I have a 9 yr. old Miniature Pinscher. She went through surgery a month ago to remove a blockage in her intestines. The blockage was a sand like material. She came home 2 days later. I took her back 10 days after surgery to get her stitches removed and she was doing just great. About a week later, she had an episode where she threw up everything she ate for supper that night. Fine again for another week. I then took her to my local vet because her stomach was distended. Was told after x-rays that she had too much gas in her large intestines. They kept her overnight and gave fluids and medicine for motility. I picked her up the next afternoon. She ate that night, but has not eaten since. She is drinking a little water. That was 2 days ago. Her belly is still full of gas. She has had only one bowel movement in 2 days and it was all water. Is there anything that I can do to help her as in electrolytes that I can get over the counter or something to help with the gas? I am desperate as I really can't afford another expensive vet visit.
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Miniature Pinscher Gender: Female Age: 9 Name of Dog: Sandy
Hello, and thanks for writing in.
You can try over the counter simethicone (Gas-X) 125mg by mouth once daily for Sandy. This may help cut down on the gas.
For electrolytes, you can give Pedialyte (or generic pedialyte), in addition to her water.
She likely has not had bowel movements since she is not eating much. You can try several things, such as cooked chicken and rice, boiled hamburger and rice, cottage cheese, plain cooked pasta, chicken baby food, or turkey baby food. For regular Dog Food, I would recommend using a bland, easy to digest food, such as Hill's i/d, Purina EN, or Iams intestinal low-residue food.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Dave
As far as simethicone I have tried using the dosage for a baby. 3ml. Sandy only weighs about 7 lbs. She refuses to eat anything. I have been feeding her chicken and rice that I have cooked and she still will not eat.
For the simethicone, you can give up to 2.0ml of the infant formula with each dosing.
If she will not eat anything on her own, you will need to "force-feed" her by putting the food in a blender with some water to make it soupy. Then, use a syringe or turkey baster to put the food into her mouth. If she still refuses to take in any nutrition this way, she may need to go back on IV fluids.
Let me know if I can help further.
Experience: 18 years small animal general and emergency practice