concerned frenchie mum...

[StellaBabe]

I'm pretty new to this forum, so i apologize if this situation has been posted recently -- I posted a similar ? already, but i'm just really concerned about my little pup and i'm not sure what to do...any suggestions?? or similar experiences that could help me out...

My sweet frenchie pup's name is Stella. She's 5 months -- has all her vaccinations -- is from a breeder in KC -- and has lived with me for over 2 months. We live in NYC. She's my only pup -- so she gets ALOT of attention and love. She eats well. She sleeps in my bed. I take her out for 2-3 long walks a day to socialize w/ lots of people and dogs...all was ideal until about 2 weeks ago, I noticed her energy & mood started to change.

...she started to sneeze consistantly -- her eyes were more watery -- and soon her nose constantly ran. I figured it was a cold or alergies. Soon it was difficult for both of us to sleep. And it continued. I became worried...I watched her closely and our vet prescribed her antibiotics last week...they have done nothing yet. If anything, her cold has gotten worse...
and now it's affecting her behavior. It's been 2 weeks.

She won't play at all...she'll sleep or just sit upright somewhere in my apt for hours...with that "sad frenchie face"...sneezing, looking up at the ceiling, and "thinking." God I wish she could TALK!! I have tried everything to get her excited and nothing works. For a day or so -- she was too exhausted to go outside but soon she would look out the window wimpering, so I would take her outside.

For the past 2-3 days it has been so difficult for me. Stella now refuses to walk outside (even though she begged to go)!...I quickly changed to a harness since we weren't moving...and I have to pull her everywhere which makes me feel so bad. She acts very scared and fights me at even a budge. So I end up carrying her w/ hopes that will make her comfortable...yet this afternoon, she didn't even approach people and hid between my legs when other dogs came around. Her eyes are now fairly bloodshot and her face became a pinkish tone last night. She runs if I even try to examine her face or body, but nothing appears to be wrong and all her paws appear ok.

Oh, I tried children's benadryl as well (w/ recommendation from other bulldog owners)...yet has done surprisingly nothing to help her symptoms.
Still: runny nose, bloodshot & runny eyes, low energy, slight pinkish face...and extremely stubborn!

So, does this story sound familiar to anyone?? I hope.

[StellaBabe]

also...I have been giving her puppy vitamins 2 times a day for over 1 week...still can't see a healthy change in her...

Without a doubt, I plan to see our vet in the upcoming days.

[Solo_dog]

I'm sorry I can't be of help. I would bring your pup back in to the vet ASAP if her medicines aren't working. If she's eating well and not having any diarrhea or anything,going potty as usual, well, that's a good sign.
Two weeks is a long time for this to be going on with no signs of improvement; the vet should run some tests and do some further investigation.

[gmacleod]

Well... I'd have initially said allergies as well, but that shouldn't really make her lethargic... It is possible, but what you describe sounds more than that.

Still working on that possibility though - what does she eat, what's her bedding made out of, have you changed detergents lately? Anything else that you can think of that could be causing an allergic response?

Other than that... Infection is unlikely (not technically impossible) since the antibiotics have made no impact. Does she have a high temperature at all?

I'm glad you're planning on returning to a vet, and sooner rather than later is a good idea. It really sounds as though this little girl needs some attention. It would be worth having some blood looked at too - there are a few infections/diseases that are really only likely to be discovered that way.

One other thought - has this pup had a thorough de-worming programme? There is a type of roundworm that invests the lungs of dogs that brings about symptoms similar to that you describe. Your vet though, is the one to make that sort of diagnosis. A fecal exam can't hurt though.

One thing I would do in the meantime though, is cut out those puppy vitamins. They don't seem to be helping at all, and too much of particular vitamins can be more harmful than anything else for a pup. If your pup doesn't have a known deficiency, then it is better not to supplement - you're as likely to create an excess as anything else.

[StellaBabe]

thanks kindly for your responses.

I will cut out the vitamins, as you suggest.

She has been on the same dry dog food since the 1st day I brought her home: Royal Canine puppy food.

No changes that I can think of -- in terms of bedding...she sleeps with me...and I've used the same detergent. She is clean and well taken care of.
Now that I think of it -- I do use puppy wet wipes...perhaps I should stop using any extra products on her such as these?
...don't know?

She had a few carrots last week? and tried watermelon for the 1st time? that's it -- in terms of new foods. No "people food."

But, her low energy level still worries me -- perhaps, she is just not feeling well due to a cold?

The good thing is -- she's still eating regularly. :)

[gmacleod]

Well, it is quite possible that she's not feeling well due to a cold, or to allergies (if that's the cause). Hopefully that's all it is :)

I mentioned bedding particularly because some people use dog beds filled with cedar chips (or use them outside in their yard) and that can cause some pretty extreme allergy symptoms for affected individuals. Not relevant in your case though, it would seem.

