Colinitis

[dancinbelle2001]

I'm not sure if I spelled that correctly. My Shih tzu puppy (about 10 months) had really bad diarrea that started Friday evening (it had blood in it). I took him to the vet Saturday morning and they ran a bunch of tests (bloodwork, feces, etc.). They came to the conclusion that it was colonitis and gave me an antibiotic and the Hill's Intestinal Diet canned food. I've followed the directions exactly. The diarrea is gone but now he only poops once a day (normally he would poop at least twice a day) and he sleeps the rest of the time. Is this normal? Does anyone have any experience with this problem? I'm supposed to continue with these treatments for the next five days. Thank you!

[Traci]

Colitis is a very broad (and often vague) term...Did the fecal exam reveal anything, such as parasites or specific bacteria? (campylobacter, clostridium, etc) Did he have a fever? Is his stool normally formed now or is it too hard? Is he eating a normal amount and drinking a sufficient amount?

If he seems lethargic (sleeping more than normal), or withdrawn, get him back to your vet immediately for a re-evaluation.

[davet]

agree with Traci, it would not hurt to pop some saline into his system to be sure he

[dancinbelle2001]

Sorry it took me so long to write back. I was at work when I wrote that and it's been hectic since! Anyway, I spoke with my vet and she said that he was probably tired from the antibiotic that we have him on. His stool is forming normally, it's not too hard but it is a little soft. There is no sign of blood in it. The vet suggested that I finish off the antibiotic and see if he perks up any. However, he did throw up this morning so I plan on taking him back to the vet tonight to make sure that everything is ok. Thank you guys for all of your help! I really appreciate it!

[dancinbelle2001]

Oh, the fecal exam did not reveal anything abnormal and he didn't have a fever. I am starting to think that maybe he ate something he shouldn't have. Do you suggest an ultrasound? I've been told that Shih-tzus have a tendency to eat everything in sight and some of that stuff can really do some harm. Thanks!

[Traci]

What did he vomit up? Food or bile or ?

While the antibiotics could have caused some gastric upset, it's doubtful of the cause of the sleepiness....a healthy 1-month-old puppy should be bright, alert, responsive and energetic, so I'd get him re-evaluated ASAP. A second fecal exam may be warranted. Do you have other dogs in the home? Have you puppy-proofed your home for things he could have gotten into? Is the yard safe?

[dancinbelle2001]

I don't have any other dogs, only two cats. I don't have a yard so he goes on walks on a leash and my house is puppy proofed (child proof locks on the cabinets and nothing left on the floor except for his toys which are all approved for puppies). He threw up food this morning. I'm taking him back to the vet this evening. Thanks!