My Dog's Sick... Advice, Any Ideas What It Might Be? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Maritime Q-Scout · 01-18-2006, 10:57 AM

I was told the other day that my dog Turk was sick. I was worried until my brother told me it was just like the flu, they gave him pills and he'll be ok. So I wasn't too worried.

Now, mom just called me from work, the converation was "Turk's really sick, I don't know what's wrong, I hope he's going to be ok, Dad has him at the vet, they're giving him x-rays, I didn't realize how much I love that dog, I hope he's going to be ok".

So naturally I'm spooked, worried, and beside myself, as I'm 4 hours away and have class tonight, and tomorrow. I'll be home late Friday night....

He didn't sleep last night
Is peeing on the floor
Breathing heavy

anyone framiliar with this? He's a Golden Retriever, Cowperson maybe you've come across this before?

Turk's only 7 years old, he's middle aged, any ideas what it might be?

I can't stand not knowing, if I know it's terminal I can deal with that, if it's not I can deal with that, I can't deal with not knowing.

ernie · 01-18-2006, 11:05 AM

Could be many things really. Some serious some trivial. Our first dog had similar symptoms when he had a bone chip. he also had those symptoms a few years later when he had liver failure. In the later stages, his liver couldn't process things fast enough and caused him to retain a bunch of fluid in his abdominal cavity which stressed his heart etc. Not a good time for a pet owner when they get sick. We put our first dog down he got sick while we were on vacation. We got back and our dog sitter called us to let us know that he was really sick the day before. We had to put him down the next day. Very few things compare to watching your dog being brought back to the back room. It's heart breaking.

If he is having trouble keeping down water make sure you bring to the vet ASAP. It's best that he gets looked at right away anyways. A good vet can figure it out very quickly.

I hope everything turns out well.

Cowperson · 01-18-2006, 11:08 AM

I'm not a vet . . . . but I don't think dogs get the flu.

Going to the expense of getting X-rays is the right thing though . . . . he might have swallowed something and its either poisoning him or blocking up his innards. That's something that might not leap out at you without an x-ray. Or an x-ray can reveal something like cancer or tumours and the like. You'll probably get your answer shortly.

Hope your pooch improves.

Cowperson

return to the red · 01-18-2006, 11:09 AM

We lost our family pet to Diabete's a few years back although she was quite old, she became blind and lost control of her bladder. Poor little puppy, hope everything is alright with your dog having gone through it myself i feel for ya

Maritime Q-Scout · 01-18-2006, 11:10 AM

I think mom said he's at the vet now... the fact that she was flustered has me really worried, but we don't know, but he's still young, I remember my brother bringing him through the front door in his arms as if it was yesterday, seems like we just got him.

He's the first pet we've ever had, besides like goldfish for a week.

Thanks for the info, I don't know much about veternary medicine, infact I know nothing, so I have no idea how good/bad this could be. Knowing atleast some parameters helps.

He's one of those dogs that everyone loves, so friendly, so kind, so playful, every one of my friends and everyone of my brother's friends say that he's their favourite dog, unless they have one themselves (they could just be saying that too, but still)

socalwingfan · 01-18-2006, 11:18 AM

Actually dog's can get the flu - unfortunately the symptoms your dog has do not match

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/n...7_dog_flu.html

Hope everything turns out OK - my dog is 11 and I'm dreading the day she leaves us.

flames_1987 · 01-18-2006, 11:21 AM

Maratime I know what your going through. We have a golden lab 5 years old and just lasty week he wasen't himself you could just tell, sleep wise and other things. Then one night he had a severe seizure and we had to rush him to the emergancy room, was a bout 90% sure that was the lst time we we're gonna see him, but the animal hospital in Calgary was just amazing and he's now back home. You really value the times with a family pet more when there health comes into play.

GrinderMac · 01-18-2006, 11:37 AM

Sorry to hear about your dog. As a dog owner myself I know how tough this can be. I'm glad to hear your dog is already at the vet.

