I need some help with one of my critters.

I've taken him to my long-time vet, but I'm having this feeling maybe he's not giving this little guy the best of care.

So are there any vets, vets in training, vet techs, or even doctors, doctors in training, or nurses on this site?

Thanks in advance.

Well this little dog of mine is having problems with chronic constipation. As benign as it sounds, it's really presented some serious problems--so serious I've had to take the dog to the emergency vet clinic.

Right now, we're treating him with lactulose and a change in diet. It's helped, but....he's still having problems.

Apparently, this is common in cats, but dogs can have it, too. I was just wondering what could cause this problem since this seemed to happen suddenly. And I was wondering what the typical treatment might be??

I've been researching it all online... And of course, I've gotten too much info. I was just wondering if I could engage a vet or a doctor into a discussion to get his/her ideas...

Do you live in Georgia?

If so, question your neighbors.

FauxReal said:

Do you live in Georgia?

If so, question your neighbors.

Thanks.. but I just thought I'd try here. Can't hurt... but it might not help either.

deadmansbones said:

FauxReal said:

Do you live in Georgia?

If so, question your neighbors.

Thanks.. but I just thought I'd try here. Can't hurt... but it might not help either.

I was just joking. It was a reference to an older thread. I've got nothing against seeking answers on a forum, I do it myself.

Good luck and I hope your dog feels better.

It would be better if an actual vetrinarian got to look at and examine the dog. If it's an emergency take the animal to the animal emergency hospital/clinic.

Poor doggie.

When my daughter had constipation as a baby, it was really painful for her. I gave her plain glycerin suppositories and that helped, but I'm of course not advising anything as I know nothing about veterinary medicine. I just know it can be a real issue and I hope you find the answer.

BklynBabe said:

If your vet has recommended bloodwork, xrays/ultrasound/endoscopy, and a fecal check then s/he's probably a good vet. Most of us really try very hard to keep your pets healthy. Take your concerns to your vet, and listen to what they say too.

Yeah, he's done all that.

But.. this dog is still having problems. So I took to the internet, of course, which isn't always a good thing!

I found info. about "megacolon." Do you know anything about "megacolon"? My vet hasn't even mention it. He keeps telling me not to lose hope, that "he has more up his sleeve."

I want to believe him... but it's difficult when the animal keeps having the same problems...

BklynBabe said:

Sent you an orgnote! Megacolon is extremely rare in dogs.... It's hard to see your baby suffer but sometimes there is no easy cure. I would call your vet first thing and discuss your concerns with him. A good vet will definitely call you within 24 hours and take time to talk to you.

Yes, I received it. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. You can see I'm really concerned. My vet knows I'm concerned! LOL

I just hope this situation can be managed...if not cured. And it's good to know megacolon is rare in dogs.

Hey... the animal is eating and playing... He just seems to have fits of severe constipation where he vomits..

Anyway... thanks so much. I really appreciate it.

If I asked my argentinian in laws about constipation I know I'd get their tried and true "stem of parsley in the anus trick" for dogs and babies - apparently never fails

My brother in laws mother who is italian, shaved a bar of soap into a pencil thickness and shoved it in her dogs ass and that fixed it.

I do NOT endorse either method since I am NOT a veterinarian.

I will say that very soapy water inserted into our babies' butts definitely made everyone happier, a couple times

abigail05 said:

I will say that very soapy water inserted into our babies' butts definitely made everyone happier, a couple times

human babies or dogs?

ZombieKitten said:

abigail05 said:

I will say that very soapy water inserted into our babies' butts definitely made everyone happier, a couple times

human babies or dogs?

well, our little baby girls! (people)

I know it sounds weird but in times of much distress we put warm water and dishwashing soap in a little baster, and squeezed some up there. Poop soon came out, and the terrible crying stopped...

Not sure this is going to work with a dog, who knows

[Edited 11/13/10 4:08am]

abigail05 said:

ZombieKitten said:

human babies or dogs?

well, our little baby girls! (people)

I know it sounds weird but in times of much distress we put warm water and dishwashing soap in a little baster, and squeezed some up there. Poop soon came out, and the terrible crying stopped...

Not sure this is going to work with a dog, who knows

[Edited 11/13/10 4:08am]

I'm pretty sure it would.

My kids were never constipated, were yours bottlefed?

ZombieKitten said:

abigail05 said:

well, our little baby girls! (people)

I know it sounds weird but in times of much distress we put warm water and dishwashing soap in a little baster, and squeezed some up there. Poop soon came out, and the terrible crying stopped...

Not sure this is going to work with a dog, who knows

[Edited 11/13/10 4:08am]

I'm pretty sure it would.

My kids were never constipated, were yours bottlefed?

They did Mama's milk for awhile but for whatever reason that stopped...then we bought those outrageously expensive tins of Enfamil

dang, I wish we'd have more babies. I would so do that again

abigail05 said:

ZombieKitten said:

I'm pretty sure it would.

My kids were never constipated, were yours bottlefed?

They did Mama's milk for awhile but for whatever reason that stopped...then we bought those outrageously expensive tins of Enfamil

dang, I wish we'd have more babies. I would so do that again

I would NEVER

mine never had formula, and had pasty poos

Is your dog a large breed? If so, ask your vet about intussusception. That's a condition where part of the bowel telescopes into another causing a blockage or twisting of the intestines which is usually fatal if not removed quickly.