my mums dog has been diagnosed with polip (sp). He has been given tablets but will not take them. He also will not eat. Can someone give us an idea as to how to get the tablets down him.  We have tried putting them straight down his throat but have been nipped several times. If he eats he is sick within minutes

My dogs love cheese so if its a tablet that they won't eat I squash the tablet into a bit of cheese it works for me.Hope that helps.
Ange

If it's any consolation Emma, my youngest son was diagnosed with Polyps on his vocal chords when he was 3yrs old.  He had them removed under general and was home the same day!  The first thing he asked for when he came round from anaesthetic was a packet of crisps!

Fish paste is great for tablets - the old fashioned paste in glass jars that us oldies used to have with cucumber on coach trips to the seaside!

Weve used liver cake, tuna chicken. pate you name it we have used it, if he does it something he goes straight outside and brings it all back up.  He hasn't eaten since Wednesday.  He is an old boy 14yr BC, I found my mum in tears this morning thinking the worse.

Hi Emma, this must be very distressing for both you and your mum when of course you are only trying to help him - if only dogs knew what we go through :-(

Can you ask your vet if there is either a liquid or powder form of the same meds?  If there is a liquid suspension this might be easier to syringe into the side of his cheek (head tilted back and held there) or if a powder then if there is something he would eat from a bowl it could be mixed in with his food.

Alternatively, he should be able to get his medication by daily injections - probably an expensive option but your vet would be able to advise.

Good luck, chin up ;-) and keep us posted.  Teri 

Had conformation today, that if he doesn't start eating they think its best to put him to sleep on Tuesday.

Hi Emma,

I hope you get this message soon.   I'm so very sorry to hear your news.  OK, he's an old boy, but I know you want to do what's best for him throughout and keep him as comfortable as possible.

If these suggestions don't work, obviously you have to take your vet's advice - but the prognosis being what it is it's worth a try ;-)

Try making him some fresh chicken broth - if he'll drink, hopefully he will take this instead of water.  Be sure to serve it warm and if necessary put it in a soup bowl you would eat from yourself and have it on your lap as if it's yours - this may tempt him.  If not chicken you can use something like ham trotters or flank mutton to make him a clear soup.  If you can't get hold of fresh ingredients until tomorrow - buy some tinned carrot and coriander soup, mine love it ;-)

If he'll eat any of the above, then in 24 hours mix a little very watery mashed potato into it to thicken - but still keep it thin enough to drink or lap up.

You could also try baby food - a simple one without too much texture so more for baby's first food, usually in little glass jars. 

If the soup/baby food fails, offer him some *very* mashed up banana - sounds crazy but dogs usually like it and it's full of potassium etc.  You could even mix that with a fruit sorbet to thin it down and if the polyp's are hurting his throat this will soothe him.  Don't be tempted to do it all at once - he's obviously very frail and you don't want him to bring it up again.

Having not eaten for so long even if he does take anything it will only be a *very* small amount - his tummy will have "shrunk" so don't despair - if you can start him off taking something again (anything) it's a huge leap, so take comfort from that and don't try to overdo things if you get him started off.

I'll be praying for you - this must be very distressing for both you and your Mum.  If I can think of anything else I'll be back on like a shot.   Private mail me if you just want to "talk" :-(

Teri

 

Hi Emma, don't know if you've read the above yet - any update?

I've been thinking about your poor boy (and your Mum and you) all night.  Try asking your vet for some elctrolyte and also Walthams *Convalescence* diet (not "prescription diet") which comes in large sachets.  This diet is what is used for post-op mouth, throat and GI disorders and is a powder which you add water to to make into a soup-like consistency.  Vets use it for tube feeding when necessary but it can be lapped up from a bowl and has EVERY nutrient a dog needs.

Keeping everything crossed for you ;-)

Teri

Emma where are the polyps?  Nasal, throat ??  Hope everything improves soon.  Big Hugs.  Diane

Hi Emma hope all is well. The only way we can get Molly to take tabs is to melt down some dog choc drops, powder the tabs and mix in and then freeze it for a couple of minutes into one thin large choc drop
Gina

We put Sam down on Sunday at 10.20am there was nothing left they could do for him

Gulp :-(  Sorry Emma.

So very sorry Emma.  Teri

Thats two dogs in 4 months Ive lost.

God I miss Bradley,  still