My daughter has a 5 year old rescue greyhound who, nearly three weeks ago, swallowed a large (burst!) balloon. Since then it has not appeared but poor Fred has constant diarrhoea - he was absolutely fine before and she has not changed his diet at all.

She took him to the vet about a week ago who said that as he was eating and drinking OK, not being sick and is otherwise OK they should just leave it. However, there is no improvement and, having spoken on the phone to the vet, who again says to do nothing, she is now extremely worried and at her wit's end. Money is very tight and she cannot afford to keep taking him back if all they are going to do is say, 'Wait and see'.

Has anyone had a similar experience? My flattie has swallowed things but they have come out within a week. How long should she wait before taking him to the vet again. Is there anyhting she can give Fred to help things along?! Three weeks diarrhoea to me seems too long for both dog and owner.

If she has been checking his other end to make sure and it has not come out on its own after 3 weeks its fairly certain its there to stay. Probably need to be taken out with surgery :-(

> swallowed a large (burst!) balloon. Since then it has not appeared but poor Fred has constant diarrhoea

This indicates he has a blockage probably as a result of the balloon becoming stuck. Do not leave it ever!

My friends flatcoat tragically died having eaten a plastic bag containing sandwich crusts which some thoughtless moron simply discarded as they were walking through the fields.

Always watch any dog, (and especially dogs like flatcoats who will eat anything) if you suspect they have eaten something which can cause problems.

One of mine stole some food that was wrapped in clingfilm. She had terrible bloody diarrhoea for a couple of days before the clingfilm passed. If your boy hasn't passed the balloon and is still having diarrhoea I'd be very worried indeed.

I would be very worried, we lost a family dog when I was a child after it had eaten a balloon. Please take the dog back to the vet.
Good luck

Try another vet?  Any vet that will actually see to the poor dog before it dies. 

Either ask to see another vet at the same place or go to another vet for a second opinion.
At the end of the day the vet is there to help you and if your not happy they should take another look at the dog. After all you are paying them.
I would think they should do an xray if the balloon still hasn't come out, at least then they can see if it's stuck somewhere and if so i expect they will have to operate and remove it. followed by some antibiotics incase there's an infection from it being in his tubes or tummy.
I'm afraid this want be cheap but will have to be done if it's stuck inside him.
I take it they have no insurance? i havn't but am in a lucky position that i can afford to pay for any problems that come a long and i save money each month, just in case i ever need it.
Even if money is tight i'd suggest she gets some sort of insurance for the future as it's easier to find a little each month than be stuck when a big bill comes in.   

Im very suprised the vet hasnt done anything, if it hasnt passed its clearly stuck! poor dog.

Demand the vet takes action, and ask if she could set up a payment plan following what ever needs to be done (does sound like an op unfortunately). My Masons gastric torsion op cost me £960 and i couldnt afford it all in one go, so ive paid half and set up a payment plan on the remaining amount.

Louise