we have a sick puppy... :(

morning to all you animals (humans included) out there..this is kaiser's mom sitting in to write a bit...and to let everyone know that we haven't posted an update because kaiser has been a sick puppy.

from the time we've gotten him, he's often had loose stool just because of changes in his diet with the kennel cough medication and possible food allergies. after his latest food switch, his stomach had not settled (so to speak) and the frequency with which he had to poo increased to almost 4 or 5 times per 1 short walk. his father and i immediately became worried, taking him to animal alpha last weekend for a fecal exam.

dr. segl ended up finding some giardia, prescribed us a dewormer and metronidazole which he is still in the process of taking. she was pleased to see, as were we, that he weighed about 40 pounds and obviously had been receving all of his nutrients. through everything, kaiser has never seemed "sick" - his disposition stays joyful and just as much puppy as ever and his activity level has increased despite him ever having been ill in any form.

two days ago, upon letting him out of his crate for his morning walk and "chow down" - he threw up food from the evening before. we attributed it to his medication because he didn't act differently and ate like a champ, per his usual greedy self. last night before dinner, our play was put on pause due to him vomiting twice - 1st with kibble he had just eaten and immediately after jumping around, the 2nd of what looked to be stomach acid and after just walking around. we again figured it to be the medication because he had no problem eating all of his food or with running around for hours afterward, playing with his new toy. he slept well and was uber-active this morning, immediately wanting to be fed, then moving on to his new toy.

on his pre-get in the car-let's go to work walk, we noticed streaks of red blood in his stool which was loose as it was before starting this treatment. i called dr. segl this morning to discuss everything and she has a suspicion that he has colitis, but wants to proceed with more testing - a full work up, possibly xrays, and worst-case scenario endoscopy. kaiser's dad will be taking him over in a couple hours for the full work up and exam, and hopefully we can figure out what ails him.

again, kaiser seems to be a healthy puppy from his actions and disposition so the situation has yet to be "dark"..but it is most definitely worrisome to his father and myself..and even to kaiser who looks so confused and helpless after he throws up..our poor baby. i will continue to update you all on his status as we find out new information. please send all of your good vibes our way as kaiser loves to sit with me and read your comments/blogs!!!

and don't forget...
valentines exchange
to pawticipate - email address to kaisertheboxer@gmail.com
deadline to email - monday, february 4th, 2008
list to be circulated to pawticipants - tuesday, february 5th, 2008