Something else to be aware of:

Diamond Pet Foods recalled 19 varieties containing toxic chemical

Quote:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that at least 76 dogs nationwide are believed to have died as a result of eating contaminated Diamond Pet Foods.
The company has recalled 19 varieties of dog and cat food because tests showed high levels of aflatoxin, a naturally occurring toxic chemical that comes from a fungus found on corn and other grains that causes severe liver damage in animals.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10771943/

Shin Pad · 01-18-2006, 01:35 PM

The heavy breathing, not sleeping and peeing sound exactly like what one of my two shepherds had. She was actually moaning while she was breathing. After taking her to the Vet, he said there wasn't too much they could do for her, and we ended up putting her down. She was 9 years old.

Maritime Q-Scout · 01-18-2006, 01:45 PM

Well guys, thanks for the support and well wishes.

I just got a call I never thought I'd ever be getting, well not while still in school. Turk's got lung cancer, and will be put down today. I asked it if was possible to wait until I got home, but alas he's really suffering and in a lot of pain.

7 years old... he's only 7, but life goes on.

Thanks again

Cowperson · 01-18-2006, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maritime Q-Scout

Well guys, thanks for the support and well wishes.

I just got a call I never thought I'd ever be getting, well not while still in school. Turk's got lung cancer, and will be put down today. I asked it if was possible to wait until I got home, but alas he's really suffering and in a lot of pain.

7 years old... he's only 7, but life goes on.

Thanks again

Very sorry to hear that's the result.

It's just a basic truism that the day you get them as a puppy, you know they will pre-decease you and that there is an inevitable sad day in the future.

The only thing you can do is be pragmatic about that and give them a great life and take what they offer in return . . . . and then make the right decision at the right time to ease their pain.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Our two Golden's turned eight last year . . . . hard to believe time is flying.

Cowperson

ken0042 · 01-18-2006, 01:54 PM

I think I can say many of us have been there before. It sure doesn't make it any easier for you, but keep in mind our thoughts are with you. Pets are so often a part of our family.

As hard as it may be to not be able to say goodbye in person; keep in mind you are doing what's best for him by letting his suffering end. And if was as good a pet as you talk about; I'm sure he deserves that.

Take care.

transplant99 · 01-18-2006, 01:55 PM

Really really sorry to hear this Maratime.

Condolences....it is losing a member of the family.

Reggie Dunlop · 01-18-2006, 01:56 PM

Very sad to hear this Jon. I have a six year old Golden Retriever.

pope04 · 01-18-2006, 02:01 PM

So sorry to hear about your dog. To lose a good friend so unexpectedly is tough. Take care.

flames_1987 · 01-18-2006, 02:32 PM

Sorry for your lost Maratime. But it sounds like you have many fond memories of your dog, ones you can cherish for a long time to come. Putting a dog down is always tough but at least any suffering he was having to go through is over.

HalifaxDrunk · 01-18-2006, 02:36 PM

I have had to put 2 dogs down in my life so far, my 1st dog was a Yellow Lab she passed of old age, she was 16.

After reading your symptoms I was afraid to mention the "C" word, but those were the symtoms my 2nd dog had. He was a Lab/Doberman mix, he had cancer of the lymph nodes, I had to put him down when he was only 6. I got to hold him while they gave him the shot, it breaks my heart to even think about it.

Things are very sad for you right now, I suggest you DO get a new dog, perhaps not right away, just remember you are not "replacing" your dog you are just making a new best friend. My current pup Iggy is only 3 (Yellow lab/Golden Ret mix) he is the best dog I could ever ask for. Your story made me sad, I had to hug Iggy, now I feel a bit better.

I'm very sorry to hear your news. Take care!

GrinderMac · 01-18-2006, 02:38 PM

Maritime, I am very to sorry to hear of your loss, my condolences also.

Bobblehead · 01-18-2006, 02:51 PM

I'm sorry for your loss. When our family black lab of 14 had to be put down it was definitely a tramatic experience. But I still remember how great that friend was and to this day compare all other dogs to him.

Reaper · 01-18-2006, 03:29 PM

Sorry to hear about your loss, Jon. It is always hard to let a pet go. In October I had to have Rufus, my rabbit of 7 years, euthanized so I know where you're coming from. It was like I had lost a child and it still hits me kind of hard from time to time. Just know that things will get better.