Thank you for posting this progress report! We are about to go through this (Nikki is scheduled for her operation in 4 days) and I don't mind saying that I am worried and scared. When I came home from work tonight Nikki was so happy, jumping and playing like she used to, it's so hard to believe that she's sick, and it would be very easy not to go through with this treatment plan… Good to read a happy story!

Shadow,

Glad to hear that you had a good checkup. I always found that these "sedatives" that they gave me really knocked me for a loop. Dad says that he is not sure what they gave me specifically, but says that it took me about a week to fully recover. I guess that he is right because much of the time after is a cloud. Perhaps our great friend Pam will comment later on the specifics to help you Family to feel better. Just keep enjoying the walks and every day – they are special.

Spirit Cherry

Hi Shadow!  Glad to hear your 3 months checkup went really well.  I looked on the internet about the three drugs your were inquiring about as far as causing diarrhea.  Butorphanol would most likedly not be the cause of the diarrhea as it is an opiate and they are know to cause constipation.  So, I looked further and both atipamezole and dexdomitor can cause diarrhea.  It sounds as though Shadow's problem is quite severe if you have to have her on Lomotil for a week.  I'd holler at my vet and see what they say and, perhaps, other drugs could be utiliized in the future so Shadow's tummy calms down.  Just a thought and I hope this info helps.

Love, Blazer, Kitty Kimber & Mom (Vicki)

Hi Shadow,

Happy 3 month ampuversary!!! Glad to hear you're doing OK, except for the icky diarrhea… I don't think that the sedative/reversal drugs you mentioned would cause it… Could just be from stress.

Obviously, your vets have already done a fecal to rule out any parasites, right? So, what are they giving Shadow for the diarrhea right now? Have you stopped feeding your regular food and tried just rice with boiled hamberger or chicken? Besides loperamid, I also use kaolin/pectin whenever my doggies get occasional diarrhea… also some Benebac (beneficial bacteria) paste to replace the normal flora in the gut. But always check with your vet before giving any over the counter medications. Also, prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration, so be sure that Shadow is getting plenty of fluids… Good luck!

Angel Jake's Mom

Hmmm… none of those drugs (from your earlier post) sound familiar from when my Yoda was going through bone cancer – if you even still had questions about those – but HOPPY AMPUVERSARY SHADOW!!!   (For whichever month's ampuversary is closest )