Hello Boxer Forum!
I know that most of you arent veterinary doctors, but I am hoping that someone can answer a few questions or give me an opinion on what seems to be clear symptons of parvo, but with some extras that has me scratching my head!
I currently work at a veterinary hospital as a veterinary technician and I know a lot about the virus as well as worked with several dogs that have contracted it.
In our area (south eastern Massachusetts) and possibly in other areas, there has been a huge outbreak of the virus with many hospitals witnessing an unusually high number of pups being confirmed to have the virus.
Of course we have the normal unvaccinated or not vaccinated on time pitbull and pitbull mix cases, but the doctors in my area are starting to think this virus here is a new strain with so many pups showing up with it.
As for Zuri, I have had her for about 2 weeks and in these weeks she did have the occasional soft stool but I associated it with the change in diet and have kept an eye on it.
Last week I did a fecal test for parasites and gave her a general dewormer when the test came up negative.
I know it was foolish of me, but I took Zuri to a park 2 evenings in a row, but kept close eye on her while there.
Yesterday evening Zuri seemed fine but a little tired so we went home. Later that evening, Zuri wet her bed which was very unusual bc I dont think she knew she did, she was out cold sleeping.
I thought it strange, but just cleaned her up and put her back to bed.
Early this morning I found vomit in her crate half in and half out, like she hadnt the strength to even get up out of her crate to vomit. I took her temp and she was warm to the touch and at about 102.7.
Of course I took her to the vet right away.
While there she had very very loose stool with a little blood in it, but no more vomiting.
We took a sample of the stool to be sent out and we gave her a Baytril injection and some Metoclopramide to bring home.
Since her visit this morning, Zuri has had 4cc of the Metoclopramide and just ginger ale ice cubes.
I am worried to death bc her activity is very low and shes done nothing but sleep constant. I know this could also be from the lack or energy associated with lack of food and all.
During the times shes up, she tries to play with her toys and even wags her body, lol, but these moments are short lived.
~WHEW~
I know this is a lot, but I guess I am trying to cover all things.
The things I think are unusual signs of Parvo:
(some of these I forgot to mention to the doctor out of my panic)
-She has had a yellow discharge on a few occasions on her vulva and I have seen her licking herself after urination those times.
-She has not put pressure on her rear left leg and I believe her rough play yesterday with my neighbors dog may be the cause. I have done range of motion on her and she doesnt cry in pain or try to nip me. I do think her pad on that foot is slightly swollen, but it could be paranoia on my part (I mentioned this to the doctor, but obviously his main concern is the parvo right now)
-She hasnt vomitted at all before or since this morning (but that could be bc of the medication surpressing that symptom)
-She has always had an unusual smelling urine (I cant even begin to tell you what it smells like, just that its not normal) and her stool today was very smelly, an obvious symptom of Parvo.
-I noticed in the past two days she seems to either suck on her tongue (not sure bc i have seen babies do it) or either chewing in her sleep. Lasts maybe a few mins at most.
-To me, Zuri has always seemed underweight (but this being my first boxer, not sure) so I have foolishly been giving her more food than I probably shouldve in attempts to fatten her up, or at least get her used to the food change.
I am not a doctor, but I think her sympotms could also be signs of IBS. She hasnt really had a great appetite, bc of the food change, but lately ive been wetting it and warming it a bit and shes been eating well since, I have given her peanut butter twice as a treat and aas recent as yesterday morning. She has been eating rawhide chews (I know, I know NOT a good thing to give to dogs) and I have been careful to notice if she has swallowed any whole parts of it (but how can I be so sure, she is a puppy). Last thing is that my fiance bought some treats for her called Beefy Sirloinz which I have been using to train her and I suspect my fiance couldve been feeding her much more than I would condone behind my back!
OK I think I covered everything!
If I dont get a reply or some ideas, at least I can feel good in being able to vent some.
Thank you everyone, in advance and please continue to send those healing vibes and well wishes for my ill baby Zuri.
