Expert: English Bulldogs ( Marie ) e-mail me at mpmaltese@gmail.com - 4/11/2008

Question
My English Bulldog got sick last week and starting throwing up, and then
eventually stopped eating, but continued to throw up yellow bile. I took her to
the vet, and he said that he thought she just had some gastritis, possibly from
eating something funny outside, or getting into the trash. He advised me to
start her on a bland diet of rice mixed with a little chicken and after she was
eating that, to gradually work her dog food back in. Well, I brought her home,
cooked the chicken and rice and she wouldn't touch it. Then the next day she
stopped drinking water. I took her right back to the vet, she was dehydrated
and had to be put on an IV drip to re-hydrate her. She spent the night at the
animal hospital, and the next day the vet ran tests on her liver, kidneys, white
blood cell count, etc... everything came back normal. She also had x-rays
done and they found nothing out of the ordinary. She ended up spending 3
days with the vet, and finally today ate a dog biscuit for them but wouldn't
touch any of the dog food they offered her. They called me to let me know
that they thought she was doing much better and that a possible reason why
she still wasn't eating food was that she just wasn't at home where she is
comfortable, and that I should bring her home and see how she does. Well I
brought her home today, and I've tried the rice again, hot dogs, and even
some chicken baby food. She wont touch anything! She is drinking water at
this point, and hasn't thrown up anything in 2 days since the vet has had her
on Metoclopromide, and had given her Cerenia injections. We are to keep
giving her the Metoclopromide for the next 5 days.
Do you have any idea why she isn't eating? Is there something else I can try?
I'm really worried about her.. she is only 1 year old, and has never had any
health problems since we've had her. Please help?!

Answer
Hi Gretchen:  I have heard this story many times.  Sorry you two had to go thru this.  Glad you have a good vet!  I am sure it cost you many many $$$$$.  
Ok, here are some suggestions for you:

First thing would be to go and get some canned dog food - the one for her would be Instinct Venison.  She should enjoy the taste and it will be very easy to digest.  Here is a photo of what to look for.  Most pet stores will have this brand.  If you can't find this then get Wellness Venison.

http://www.k9cuisine.com/p-122-natures-variety-instinct-venison-formula-canned-d...

Also, I want you to add a little barley to her food.  You will cook the barley and it will keep for 3 days in a sealed container.
The barley will be mixed into the canned venison.  


You can also add some dog gravy to her food - just 1 tablespoon on top of the canned dog food.  The pet stores sell gravy made by Iams and it comes in 4 flavors.  That gravy gets many dogs to eat.


To keep her belly well you should give yogurt every day.  This will keep the good and bad bacterias in balance.  Get the Activa Brand of yogurt and give 1/2 cup per day.  ( even when she is well)  Make sure you get the low fat one with the ACTIVE Cultures...


NuVET Plus is a great Doggie Vitamin Supplement - Only one per day will keep your pal health and well.  NuVET has a taste guarantee too!
100% guaranteed to love the taste, or your money back.
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html


Any questions, just ask.  BEST wishes with all!!!!