Our tibetean mastiff pup has been sick since the past two weeks. He has no appetite, has become emaciated and has purulent nasal discharge.Can you figure out what the problem is? does it have a treatment which can be administered at home?
Experienced Advisor Brian Spar says:
February 20th, 2008 at 03:08 PM
In a puppy of this age, one of the things that worries me most is something viral - could be distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis virus, etc. All of these are very possible since he has not been immunized and also since he has been in contact with stray dogs. These are all very serious conditions that are not going to be easy to treat, certainly not at home - most would require intravenous fluid support, intravenous antibiotics, amongst other things including intensive care. I would highly recommend he go to the vet for full workup if we have any chance of getting him back to normal. Best of luck!
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shalini says:
February 20th, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Thanks for your answer.Today the vet was able to make a house call.Pepper is going in for iv fluid support tomorrow.The vet has infact suggested everything under the sun.IV fluids, antibiotics,anti histamines,steroids,deworming,multivitamines and some liver stimulant!Makes me wonder.
Experienced Advisor Brian Spar says:
February 20th, 2008 at 05:54 PM
In my opinion, with little puppies who's immune system is not mature enough to handle a big burden, you can't be too careful. Not sure how steroids come into it here, but the rest sounds appropriate. Good luck, I hope Pepper pulls through ok!
shalini says:
February 22nd, 2008 at 07:49 AM
I am very disappointed with this vet.He was not available at the VH( that is the government run vet hospital) nor did he come home to start the IV as promised onthe phone!I am going to give Pepper IM antibiotics. Which do you think I should start him on- combination of Amoxycillin and Gentamicin or some cephalosporine.He has again started getting purulent discharge from the nose which forms a crust.The vet here says it is due to pneumonia.Dont dogs cough? what is the normal respiratory rate in a3-4 month old pup?I am not against all vets It is the currupt system which makes our government employees (even doctors!!!)so callous.
shalini says:
February 29th, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Dear Dr Brian,I was not able to access mail for some time so have not been able to keep you informed.Pepper recieved IV fluids for one day at the vets private clinic. then the vet asked me to continue with the IVF at home.So I did that for another 2 days basically to have a port for the antibiotics. he was started on ceftaxime and salbactum combination.The dischare from the nose has gone down.But there not much change otherwise in fact he has developed neurological symptoms now. He had one seizure on the 27th and has ataxia and inability to walk.Right now he is on cefpodoxime,Phenytoin,multivitamins,betamethasone and an Ayurvedic preparation which is supposed to help liver function.He has not lost his swollowing refex yet and I feed him rice grulle cooked in beef soup three times a day.He is putting out enough urine.All my friends are advising me to "put him down".I now know it is cannine distemper(his snout and foot pad are as hard as cement).I have prrsonally decided I will give up if and when Pepper refuses to swallow.But I would like to know from you if there is a point of no return in these cases and if so has Pepper reached it already?
Experienced Advisor Brian Spar says:
February 29th, 2008 at 06:20 PM
It sounds like you are doing everything you can - if it truly is distemper, I feel at this stage you may be along the proper lines when you consider euthanizing him. It sounds like the poor dog is sufferring and you are prolonging the inevitable. I would advise you to consider his quality of life, and if you think it is poor, i would advise you to put hiim to sleep.
shalini says:
March 03rd, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Dear Dr Brian, Thot Ill let you know Pepper died on Sunday evening at around 7;30pm.Thanks for your support. It was good to know that I counld contact you any time.I'll probably contact you again coming winter when we get another pup.
Experienced Advisor Brian Spar says:
March 03rd, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Very sorry to hear that :( All the best.
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