to root vegetables such a sweet potatoes.  

At the time, there were only 2 options in the Simple Solutions line, duck and lamb.     I see that they have now added Salmon and rice.      

Regular Wellness foods do have sweet potato.  Wellness Simple Solutions has no root vegetables (no vegetables at all).  It is simply a meat and a rice.  I'm currently feeding it to Mattie while waiting for results of her stone test.  They have canned and kibble.  It really is a good food to use if you feel your fluff has food allergies or sensitive tummy issues.  MaryEllen

[EDDEL]

How did Missy fare last night?   I sure hope the pepcid helped.  Regardless if it's the pollens (ie. environmental allergy related) or food allergy related, I hope you get to the bottom of this soon.  sent are for you both .... I know you've had a rough one week too. 

[Susan J]

How did Missy fare last night?

She threw up once at 3:40 AM but it was only a small quantity and it was only once.    I guess the probiotics need time to be effective and maybe I'll give her the pepcid a little earlier tonight.   

She is her usual jaunty playful self today, though, since she was able to go right back to sleep after the one episode.

[Alison]

I hope she keeps on improving poor thing.Alison

[lorraine]

Good to see that last night was better, Susan, looking forward to hearing that you all slept through the night! 

[Lizzie]

So far so good Susan.  I do soooo hope that Missy will turn the corner soon.  It will be such a relieft for both of you. 

[Raewync (Rae)]

Sending get well wishes to Missy

[Andrea]

Feel remiss that I have just had time to catch up on Missy.  I am so sorry that she is still having tummy problems.  SOunds like last night was a little better.  I am not familiar with dogs with allergies so no advise here.  I only hope that with spring coming and the pollen starting, that Noah does not exhibit any symptoms, but I have learned a lot from this thread so will know what to do.  Hope that Missy continues to imporve and that you both can get a good nights sleep soon.

[Susan J]

I spoke too soon.  Wednesday night still saw her throwing up at 3:30 and 5:30 AM.  I gave her 5mg of famotidine (as recommended by the vet on Monday) around 9PM.

Today, we are picking up a bag of the Simple Solutions , salmon and rice blend.  I'm also getting a fresh bottle of regular benedryl tablets to get back to my original assumption that it is allergies and not food.

Thanks for all the concern and advice.   

[EDDEL]

Poor thing! I don't know what else to say (it sure is baffling ... this long episode of vomiting)
Know that I'm still sending well-wishes and hugs for dear Missy.

[Susan J]

Thanks Del,

I've just been reading about various on line veterinary recommendations for dosage for Famotidine (Pepcid).  Some say twice a day with meals.  I'll try sticking with the pepcid and the new food since the vet thinks it is acid reflux probably due to an upset tummy caused by something she ate and not allergy related.

I'll only give it a couple more days though.  She is extremely itchy again which makes me think that I was right and it is caused by the tree pollen, etc. 

[EDDEL]

Even though your vet thinks it's not the pollens/allergies causing her to be sick , I think us as moms usually have a good feel (even if it's from the gut) about what's wrong with our babies .  If I were in your shoes I'd be doing the same thing too ... covering all the bases.  I'm hoping hard that the two-prong approach will work and bring much relief for Missy soon.

[Cheryl]

So sorry to hear of poor Missy's  .   

I wish I had an answer for you, but I don't.  But  I can tell you of our experience with 

Last spring Lacey started  everyday at 3:00-3:30 in the afternoon.  The rest of the day she was fine, played, ate, pottyed all normally. 

I took her to the vet, who checked her all over, pronounced her perfectly healthy and was baffled as to the cause.  Her only suggestion was that maybe her stomach emptied to quickly and caused  the yellow bile  .  She told me to try dividing her food into many smaller portions  so that her stomach would not be empty at that time of day.  It worked!  All I can tell you is that it worked for her, being the food obsessed  that she is, I have to be careful that she doesn't eat too much, but she needs to have a little something on her tummy all day or she . 

I don't know anything about allergies, and I know you know your own  better that anyone, but I wanted to share our experience just as another thought........

Give the little puker hugs  from us, 

[kate1064]

Aw poor Missy  
I hope you get to the bottom of it soon Susan.  
Give her a  and  from me and the gals

[Alison]

Poor thing.This is a nightmare for both of you.I think your doing the right thing coming from both angles.I hope it works soon.Alison

[Susan J]

Thanks Del, Kate, Alison  for your good wishes.   

Last spring Lacey started  everyday at 3:00-3:30 in the afternoon.  The rest of the day she was fine, played, ate, pottyed all normally. 

I took her to the vet, who checked her all over, pronounced her perfectly healthy and was baffled as to the cause.  Her only suggestion was that maybe her stomach emptied to quickly and caused  the yellow bile  .  She told me to try dividing her food into many smaller portions  so that her stomach would not be empty at that time of day.  It worked!  All I can tell you is that it worked for her, being the food obsessed  that she is, I have to be careful that she doesn't eat too much, but she needs to have a little something on her tummy all day or she . 

Cheryl,
You may have identified the problem.  Today for the first time, she also threw up in the afternoon, about 30 minutes ago, 3:30 PM.  It was foamy yellow bile.

