Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 9/29/2008

Question
I took my 17wk old  shih tzu pup to the emergency vet yesterday (Sunday) because for 2 mornings he had a really watery diarrhea for the past 2 mornings (only in the am about 5 am then later in the day it would just be soft) Also yesterday he  threw up white foam (no food in it) I also found a  partial stool that  had a spot of blood in it. I figured he had thrown up bile just because he had an  empty stomach and didn't eat much on  sat (the first day if this) an the   vet suggested that also.
But the did a fecal exam and  found a bacteria count high, and alot of plant matter in it also,  they  ruled  out  anything really  bad because of  no  temp and  he acted very happy (he  was  very  active sat and Sunday despite the Diarrhea) but gave me an antibiotic to give him 2 times a day as well as prescription diet I/d for the diarrhea. the vet suggested that possibly he just ate something that has not agreed with him.
I am just wondering about if this  may  be  an ongoing thing, or  hopefully a single time  thing.


Answer
Darci -

Bacteria in the stool should not be an ongoing problem; with proper antibiotics, the infection should clear. Feed your dog plain white yogurt about once a week in order to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the body.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM