He has been okay so far. All of the sudden... it appears that he has begun "pooping" blood. should i take him to the emergency vet?
2007-06-29 19:51:34 · 11 answers · asked by xomoogs 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
**The vet said that he wasn't suffering. That was one of the first questions that I asked her. I would never put him through that.
2007-06-29 20:21:03 · update #1
Actually, when I adopted him, he already had heart worms. I would never not give my dog the proper car that he or she would deserve.
2007-06-29 20:28:59 · update #2
Bloody stool could be something completly diffrent, not related to the heartworm, Traditional symptoms are..Blood in urine, Coughing, passing out, breathing difficulty,, sudden death..
Your dogs immune system is taxed because of the heartworm and more likely to pick somthing up, or have other medical problems.. so it could only be related because your dog is already ill with a major diease.. and having other problems..
As far as the comments about suffering.. Heartworm is a deadly diease,, but the treatment is also risky and costly.. Sometimes a dogs condition is such that the heartworm infection is to extensive so treatment is to dangerous..
Often these dogs are put on long term heartworm medications like Heartguard (I hope this is the case with your dog?) to prevent the spread of heartworm to other dogs, or further infection to the positive dog in question..
It takes years of this, heartworms live for several years.. but do eventially die at a much slower rate..but, their are risks.. the dog can suffer sudden heartfailure, furture heart problems and other organ system damage.. so it does age a dog very early and shorten their lifespan,,, but as far as suffering, if the dogs body is compensating well with the infection.. as they often do there can be minimal symptioms except thoes seen with heart diease, couging excersise intolorance.. and such.. Dogs die from heartworm primarily from heart failure,,
hearworm treatment is expensive, and risky.. this is why preventitive is so important, because prevetion is FAR better than the treatment.. but if someone adopts a dog, unfortunally this dog should have been tested before adoption.. so if you are going to BLAME anyone,, either the rescue group.. or at least the previous owner is to blame.. If you got the dog as a private adoption, CALL them.. and ask them to cover some expenses.. they actually have no legal resposibility,, but morally might be able to at least get somthing.. or at the least let them know that they adopted out a sick dog,,
There are newer methods of Slow kill treatment... now that are a option. for higher risk dogs, ask your vet about it.. there may be a option.. to treat.. if treatment is to risky for you or expensive,, honestly having the dog on long term preventitive is a good option,,because the worms will die at some point, and also keep your dog from being a risk to other dogs.. but the risk for sudden death and future problems is always their.
Amanda
2007-06-29 23:34:12 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, take him to the emergency vet. Also if you care about your dog, I would not just accept the first vets answer that it is too late for treatment. It could be too late, but I would certainly want as many vets to check as possible before giving up.
2007-06-29 20:43:30 · answer #2 · answered by Carrie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know that it is hard to make this decision, but I would take the dog to the vet. And have him put down. Only because the heart worms will kill him slowly anyway, why make him suffer. I do feel sorry for you and your dog though. I know how much it will hurt.
Sorry for your loss.
2007-06-29 20:08:32 · answer #3 · answered by cuitebainte 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
aw, sorry. If your vet said they are too advanced for treatment then it will probally have to be put down.
Next dog, defently use a heartworm treatment plan.
I just use one in Spring and Summer but i believe you are suppose to give them all year long. (?)
Best luck... God bless
2007-06-29 20:22:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
it would be best if you let your dog go. if your vet is reliable, and he said that it is too advanced, then thats what it is. had you had your dog on heartworm prevention, it wouldn't have happened. please do what is in the best interest of your dog, so he wont suffer
2007-06-29 20:22:32 · answer #5 · answered by My Name Is Trip 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
How sad,I hope your dog doesn't suffer, heartworms can be a horrible way to go.
2007-06-29 20:00:09 · answer #6 · answered by canidlover78 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
SORRY 2 SAY THIS BUT THE DOGS IN PAIN I THINK THE BEST THING 2 DO WOULD BE 2 PUT HIM DOWN
2007-06-29 20:34:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
i know this is hard but you need to take your dog and have him put to sleep because his quality of life has deeply diminished and you need to let him be at peace . that is sad but you need to do what is best for him and say good bye. good luck .
2007-06-30 00:59:46 · answer #8 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes take him to the er vet!
2007-06-29 19:55:18 · answer #9 · answered by Nekkid Truth! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
right away
2007-06-29 19:56:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