Homer being sick

[JES72]

For the last two days I’ve given him his medication much earlier before meals. This appears to help it absorb. It’s going to be very early starts in the morning especially when I have to start work again.
I am quite worried about how we will cope with going in to work.

 

[Cath]

Could you not grind the tablets up. You will cope, you are doing so well both of you make a great team

Check with your vet first though @JES72

 

[JES72]

Definitely one of my many questions. Hubby says I need to focus on a few.
1. The foam - What is causing it and how to reduce it.
2. Medication - Doses and timings and what do we change
3. Water - How to ensure he is getting enough staying in and what is enough.
4. What are the signs of aphyxiation? When do I rush him to the vet.
5. I'd like some more clarity on prognosis, improvement or deterioration any further tests or retests. (I've heard the Myasthynia Gravis test can be unreliable)

 

[Cath]

I would write them down and take them with you. It is so easy to forget what you want to ask the vet.

 

[JES72]

We are going to try grinding the tablets and increasing his dose. Nothing was suggested for the foam but I am giving him slippery elm with his food, she suggested crushed ice tohp keep him hydrated but said he wasn’t dehydrated, she said the foam was saliva but didn’t suggest any way of reducing it even when I asked directly. Homer was an absolute star as always. And then cleverly produced a specimen of regurgitation as we were about to leave.
I think I’m going to investigate a second opinion

 

[Cath]

Glad you have been to the vets, maybe she just didn't know the answer to reducing the foam.
I don't know how expensive the vet on the link I gave you is, but you could try and email them and ask.
Keep going you are doing so well @JES72


If you click on the link, on the right hand side there is a chat link to them.

 

[SwampDonkey]

We are going to try grinding the tablets and increasing his dose. Nothing was suggested for the foam but I am giving him slippery elm with his food, she suggested crushed ice tohp keep him hydrated but said he wasn’t dehydrated, she said the foam was saliva but didn’t suggest any way of reducing it even when I asked directly. Homer was an absolute star as always. And then cleverly produced a specimen of regurgitation as we were about to leave.
I think I’m going to investigate a second opinion

I would it sounds like they've not got any ideas about it

 

[HAH]

We are going to try grinding the tablets and increasing his dose. Nothing was suggested for the foam but I am giving him slippery elm with his food, she suggested crushed ice tohp keep him hydrated but said he wasn’t dehydrated, she said the foam was saliva but didn’t suggest any way of reducing it even when I asked directly. Homer was an absolute star as always. And then cleverly produced a specimen of regurgitation as we were about to leave.
I think I’m going to investigate a second opinion

Really sensible, you’re doing such great advocating for Homer.
Our vet emails the specialists at Bristol Veterinary School with queries about drug dosage, contra-indications etc - this is probably above and beyond (she’s very diligent!) but it’s an option for your vet (or you?) if you can find a MO topic specialist in the UK and aren’t getting answers on the foam.
Edited to say I’ve just done a quick Google and Kelly Druce at the Royal Veterinary College did a recent RVC webinar on MO - she might help, or be able to put you in touch with someone who can.

 

[JES72]

Glad you have been to the vets, maybe she just didn't know the answer to reducing the foam.
I don't know how expensive the vet on the link I gave you is, but you could try and email them and ask.
Keep going you are doing so well @JES72 [/ If you click on the link, on the right hand side there is a chat link to them.
[/QUOTE]
I think I will I have enough detailed notes and photos so I think I can give a clear picture without the journey. Insurance is still paying so nothing to loose.

 

[JES72]

Could you not grind the tablets up. You will cope, you are doing so well both of you make a great team

Check with your vet first though @JES72

J spoke to the vet about grinding the tablets so will give that a go. But she wasn’t sure if they will absorb in the mouth or in the stomach. Nothing gets absorbed in the oesophagus - apparently

 

[JES72]

You are all amazing. thank you with helping me with all the research. Your support really does help me through this and not feel alone and overwhelmed.

 

[JES72]

He vommed up his breakfast as I was getting ready to go to work this morning, there wasn’t much foam with it so he ate it up again. He was settled before I left. Dog walker was very happy to see him and said he was really good as always.

 

[Cath]

How is Homer this weekend @JES72

 

[JES72]

I think I have discovered that it takes well over an hour for his medication to start working. I’m now giving him some goats yogurt after his food. I might try giving it to him before his food tonight.
I am also giving him some pea protein powder with his food. The only one I could find that wasn’t flavoured or sweetened.
hating the thought of going to work tomorrow. I honestly would rather mop up dog sick than go to work.

 

[M.F.]

@JES72 How was your first day at school? And how did Homer cope?

 

[JES72]

I asked to go down to three days a week today. Deputy head said she’d need to speak to head so waiting for a reply.

 

[HAH]

I asked to go down to three days a week today. Deputy head said she’d need to speak to head so waiting for a reply.

Well done for making a positive move - hopefully it gets approved x

 

[Kelsey]

You’re the best momma Homer could have asked for

 

[Cath]

Just the best @JES72

 

[Cath]

How is Homer doing in this hot weather @JES72