I just divided the rest of her daily allowance in half and will try three meals instead of two.  I just gave her the new Simple Solutions .   

[Annie36]

Sorry it took so long for me to get back here and check on Missy. I hope she is right as rain now. Poor baby and poor you

I give Jake half a claritin(right off the shelves)......my vet didn't reccomend it....Ken,Schnoppy's dad, told me that is what his vet told him to do with Schnoppy's allergies.....So I tried it and it helped soooooo much. I took him off of it for the winter....but Rag weed will rear it's ugly head soon and I wanted to get a jump on it this year. Not to mention the rainy season has arrived and the molds and mildews will be reacking havok too

[Lizzie]

Susan - you are pushing all the right buttons.  Fingers crossed that by splitting her meals into 3 times this will help and poor  little Missy will feel much better.

[Cheryl]

link=topic=16089.msg222775#msg222775 date=1268326621]


 

Cheryl,
You may have identified the problem.  Today for the first time, she also threw up in the afternoon, about 30 minutes ago, 3:30 PM.  It was foamy yellow bile.

I just divided the rest of her daily allowance in half and will try three meals instead of two.  I just gave her the new Simple Solutions .   

Oh I sooo hope that this helps the poor little thing     

Maybe even a light bedtime snack would help her through the night.   

We're  keeping our fingers paws and everything else crossed that she is starts feeling waaay better.   

[princess]

just checking in to see how Missy is doing 

[Susan J]

Thank you all so much for all your advice.  I think I've managed to immediately implement some of it  and the rest like the claritin and benedryl, I'm keeping in mind and may try if the current regime doesn't work.

Last night was the first night since her birthday on 2/28 that she didn't throw up in the middle of the night.   

Right after she threw up yesterday afternoon, I implemented the 1/3 cup, three times a day meal regime and she had her first taste of Wellness Simple Solutions Salmon and Rice with probiotic sprinkles.  Her reaction was to send compliments to the chef. 

I gave her  5mg of famotidine before her afternoon meal and her 8:30 bedtime meal.  She always used to get a slice of apple as a bedtime snack but since she had a meal, I eliminated that yesterday.  She was not too happy about that but I wanted to get her on something very simple.

I did try to give her a half of a 25mg benadryl but she absolutely wouldn't take it.  It must taste awful      because she normally takes any type of pill that I give her.   

I'm going to follow the same schedule today and keep my fingers crossed.   

I can't tell you how much your support means to me.       While Missy has always been very itchy during pollen season, she has never has ongoing nausea like this.   She got up two times last night and I was up with her ready to clean up but all she wanted was two very big drinks of water. 

   all so much

[Cheryl]

     


Good news!!!!   Keep up the good work Dr. Mom!

  to you both!

[Alison]

Thats great news!!! I hope it just keeps getting better and better now.Alison

[kate1064]

Great news Susan, i hope its the same tonight. 

Since i got Bo and she has been on 2 meals a day i did the same with Lucy and she scoffs her breakfast, previously Sophie and Lucy wouldn't eat in the morning.

[lorraine]

I am so happy that things are on the way up, 

[Andrea]

I feel so sorry for you and Missy.  You 2 have really been through a lot these past weeks.  Sounds like you have found the right combination to help her. I certainly hope that she continues to feel better so you both can get a good nights sleep.  My heart just hurts for your poor baby. 

[Lizzie]

Thank goodness you have turned the corner now Susan.  So glad that little Missy is feeliing soooo much better.  Will keep watching to make sure. 

[Susan J]

Woo Hoo    Two nights in a row and no  .    I did have to give her Benadryl liquid last night and this morning, however.  (I tried the pills again but she is adamant about her dislike  )   She is unbelievably itchy.

The weather always gives the allergy forecast and right now tree pollen is extreme.    I will stay will the 3 meal plan and start easing her off the pepcid after a few more calm tummy nights    but I will stick with the Benadryl until the pollen level drops.

Thanks all.  You are the best.   

[Andrea]

   So glad that Missy has had 2 good nights- also meaning that you had 2 nights of sleep.  You are so clever to figure out the right combination for her.    We are just starting with pollen - yellow everywhere - so I will have a head start if Noah starts this.  Did you use the claratin or just the benedryl?  Wishes for continued good health and no sick tummy.

[Susan J]

I just used the Benadryl liquid, Andrea.  I'm not adverse to using Claritin but if this seems to be working, I'll stick to it.

[Cheryl]

 

[Alison]

I'm so glad she's doing better.I hope its just the early pollen that bothers her and it passes soon.Alison

[EDDEL]

Bianca & I have been sending our prayers & well-wishes to Texas.... and we're delighted to hear/read that Missy has had good/uneventful nights (no updates since March 13th means status quo right? ).

[Susan J]

I think the episode of  is finally over.   

Thanks for all your well wishes and all the advice which worked so well for my little girl.   

[Alison]

Thats brilliant news.I'm so glad to hear she's feeling better.Alison

[lorraine]

I am so happy all the  is over for Missy and you Susan. 

[Susan J]

  Thanks Alison and Lorraine.  It feels great to get a good night's sleep again.    


edited by Del to add:- to Susan's latest update about "Missy sick again"