Always,
Zuris Mom
I know that most of you arent veterinary doctors, but I am hoping that someone can answer a few questions or give me an opinion on what seems to be clear symptons of parvo, but with some extras that has me scratching my head!
I currently work at a veterinary hospital as a veterinary technician and I know a lot about the virus as well as worked with several dogs that have contracted it.
In our area (south eastern Massachusetts) and possibly in other areas, there has been a huge outbreak of the virus with many hospitals witnessing an unusually high number of pups being confirmed to have the virus.
Of course we have the normal unvaccinated or not vaccinated on time pitbull and pitbull mix cases, but the doctors in my area are starting to think this virus here is a new strain with so many pups showing up with it.
As for Zuri, I have had her for about 2 weeks and in these weeks she did have the occasional soft stool but I associated it with the change in diet and have kept an eye on it.
Last week I did a fecal test for parasites and gave her a general dewormer when the test came up negative.
I know it was foolish of me, but I took Zuri to a park 2 evenings in a row, but kept close eye on her while there.
Yesterday evening Zuri seemed fine but a little tired so we went home. Later that evening, Zuri wet her bed which was very unusual bc I dont think she knew she did, she was out cold sleeping.
I thought it strange, but just cleaned her up and put her back to bed.
Early this morning I found vomit in her crate half in and half out, like she hadnt the strength to even get up out of her crate to vomit. I took her temp and she was warm to the touch and at about 102.7.
Of course I took her to the vet right away.
While there she had very very loose stool with a little blood in it, but no more vomiting.
We took a sample of the stool to be sent out and we gave her a Baytril injection and some Metoclopramide to bring home.
Since her visit this morning, Zuri has had 4cc of the Metoclopramide and just ginger ale ice cubes.
I am worried to death bc her activity is very low and shes done nothing but sleep constant. I know this could also be from the lack or energy associated with lack of food and all.
During the times shes up, she tries to play with her toys and even wags her body, lol, but these moments are short lived.
~WHEW~
I know this is a lot, but I guess I am trying to cover all things.
The things I think are unusual signs of Parvo:
(some of these I forgot to mention to the doctor out of my panic)
-She has had a yellow discharge on a few occasions on her vulva and I have seen her licking herself after urination those times.
-She has not put pressure on her rear left leg and I believe her rough play yesterday with my neighbors dog may be the cause. I have done range of motion on her and she doesnt cry in pain or try to nip me. I do think her pad on that foot is slightly swollen, but it could be paranoia on my part (I mentioned this to the doctor, but obviously his main concern is the parvo right now)
-She hasnt vomitted at all before or since this morning (but that could be bc of the medication surpressing that symptom)
-She has always had an unusual smelling urine (I cant even begin to tell you what it smells like, just that its not normal) and her stool today was very smelly, an obvious symptom of Parvo.
-I noticed in the past two days she seems to either suck on her tongue (not sure bc i have seen babies do it) or either chewing in her sleep. Lasts maybe a few mins at most.
-To me, Zuri has always seemed underweight (but this being my first boxer, not sure) so I have foolishly been giving her more food than I probably shouldve in attempts to fatten her up, or at least get her used to the food change.
I am not a doctor, but I think her sympotms could also be signs of IBS. She hasnt really had a great appetite, bc of the food change, but lately ive been wetting it and warming it a bit and shes been eating well since, I have given her peanut butter twice as a treat and aas recent as yesterday morning. She has been eating rawhide chews (I know, I know NOT a good thing to give to dogs) and I have been careful to notice if she has swallowed any whole parts of it (but how can I be so sure, she is a puppy). Last thing is that my fiance bought some treats for her called Beefy Sirloinz which I have been using to train her and I suspect my fiance couldve been feeding her much more than I would condone behind my back!
OK I think I covered everything!
If I dont get a reply or some ideas, at least I can feel good in being able to vent some.
Thank you everyone, in advance and please continue to send those healing vibes and well wishes for my ill baby Zuri.
Always,
Zuris Mom