Yes, more antibiotics, that's what vets resort to much of the time when they do not know what is wrong or what to do. I do not know if this would help your little girl, I hope so, but after so many antibiotics, wouldn't it makes sense to try Mia on a PRO-biotic? When ones give an ANTI-biotic, it does go in and kill off the bad bacteria, yes, but many people do not realize it also decimates the population of the extremely needed good bacteria in the gut and after several bouts of anti-biotics, when there is almost nil good bacteria in the gut, it enables a small organism, candida, that when it is in balance in the body, does its job normally, but when there is no more 'good' bateria in the gut (digestive system) to keep candida in check, candida begins to grow out of control and cause all sorts of health problems, eventually producing large amounts of dangerous toxins that the major organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen) in the body have to try to deal with. I have a kitty that developed a condition called mega-colon, around 3 years of age, which is when the colon has lost its elasticity and is unable to push the contents of the colon out. She became very ill, her impacted huge swelled colon layed on her bladder and caused chronic cystitis. She was on constant antibiotic therapy. Different vets, after many months giving her kitty enemas, of trying different fiber products which were somewhat but mostly ineffective, and after I rejected the surgery where they would literally cut out all of her colon, just joining the top end to the bottom end, told me sometimes they make it to the litter box, sent her home to die. She almost did; layed on our sofa unable to eat for more than week (didn't have the strength to get up to go to the liter box ( had to take her) and then when she stopped accepting the water I offered her, I knew I was losing her. I prayed my heart out, was given the what I thought was the unusual answer coconut oil, but did not question,raced to the health store to get unrefined, cold--processed coconut oil. On the third day, after 2 days of after giving her a dropperful of coconut oil 3 times a day, fearing the worst (she had lost more than half her body weight, 10 lbs. down to 6, yikes!) I crept downstairs, so afraid of what I would find, and there she was, on her feet, in the kitchen, waiting for me, demanding food and water. Many tears of joy. I think the coconut oil (it's a medium chain fatty acid that is very healthy for us after all) boosted her immune system sufficiently to bring her back to life. I researched frantically, found a product the vets were unaware of (sometimes we're on our own when saving our babes), Lactulose (specifically for mega-colon condition), they located some, and she began to recover her bowel function, not perfect, but much better. Now, almost 8 years later, she is thankfully alive, but has not seemed truly healthy since that health scare incident, and whenever I take her outside, I couldn't get over her craze with eating grass. I even grow kitty grass inside which she devours. I know they eat grass to help digestion and so, one day, knowing about how antibiotics can wipe out all the good bacteria, impeding digestion, etc., I began thinking about all the ads on tv to help people with their irregularity, digestion, Activia, i.e., yogurt with probiotics, decided to try her on a probiotic. The one I had here was PB8, but probably any good PRObiotic could help. She did not willingly take it sprinkled on her food as I read some pets do. I started slow, so as not to overwhelm her digestive system too quickly, mixed 1/3 of the capsule with some water and slowly syringed it into her mouth (she allows me to give her any supplements, trusts me implicitly, saved her life twice) and after a month she is on 1/2 capsule of PB8 mixed with water, twice a day. She weighs 10 lbs. again, so if you decide to try it, you may want to give a little less if Mia weighs less. After giving her the PB8 for about a month now, I notice her fur has become thick and lush, shiny, her eyes bright, she has no more bowel function problems, and she has started chasing our younger cat who has bugged her for years (I think he just wants someone to play with, but he is a little jealous of her, ok, a lot jealous) and yesterday I saw when he walked by her, she reached out and slapped him, just for good measure, to let him know she is back and is not going to put up with his shenanigans. It sure took me off guard because she is normally very sweet with everyone. He looked to me for help, but I laughed and told him, sorry honey, but payback is hell, (lol). I apoligize this story is so long, but wanted to get across how very ill my girl was and how she has lived a much longer life than vets could ever give her with help from the only one who truly cares how long she lives, me, her mom. I truly wish healthy healing for Mia. Lynn In a message dated 4/7/2011 2:42:24 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
Mia is our 13 year old, female, long-haired Chi. She has been the best dog one could ever ask for. She loves everyone and everyone loves her. She has the swweetest disposition and loves people. She has been a loyal companion for every bit of her 13 years. So, Im doing ANYTHING I can to try and find anyone who may be able to help. It started last year after she had an emergency Spay surgery because her ovaries almost exploded. She made it through okay and seemed fine for a week after, then BAm, she nose dived. Vets couldnt find anything wrong and my wife wass beside herself thinking we have to put her down. It didnt make sense to me so I combed the internet (from Iraq) for hours and finally found a blog, in England, where a simular thing happened to a woman there. Turns out after a second test, prompted by me that she had Pancreatitis. So, after a near death experience and anit-biotics and Steroids she bounced back very, very well. Started to play again the whole nin e. Well Im back in Iraq and she is throwing up and wont eat. Seems to be throwing up undigested food. Vet says all vitals and tests are normal. Shes down to just 3 teeth, but vet looked and saw no swelling, redness, etc. My wife is again worried about her quality of life and doesnt know what to do. The vet, seemingly grasping at straws, is recommending a different anti-biotic. Does anyone have any insights or experiences which could help us with figuring out what is wrong with our poor little loyal dog? She deserves to be taken care of to the fullest extent, but we dont want her QOL compromised any longer than needs be. Please help if you think you can.
