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My Shi Tzu does not feel well this morning after eating a cooked lamb shank bone last night. What should I do?

I stupidly belived that since the lamb shank was a denser bone it would not splinter and be a problem. Indeed, she never seemed to crack the bone at any time, only to grind away at it. I did take it away after a while because I felt she had had enough, but today, she clearly does not feel well. She was restless during the night and wanted to go out in the yard. Don't know if she ever was able to poop. She cried to be picked up on the bed rather than jumping up, but not realiziing the problem at the time, I just called her to come and she did jump. She has had a quivery tummy when I lay my hands on it and now she is content just to lie around on the heating vent. Has not been interested in eating or drinking anything so far this morning. Don't want to jeopardize her health by waiting to talk to a vet, but a lot of what I'm reading from other people indicates that watchful waiting might be OK. Should I wait, feed cotton balls/bread, do I call the vet? HELP!! I love her so much


Asked by Member 791802 on Jan 13th 2009 Tagged shitzu, bone, stomachache, cooked, lambshank in Emergencies & First Aid
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Beltane

Call the vet and see what they think. Why take a chance?


Beltane answered on 1/13/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Kolbe

The not eating and drinking, and lethargy all can be signs of an obstruction. I would not wait on this one, personally, and since this all occurred yesterday cotton balls are probably not going to help at this point.

I would give the vet a call and have her in so he/she can palpate her stomach to see if they can feel anything, or possibly do an XRay.

In the future, I would highly recommend not offering any cooked bones whatsoever, especially dense ones. If you are interested in offering recreational chewing, try bully sticks, or visit the Raw Food diet forum for suggestions on uncooked bones.

Much luck.


Kolbe answered on 1/13/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Zackintosh CJ

Take her to the vet NOW!!!
Cooked bones are dangerous period even if they're not chicken bones.
Call an emergency vet, don't wait any longer!!!


Zackintosh CJ answered on 1/13/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Jack

I think, as a general rule, whenever you're really concerned that something is going on with your dog, you should err on the side of caution and take her to the vet.

As owners, we know our dog's behavior better than anyone, and since they hardly ever stand up and say, "Hey, mom, I'm feeling funny, right here (points to tummy)" we have to rely on our instincts to keep them safe and healthy.

I'd say that eating this bone could have definitely put her in danger for a blockage or injury to her digstetive tract. It could also be that the marrow in the bone or the fatty oils that were still on the bone were very rich for her little tummy and she's simply sick from that.

But, if it's a blockage or injury due to a splinter or chip, it's best to get that diagnosed by a vet quickly so it can be treated. Don't waste any time, take her in.

PS Cotton balls, bread for blockages or gastric upset are old wives' remedies that can do harm.

Come back and let us know how she is!


Jack answered on 1/13/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


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