You are here:
Ask the Veterinarian/sick dog
Advertisement
Question
Hi, we have a 1 year old dog that has been a bit sick, but getting worse for the last 3 days. He is lethargic, sometimes shivering a bit and throwing up clear liquid/mucus quite regularly. Our sewage tank over flowed the other day, and we believe he may have eaten some of the raw sewage & toilet paper that was in there (but not sure). Does this sound like the case, or does it sound like he has parvovirus?
Thanks very much.
Kind regards, Indi
It sounds like he has some sort of gastro-intestinal problem for sure. Parvo does start with vomiting but a one year old dog should have had his series of vaccinations so he wouldn't be as susceptible to parvo.
Vomiting is the first symptom followed within hours with bloody, very smelly diarrhea.
Your dog probably has a massive bacterial overload going on in his gut from getting into this raw sewage. If he isn't treated with antibiotics soon this can rapidly progress to death.
He might only have gastritis from it as well but in either case he still needs medical care very soon. I am gathering it is Monday there so get him to the vets today.
Don't wait- you have already waited two days longer than necessary. I hope he makes a complete recovery soon!
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 9 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for your fast reply and the time you spent answering my question. Going into town now to get something for him. I'll email again if I have any more questions. Thanks once again and have a great day. | ||
Related Articles
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.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.