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Ask the Veterinarian/Consumption of a dirty diaper

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Expert: - 2/6/2012


Question
Hello,
I have a year old Cairn Terrier. Today around 11:30am he found a dirty diaper and was eating it. I don't know how much of the diaper he actually ate but since then he has thrown up 5 times. He has not eaten since this morning. Until an hour ago he wasn't able to keep down water. He is definitely not himself and I'm concernced for him.
How soon can you tell if he has an obstructed bowel? He doesn't have diarrhea.  He's pretty lethargic. I'm just not sure if I need to run to the emergency vet just yet.

Answer
If you did not go to the emergency veterinarian and he is still not eating and feeling sick, do go to your regular veterinarian as soon as possible.

There is no particular time frame to know if a bowel is obstructed as the diaper material may move forward and backward, sometimes staying in the stomach and sometimes obstructing the intestine. Monitoring his attitude and appetite are the best keys to knowing if he needs more treatment. Some diapers have chemicals in them that could be making him ill as well.

Some IV luids and waiting may resolve the problem but an Xray and probably a Barium Xray will help tell what is happening.

Hope all "came out" fine for your puppy.
Dr. chambreau

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Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

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