Answer

Hi there XXXXXXXXX,

Thank you for your question regarding your young male mix breed puppy who has been very unwell the last little while. This is definitely a rather worrying situation and one you need to monitor very carefully. At the very least, YES you do need to get your dog to your local Veterinary clinic as soon as possible in the morning. This sort of case is always of concern to be since so often I see dogs such as yours in my clinic who have accidentally (or otherwise) ingested toys, bones and other objects and more often than not, these need to be removed via surgery. Sometimes young puppys can also have a twisting of the gut, an intersussception and yes, parvo is common to - so hopefully your boy was vaccinated. Good on you for your work so far in monitoring his bowel movements, appetite and drinking and please continue to have someone monitor himthroughout the night (although I"m sure this is easier said than done as you are probably all hanging out for a sleep right now!). If you are really concerned or taking him to your emergency clinic now will set your mind at ease, then I would definitely recommend getting this done now.

Whatever the case you will definitely need to visit your Vet in the morning - unless he seems absolutely symptomless. Please keep a close eye on his mucus membranes, capillary refill time and respiratory rate tonight as follows:

 

Mucus membranes - flip his lip and look at the color of his gums. They should maintain a nice salmon pink color. Get him to the emergency Vet if they appeal white or very pale pink, or if they are a dark deep red color.

 

Capillary Refill time - this measures blood perfusion and test this by putting your thumb on his gum to apply pressure. After you release your thumb you will see the gum blanch. Capillary refill time is the amount of time it takes (in seconds) for the gum to return to a healthy pink color from the blanced white color. If 2 seconds or less don't worry - if it is taking significantly more time, again - off to the emergency Vet.

 

Respiratory Rate - if he is continuously panting throughout the night this is a sign of shock and or pain and a signal for a trip to the emergency Vet.

 

If he has ongoing vomition throughout the night, seems painful or you are just overly worried about his state of health - get some peace of mind by getting him to your local emergency Vet clinic. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

 

There are a few things that could be going on here from a partial chronic obstruction, a full complete obstruction or even something like an intersucception where the bowel telescopes in on itself. Your Vet will want to give your boy fluids, and take several radiographs (plain and contrast ones to help highlight a foreign body). If it seems as though there is something stuck in his gut, the next step will be an exploratory laparotomy (opening up his abdomen) to be able to get the foreign material out.

 

Best of luck with your boy and please let me know how you get on. Again - keep a close eye on him and take him off to the emergency Vet if you are worried tonight otherwise straight to your regular Vet in the morning. In the mean time be sure to keep his fluids up - hopefully he manages to keep most of it down and if he doesn't definitely get him to the emergency Vet tonight. Be sure to give him a pat and a cuddle from me and please reply if you need further info.

Thank you and please now click ACCEPT.

 

Kind Regards,

 

Dr M D Edwards

Expert:	Dr M D Edwards
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:	1181
Answered:	9/10/2008

Dog Veterinarian

Veterinarian - BVSc (DVM equivalent)