Stomach Ulcers - Doggy

[wiggal]

Hey all,

I posted a while back regarding my sister in laws St Bernard, he is a year old and had been very ill and away at a doggy hospital. He then came home and seemed ok.

He has since been poorly and for some time could not even keep down water, so had to have more tests and a camera into his stomach, where they have this week found he has a nasty load of stomach ulcers.
The vet has said that he will need tablets every 2 hours for life to control things. :(

Just wondered if anyone knew anything more about this or any advise in anyway?

They have a 5 week old baby, and my sister in law is still recovering from having a C section, so this couldnt really of happened at a worst time, and the last thing I want is for them to have to re home him.

Ta!
Wiggal
xx

[jules77]

I must admit I havnt had a dog with stomach ulcers, but the medication sounds a little excessive long term.

Has she been advised to give him a bland diet, chicken, rice fish etc, or a good quality kibble?

Personally, I would be inclined to get a second opinion, I am sure it can be controlled easier than medication every two hours?!!.

[wiggal]

Hey jules,

they have been feeding him pasta/rice with chicken in for a few weeks now, and he still doesnt seem much better.

He first got sick 3 weeks ago and was being very very sick everywhere! Along with out the other end, and had to go stay in a doggy hospital, which for 1 night & 2 days + treatment cost them �1,300! ouch!

[kita1]

I would consider a second opinion too.

This article talks about a medication called Sucralfate - you give it every 6-8 hours:

http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/sucralfat e-carafate/page1.aspx


There is also useful advice here:

http://www.natural-animal-care-products.com/Ga stro-Intestinal.htm

about treating with Manuka Honey.

Hope the dog is insured with a bill like that!!

[jules77]

I have googled a few sites, and there is no mention of two hourly medication, all have different remedies from Pepto Bismol to veterinary prescriptions.

On the subject of manuka honey, I gave it my lot when they had kennel cough. They only had a mild form as they are vaccinated, but it really helped, and the effect lasted for 24 hours before they coughed again.

[kita1]

Have they been in touch with the breeder? I would see what they had to say and if they had any advice.

I would also want to know what had caused the ulcers. They usually occur with older dogs on arthritis medication (like asprin etc.). Has the dog had access to/eaten anything like asprin? Or anything that could burn the stomach?

I would be worried about giving any medication for life (does her insurance cover for life?) especially every two hours!

I have never heard of a dog so young having stomach ulcers without having eaten something to cause them (although I think they can be caused by a virus).

I would definately get a second opinion if you can.

[wiggal]

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies!
He is insured luckily, although thats another story!
As far as I'm aware he hasnt eaten anything he shouldnt of.
When he first got very very sick the vet said it was bacterial overload (whatever that means!?) Then he came home as he was much better after 2 days, and was ok for a couple of days, then got poorly sick again!

I have said to my partner that it is very much advisable that they get a 2nd opinion from another vet, as it did seem abit much!