HankandJoey Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 Yes...you get beer at the vet when you spend enough! With no diagnosis. Hank started licking everything ten days ago and hard swallowing. It has happened two other time in the last year but only lasted 24 hours. We have been to four veterinarians, two that are specialists, scope down his tummy, X-rays, ultrasound, blood tests.....$5K later....still don’t know. He is on acid reflux meds but I don’t think this is it. I feel like it is allergies more than anything. Had anyone experienced this? He is so uncomfortable. Wish they could talk:-( I tried to add video but the file is too big. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradl Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 I'm not a vet and don't have any beer but given what you must have ruled out already, I think I'd probably be leaning toward allergies like you. YouTube is currently the best bet for videos (for a variety of technical reasons) and they embed nicely into posts. 54 minutes ago, HankandJoey said: Wish they could talk This. So much this. Quote CAIRNTALK: Questions? Need help? → Support Forum Please do not use PMs for tech support CRCTC: Columbia River Cairn Terrier Club Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanford Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 (edited) Did you or Vet examine the insides of his mouth? There can be irritating growths on gums, roof of mouth, tongue, etc., (although I hope not). As you probably know, some dogs vigorously lick their paws to the point of rawness due to food or environmental allergies, so I assume you tested for this. Sometimes, change of diet, use of anti inflammatories/prednisone helps. Can you film your pooch doing this, to show to the vet? Edited November 3, 2019 by sanford 1 Quote FEAR THE CAIRN! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkcrossley Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 I agree it sounds like some kind of irritation/anxiety/lowgrade pain, and allergies are a likely cause. I guess the slow process of elimination has to start at home. change foods, watch reaction. keep off grass for a week, watch reaction. keep off carpet and furniture, watch reaction. it will take a very long time but I bet you will find something. I would also suspect: water, bugs (fleas do not necessarily leave any evidence, so if he is not wearing a Seresto or some other surefire bug bomb, try hat), any plants at all, any animals he is exposed to, and of course you and your clothes (you might have to change your laundry detergent for a test week). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanford Posted November 3, 2019 Share Posted November 3, 2019 It just occurred to me... More and more I keep hearing that chicken is becoming a common allergy in dogs.Possibly due to widespread practices in the poultry-raising mega industry, use of growth hormones, antibiotics, etc. Some are now advocating: “Nothing with feathers!” An experimental, alternate, novel-protein diet might be tried for 3 months. Quote FEAR THE CAIRN! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HankandJoey Posted November 4, 2019 Author Share Posted November 4, 2019 Thank you all for your thoughts! We do feed organic chicken to the pups on top of their kibble which we are stopping. They have pup Hank on Acid Reflux meds. Seems to be helping but I'm still not convinced it isn't an allergy or in his case behavior. We just moved to a new house, but he did this twice in the old house. He is so shifty and smart. We did need to rule out tumors, ulcers, cancer.....all of the other things. They are our babies and we just want to be sure he isn't in pain. Appreciate your ideas and insights! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HankandJoey Posted November 6, 2019 Author Share Posted November 6, 2019 Hank’s biopsies came back after the endoscope procedure with a result of inflammatory bowel disease. It is a bit odd as he doesn’t have diarrhea or vomiting. They put him on prednisone which breaks my heart. So bad for humans so I am researching for dogs. He also had abnormal cells so testing for cancer. He seems to be in less pain so we are thankful for this. Thanks again for your thoughts and opinions! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam I Am Posted November 6, 2019 Share Posted November 6, 2019 Our previous Scottie, Sandie also had IBD and was being treats by a holistic veterinary clinic. She did well under their care and depending on where you live you might want to give one a try. https://www.ahvma.org/ 1 Quote Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. - Anatole France Adventures with Sam &Rosie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sanford Posted November 6, 2019 Share Posted November 6, 2019 Carrington got this same diagnosis as a youngster. A short course of prednisone seemed to quiet the inflammation. As per the standard treatment, the prednisone was tapered down as soon as it was started, then discontinued and he suffered no ill effects and the IBD cleared up. I would hope this works as well for precious Hank. (IBD is a disturbing diagnosis to receive... and my personal experience/opinion is that it is over-diagnosed in too many cases) so take heart that things will improve! 2 Quote FEAR THE CAIRN! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hheldorfer Posted November 6, 2019 Share Posted November 6, 2019 I wouldn't be overly concerned about the prednisone. Both my dogs and I have been on short-term courses of prednisone and haven't suffered any ill effects. According to my doctor (and the vet), it generally isn't harmful unless used long-term. It's an excellent anti-inflammatory and certainly worth a try. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkcrossley Posted November 8, 2019 Share Posted November 8, 2019 I'm assuming he will go on a designer diet and the predinisone will taper off. it is a wonder drug in short courses, and even after you discontinue it, it should be comforting to know that the tool will be available. hoping treating Hank's IBD will resolve the other issues (inflammation causes everything to go haywire). he is totally adorable. hope he feels better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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