Quote: Joyce Salazar

Do they know what causes HGE?

A little bit of everything. So, no. Not really.

I was SO lucky to be able to find a stress link to Turbo's. Only took about ten times of it happening, but hasn't happened in a very long time. I honestly can't remember the last time.

That's good to hear Michael. I remember when you went through that with Turbo. That was the first time I had ever heard of HGE.
It is so good you found a connection to stress have not had any more issues with it.

Sheila, wishing Thor a much better day today, hope he heals up soon!

Agreed. Wonderful post. The source of HGE is unknown; no one has been able to isolate a virus or a bacteria or a specific demographic to it. But, it is treatable.

Thor's treatment plan is as follows: Last night subcutaneous fluid only. No fluids or food by mouth. A cerenia injection for nausea.

This morning half a can of Hills i/d food (collective Leerburg groan)
Disclaimer: Temporary and as part of the beginning protocol in his treatment...I'm in agreement with my vet on its use in this case.

Reintroduce water
2 Metronidazole pills to treat colitis symptoms

Thor was enthusiastic about the food but only ate half of what I offered, however; he returned to his bowl 15 minutes later and finished the rest. He is taking water and has drank about a quarter of a bowl in the past 2.5 hours. Leaving his crate twice to get a drink. He took his pills with no problem. He has not had a BM or vomited so far.

I will offer him another half a can of food this afternoon and also this evening and give him 2 more pills.

He is still crate bound and lethargic but at least I'm not having to force fluids; he is seeking them out.

I am monitoring his digestive system front and back ends as well as his gums for tackiness and any behavior changes. As soon as I notice any change I am to report in to the vet and she will decide what she would like to do next.

Oh a long day in the house but lots for me to do following the "Comfort Food" thread.....I have a wonderful chicken soup simmering in the slow cooker as I type.

 Quote: Dana Martin

Don't be surprised if Thor passes more tarry stools or even vomits a bit more of it. Old blood in the GI tract is VERY nauseating. As the areas in his stomach begin to heal depending on the size of the areas that were bleeding, they will develop small clots which will slowly dissolve as the areas stop bleeding. This is what you'll see him pass. This most likely will happen today and possibly tomorrow. But the amount should significantly decrease.

What you need to watch for is any sign that he's passing bright red blood either by vomiting or in his stool. This is a sign that he could be actively bleeding and needs to be treated ASAP. If this happens call your vet immediately!

With HGE, it can be red blood because the stomach lining IS actively bleeding.

If the HGE diagnosis is correct, there is no more treating to do other than supportive care with IV fluids. I *think* Turbo got antibiotics to help with any possible infection. Other than that, it is sit and wait for him to stop pooping blood.

The supportive care your vet is doing is pretty much it. No food or water by mouth so that the digestive tract gets a TOTAL break.

It was usually a 3 day deal with Turbo. Most of that just keeping him still and poop watching.

Michael what was the stressor? I can't think of anything out of the ordinary or stress in Thor's case but ideas are appreciated.

 Quote: Sheila Buckley

Michael what was the stressor? I can't think of anything out of the ordinary or stress in Thor's case but ideas are appreciated.

Me.:frown:

This isn't a pity party, and I'm hesitant to post because I don't want anybody to think I'm crazy.

It was a very low point in my life. I would be fine for months and then all of a sudden I'd fall into a rut. Just get down for no good reason. When I got down, Turbo would do the same. Actually, about a day before me. I think he was picking up a subtle change in body language, or my voice that said trouble was around the corner. His tail would drop, he'd get mopey, and shourtly after the bloody diarrhea would start.

When I got help for myself, my episodes got further and further apart, and so did his. I was able to see the correlation between the 2 then.

So not a definite link, but I can't deny what I saw.

Other than the Wafghan I wouldn't say you were crazy; especially over thinking there was a correlation between your state of being and Turbo's.

I think dogs are a better barometer of our mental and physical status than we are.

Funny, I have been obsessing in my mind a bit about my youngest child leaving for college in September. As a matter of fact Thor's 11th bday was on Sunday and my husband and I had him out and were talking. I was saying how I got Thor because Tara went to school full time and I didn't like being home by myself all day (I worked 4PM-12AM). Then I made the comment that this time next year it might just not be Tara that is away but Thor was getting close to that age. That was the first time I vocalized it but the idea has been floating around..... you might be on to something Michael. Thank you.

I absolutely believe our dogs know everything about us. I think we give off clues and scents, changes to our body chemistry that our dogs can read. They might not understand what it means, but they know.

I've been hibernating for the last 2 months. Doing nothing but what I have to, have the winter blahs BAD. I've noticed that Ripley is quiet and sleeping more, too.

 Quote: Michael_Wise

With HGE, it can be red blood because the stomach lining IS actively bleeding.

My point exactly. Since Thor has only passed black tarry stools this would indicate that the blood is old, not fresh. That is why my recommendation that if he does start passing bright red blood it needs to be attended to ASAP. My fear would be that being on a strong NSAID like the Metacam that there would actually be an ulcer that was actively bleeding, but overlooked because of the tenative diagnosis of HGE.

A bleeding ulcer can cause a human to bleed to death in a short amount of time if the ulcer is large enough or has formed over an artery in the stomach. I would imagine a dog could bleed to death in an even shorter amount of time given the body size.

However, a bleeding ulcer can be treated and stopped in very short order by undergoing an endoscopy. The site can be cauterized and/or injected with epinephrine to constrict the vessels.

I would just hate to have Sheila ignore the bright red blood assuming it was HGE only to perhaps learn it was an ulcer. If it weren't for the history of the Metacam, I wouldn't emphasize this possibility as much as I have.

I won't ignore anything. And I won't be allowed to. LOL! I am being stalked by my vet's office. I was out running errands and took Thor along for the ride and forgot my cell phone. We were out for about 2 hours and the vet's office left two messages to please call and give an update on Thor's condition.

The good news he wanted to go on errands, he is STARVING and drinking normally. He has had 3 half can servings of dog food and has not vomited or had a BM yet.....now it is dark and snowing so I'm not sure I'll know what I'm looking at if he should need to go this evening.

My vet said if he is really scrounging around for food and has not been sick I can add another 1/2 can feeding at 10PM....Thank God....the whining that I have been ignoring was just replaced by flinging his bowl across the floor. I guess he's feeling better because that's the boy I love.

Until he goes the bathroom; we will continue on as stated. However; my vet would like to see him if he doesn't move his bowels tomorrow......is there no happy medium?

Now that he stopped whining I will feed him before it starts again. Thanks everyone for all the support.