Expert: Marie Peppers / The Boston Terrier Lady - 6/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: I Have a 5 1/2 year old Boston named Seamus. Seamus's belly swelled up real big, he also had loose stools and we had to take him to the vet. They said he was dehydrated and ended up diagnosing him with gastroenteritis and colitis. They sent us home on a bland diet & flagyl. Yesterday Seamus threw up what must have been a liter of fluid. I couldn't believe how much it was. He seems in good spirits but he keeps vomiting fluid that is slimy. I am taking him back to the vet but I am concerned they may not be diagnosing him correctly. What can I do to help this poor boy's belly?

ANSWER: Gina, Please bring him back, to the vet,  just to make sure he is not dehydrated.
Also, ask them to give him a shot for the vomiting...
Yes, I bet the diagnosis is correct - The flagyl should help in 48 hrs or less....
Please get back with me and I will suggest a feeding program and some supplements so he doesn't have this happen again.

Call the vet first, Ok

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Marie,

I took Seamus to the Vet Saturday morning. They said he was a little dehydrated, they gave him some IV fluids, some pepcid, told me to keep him on the Flagyl and start some probiotics. Also stay on bland diet. He is doing much better. I want to do whatever I can to keep him healthy and in my life for as long as possible. Can you suggest food, treats and probiotics even vitamins if necessary. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Glad you did take him back for the fulids....
Yes, your vet is smart to suggest some probiotics.
Here are some things I would love to see you put Mr. Seamus on:

1.  yes, A good probiotic - long term - 1 per day - hide in some cheese or wet canned dog food:
Flora Force / (1 per day for 3-4 months )
Nature's Sunshine - order here:
WE have great luck with the Nature's sunshine products...
http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=4080

2.  NuVET wafer supplements - this will help your Boston's Immune system and it is the number One doggie vitamin in the USA...
Holistic and natural....very safe!
CAll 1-800-474-7044 ( not sold in stores)
Tell them Pet Nurse Marie is working with you and your vet.
All Seamus need is 1 NuVET wafer treat per day / LONG term...
http://www.nuvet.com/81098
*give referral number 81098*/ and my name Marie Peppers
FAST shipping when you CALL in your order...

3.  You may want to try the SoJo dog food cooking program:
You add your own lightly cooked meats ( I do all white meats) ....
Here is the link for SoJo - sold in many pet stores or free shipping with this link:
The GREEN bag is the Grain-free mix:
That is the one we like - Grain free foods/ easy on the belly...
http://www.sojos.com/index.aspx?affiliate=petnurse


Ok, Keep me posted on his condition.
I would pop him on the SoJo feeding and the supplements asap...

best wishes....

Marie Peppers LPN MA
Ask the pet nurse
mtnmom@gci.net