Big dogs and Bloat

[The patriot]

Youre in my thoughts and prayers Scott.

I'm glad to hear things are looking better.

Eric

 

[Pit Bull]

Glad to hear she is doing better. You can tell by my name that I am a dog person. My wife read about bloat several years ago. So we feed out of a raised dish for our Golden Retriever. We would do the same for our Pit Bull but he is lazy and lays on his stomach while he eats . I pray that your baby gets through this.

Denny

 

[craftybigdog]

I constantly worry about that to, I have 2 Great Danes and I always worry about them getting bloat I just try to be careful with them but I just wanted to let you know we will continue to pray for your dog and your family and good luck Im sure everything will work out they say the first 30min are the most critical!!!!!!!!!!

 

[GiesJ]

Scott -

good luck with your family member! prayers keep coming...

j

 

[JHansen]

Good news Scott-hope it keeps coming.



Jason

 

['956Wheel]

Glad to hear things are on the upswing. We do tend to get VERY attached to these "furry children".



I had a Am Staff that just about raised my girls, when he was 16 his health was waning. Had to do the dirty deed, I am not ashamed to say I cried like a little kid as I held him while he went to "sleep"... . I have come to the conclusion that we choose to take them into our lives as family members and must take care of them to the fullest which includes the sad part of saying goodbye.





Do you show your SB's? I now have Standard Schnauzers, both ******* and one is a Ch. owner handled, the other is a performance dog, obstacle course, both hold CGC's and one is Delta Cert. What Fun.





Keep us posted of the news.



God Bless.



Mike



P. S. BITC**S is a "bad word"? humm... . see the ******

 

[Ted Constantine]

Scott I am very sorry to hear about Barkley but I am happy she is doing well. Unforunately having bloated once makes her more suseptible in the future but with the right feeding schedule and attention it is not a problem. Please keep us informed. I work as an Assistant in an animal hospital as I am hoping to go back to vet school in the next two year. The hardest part of any situation in the hospital is the fear and pain of the owners. It is just heart wrenching. My heart is with you.



Ted

 

[QRTRHRS]

Originally posted by '956Wheel

I had a Am Staff that just about raised my girls, when he was 16 his health was waning. Had to do the dirty deed, I am not ashamed to say I cried like a little kid as I held him while he went to "sleep"... . I have come to the conclusion that we choose to take them into our lives as family members and must take care of them to the fullest which includes the sad part of saying goodbye.

Mike, I like what you said but take exception to the "dirty deed" part. When an animal can no longer live a dignified life, the kindest thing we can do is put them down. Been there, done that many times myself. Like people, I like to think our pets are going to a better place.

 

[Pit Bull]

Here is something that I believe. I send to friends that have lost a pet (Friend)



Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.



All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind.



They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.



Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

~ Author Unknown

 

[BCaldwell]

It's a day later hope Barkley is doing well

 

[Bigsaint]

Damn, had a long post that the spell check just wiped out... long story short is that she's home and doing well. If she makes it to Friday she's pretty much outta the woods. Thanks again for all the kind words and your prayers. I'll keep ya posted.



Scott W.

 

[rmrc]

Glad to hear that she's home where she belongs!!!!!! I'm sure that you'll baby her continually! Hope she doesn't think that she just won Doggie Lotto!

 

[lizzyhermit]

Brat, Bud Light, Beamer and Lucy (our four legged family members) asked me to send their collective get well wishes to Barkley.

Us two legged ones send our as well. Having lost a valued four legged family member earlier this year we are well aware of the anguish your going through.

 

[Bigsaint]

LOL, thanks guys. I hope my wife doesn't take a pic. while I'm playing ' Pioneer Proctologist' taking a rectal temp. every 4 hours . I thought I was done with that when my youngest daughter turned old enough for the ear thermometer , guess not.



So far so good. Her temp. is running about normal and she has a fair amount of energy, considering the surgery. One more day and we should be ok. Now, where did I put those rubber gloves... .



Scott W.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Scott - the driver and 'passengers' of DieselDoghouse are sorry to hear of your and Barkley's predicament... But don't give up. The first several days are typically the worst and yes, bloat (or Gastric Dilitation/ volvulus - inflating and twisting of the stomach) can kill dogs, but not as often as it used to. We know so much more about how the disease evolves and how to intervene. I'm confident the doctors (lets not forget the technicians too!) will go all out to help Barkley. Our prayers and best wishes go out too! Once she makes it through these first several days (she will!!) the nature of the surgical correction (there are several good techniques) will make it less like to ever bother her again. God Bless!!

 

[DieselDoghouse]

Rectal Thermometer?!! Ya mean they didn't send her home with one installed for 24 hour monitoring?? (Joke: happened to a colleague of mine though!!) Seriously, Good ol' RT still the most accurate method. Glad to hear things are improving, Woof!!

 

[Ted Constantine]

Scott joke for you,



What is the difference between an oral and rectal thermometer??

 

[Peter Campbell]

I dunnno- maybe the taste! YECCCH!!!!

 

[Bigsaint]

DieselDoghouse, Thanks and good info. You had me there on the 24 hr. dog egt monitor for a second . Hmm, come to think about it, I do have an extra street probe for an Autometer pyro, just need a little duct tape and a 12 v source... just kidding.



Okay Ted, I give up. What's the difference between a oral and rectal thermometer ? ( this outta be good)



Scott W.

 

[Ted Constantine]

peter guessed it





THE TASTE



Glad to hear she is doing well. The stars have shined on you. Hope her has a quick recovery.

Ted