Hi guys, I took my B.C. puppy(the one who asperates when he drinks/has cronic broncial pnemonia)to the Florida University of Veterinary Medicine as my last resort. With all thier special diagnostic tools they were able to finally diagnosis his problem. Cricopharyngeal incoordination(nerological they say). Basically with solids the flap that seperates the 2 tubes works properly but with water it is not stimulated to close properly. I'm completely heartbroken as they say this is not fixable. They told me to take him home, try to minimize or find ways he can get enough fluids without just drinking regularly, and let him live as normal and long a puppy life as possible, seeing as at some point he will become resistant to all antibiotics and without the ability to stop his asperation of fluids he will succumb to the pnemonia before too long. I've cried about as hard as is possible thinking about this poor little guy(now 13 weeks old)Life certainly is not fair!! He deserves to live a long happy life he's fought so hard, and has so much spunk. Also amazing to see this little fella slinking, crouching, slowly towards our jack russell starring her down in perfect herding form. He could have been an unbelievable herding dog. Anyways for everyone who has helped and followed Wickets story there is now an answer. I'm still not giving up completely though, seeing as no one said he would make it this far also. So if you guys have any great ideas. First off, how to get liquids into him in a way he can't asperate them(Have tried ice cubes hoping he would chew them, but he tends to lick them, won't eat moist dog food, sub-cue it would take a lot each day, tubing at this age is out) Also what do you guys think? I told my mom maybe he would be best just drinking normal with head down so the fluid that does exchange would hopefully come out his nose instead of down to his lungs, because before I was feeding from the raised water bottle believeing if I saw no water come out his nose this ment he was not asperating(obviously not true as fluoroscopic evaluation proved). Now I'm thinking maybe seeing some out nose means less goes to lungs with head down to drain. Also any idea's on alternatives to help with pnemonia? Again wish I could attach a picture so you guys could put a face to his name.                                                                                Thanks Stacy&Wicket

Really sorry to hear the news, Stacy.:-( Well done for getting him thus far.

I don't know whether this will work, but my father-in-law has very similar problems (but with both fluids and solids) after several strokes. He has to have all his fluids thickened with a special thickener. Might be worth a try - a pharmacist should know of the thickener (in the UK it's called Thick 'n Easy, I think) Also, his food is blended and milk added to it to give some extra fluid.

Daisy

In addition, would your pup eat jelly?   Loads of liquid in it, but in a more solid form ;)  you can buy gelatine without flavourings and could add your own - eg homemade chicken stocks etc, to make it more palatable?  Making it yourself you'd also be able to adjust the amount of liquid to gelatine to ensure he doesn't aspirate it.

If you feed either wet foods (meat, etc) or soak his dried foods well this would also reduce his need for water?

You've worked so hard to get him this far,
Regards
Dill

In addition, would your pup eat jelly/jello?   Loads of liquid in it, but in a more solid form ;)  you can buy gelatine without flavourings and could add your own - eg homemade chicken stocks etc, to make it more palatable?  Making it yourself you'd also be able to adjust the amount of liquid to gelatine to ensure he doesn't aspirate it.  Calves foot jelly comes to mind ;)

If you feed either wet foods (meat, etc) or soak his dried foods well this would also reduce his need for water?

Hope you find some way of helping this brave pup
Regards
Dill

Thanks for the idea's. I did get some gelatine unflavored and made some last night with a little chicken flavored first baby food(mostly liquid) He has been eating some of it with ease. Only thing though, I guess it will take time to switch him over to mainly that cause he still want's the regular water. I imagine he just likes the feel and thirst quinching abilities only water can offer. But I'm sure with time and slowly swithing him he can work it out. Main key I believe would be to stay ahead of the game and give him enough hopefully he would not feel real thirsty! Hard when you live in South Florida which is consistantly around 90 degree's, but he is mainly in airconditioning inside. He is very playfull and happy this morning. Such a beautiful sight!!! If anyone wishes to see a picture of him I will gladly e-mail one, you have to see his expressions to truely understand what an amazing puppy he is.

I'm glad that your pup is doing well :) I'm sure that with a little trial and error you will get something to suit him. He is a lucky pup to have someone so caring to look after him :)

Good luck !

Daisy

I  remember you saying he just licked ice cubes if you gave them to him? Maybe they will help quench his thirst and be nice and cooling for him - if he's only licking them till they melt, it shouldn't go down the wrong way like a big drink of water does.

And give Wicket a big hug and kiss from me. Fingers well and truly crossed for him and I hope that you have as much happy, quality time together as is possible.

hi ive pm d you id love to see a picture good luck dawn x