If it were me, yes I'd cut out the puppy wipes and anything else that could be causing allergy-type symptoms. It won't hurt for a little while not to be using those things, and if it happens to bring about an improvement - good! I might also look at her food - I think the formula of royal canin that you're using contains wheat (does it?) and that's a common allergen. So is corn.

Best thing though, is to get her back to your vet and try to get a diagnosis. If he thinks it is allergies, then both food and environmental possibilities are worth looking at. If he thinks it's an infection of some sort though, then those things are less relevant. Do let us know what the vet has to say.

[Carolyn]

I agree with gmacloud and Judy....get to the vets asap and I'd be surprised if they didn't recommend bloodwork. Please keep us posted. I don't like what I am hearing from you and worry that it could be something more serious than allergies. I hope this is not the case.

[Baylor]

If Stella is not responding to the treatment set up by your vet, you can always go to the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan. They have specialists who might be able to help her. If it is suspected distemper, they may suggest appropriate supportive treatment. One of my dogs has survived distemper. If that's what is causing the trouble and you want to know about my dog's experience, please private message me. I hope it's not distemper.

You and Stella are in my thoughts,

Harriet

[franp]

There is an epidemic of KC in the city this summer. A very bad strain..It started on the upper east side and spread like wildfire... Very possible your pup has it..

I agree, go to your vet.

fran

[StellaBabe]

I just arrived at work this morning and what a great relief to read all of your thoughtful and informative suggestions! I can't thank you enough -- I'm sure you all know how much LOVE and often, WORRY that goes into having a new pup :) It saddens me.

Last night -- I threw away any dog products with fragrance (re: pet wipes) just to narrow down my search of what's wrong. I also stopped feeding her the puppy vitamins and went back to feeding her just dry Royal Canine. She is still eating well. I also purchased new bed sheets and put them on before we fell asleep...thankfully she played on them for the 1st time (of course, right as I was trying to fix the corners)...but it made me happy.

I took Stella for a walk last night and she still had major problems walking...sitting every few seconds. This time I really watched her movements and expressions -- to see if I had missed something that she wanted to show me. She still wasn't social; but I did notice that when only big male dogs would approach her -- she wouldn't play but would instantly roll into "submissive pose"...which she never had done before...as if asking to be licked. I know this is natural and of course, common -- but I did notice the "area" were she pees...it was a little dirty.

Now, just to update you all -- my vet suggested that let Stella go thru her 1st heat to allow her vulva to drop (it's a bit hidden up there) to protect her against infection. Well, upon returning home -- w/ further inspection and a complete cleaning -- I noticed that the area was a little red (maybe slightly infected). Well, this is one new possibility for her walking problems & desire to sit? Has anyone gone thru this?

Anyhow, Stella sees our vet tomorrow morning! thank god. I will ask him all that you guys suggested -- and hopefully her sickness will go away soon.

thanks again.

[franp]

The condition you are describing is called "vulvitas' Dari had this as a pup and exhibited the same resistance to walking. She would drag her bottom on the ground.

I took her to the Vet and found that it is necessary to clean a frenchie girl's vulva daily.

As to allowing her to have a heat? I don't know.

Statistics say that if you spay a bitch BEFORE they have a heat , the chances of mammary cancer are .05%. If you wait till after the first heat, the chances go up to 5%. That is a large increase IMO..

If it were my dog, I would ask the vet what is involved in a correction of the vulva and can it be done when she is spayed..Or just be ever more vigilant in cleaning her.

fran

[StellaBabe]

...thanks! i have lots to ask my vet tomorrow...
marie

[StellaBabe]

...I just wanted to thank everyone (again) who wrote back to me -- w/ suggestions and thoughtful advise. Both Stella & I are doing much better after seeing the vet this morning (thank god!)...she had a full check-up, had blood taken, and was given new antibiotics. I also found out that she has an inverted vulva which needs additional care and cleansing; well, it was slightly infected which may have added to her mood change and frustration while walking.

My vet also closely watched her walk with me and believe it or not, part of why she was refusing to walk...was due to recently changing to a harness!!...she is super STUBBORN and hates not being "in control"... this was a relief to some degree. I just had to laugh. So, with that said: Stella is getting better -- it may take a few more weeks to shake off the virus/sickness...but with time, it looks like she'll be back to normal!!

I'm also now considering getting her a new brother/sister this x-mas! A little black frenchie for her to love...it's just a thought, but i think a companion would suit her well!


xm

[StellaBabe]

thank god stella is finally better!! she is back to normal after weeks of being sick!!! i am so happy.