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Ask the Veterinarian/67lb lab cross sick
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Question
Hello, My 18 month lab cross began the day by throwing up her food,(raw diet) there was a lot of grasses in the throw up....she has been trying regularly to go to the bathroom, but nothing except a little liquid comes out, which is very strong/diareha smelling. She was panting a bit but seems to have calmed,, I am giving her water and canned pumpkin, which she licks off my fingers. Two changes of late, she ate something, perhaps feces, as well as sat in some stagnant water yesterday morning.....her skin seems dry, as there are white flakes on her dark coat. She has not in the past eaten toys or objects... she is lethargic and does not want anything to eat (unlike her normal self)
Well you don't mention vaccinations so I would be worried about parvo here. Vomiting, smelly diarrhea are hallmarks of parvo virus.
Stagnant water can be deadly for dogs if they ingest any of it. Depending on where the water is, if there is algae in it etc.
I would get her to the vet's first thing in the morning and have her looked at for that reason. There are many bad things in stagnant water that she might have picked up.
Her skin and coat condition are due to her diet which is most likely deficient in many things. I know all about raw diets and I also know that not one veterinarian will recommend one.
Dogs are not wolves no matter how much we want to believe they are. They don't do well on raw diets anymore than wolves do well on dry dog food. Both have different biological processes that the other one does not. Plus no matter how careful you are, homemade diets are always lacking in some essential nutrients.
Dry skin and flaky coats are proof of that.
Get her to vet tomorrow to sort out the vomiting and diarrhea issues before you tackle a diet change.
I am more worried about the water etc than her diet!
Please let me know what the vet says. I am concerned.
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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