Buddy - Diarrhea and Cramping

I probably would not give Immodium to any herding breed----from dogaware.com:

Imodium (loperamide) can be used for severe diarrhea to help reduce fluid loss, but it may cause problems for certain breeds of dogs, notably Collies and also Australian Shepherds (including miniatures), Shetland Sheepdogs, and Old English Sheepdogs, plus English Shepherds, German Shepherds, McNabs, Long Haired Whippets and Silken Windhounds, Imodium is contraindicated for dogs with intestinal infections, as it slows GI transit time which increases absorption of toxins from bacteria (see Drugs Used in Treatment of Diarrhea). A single dose is probably OK, but if your dog needs more than that, you should see your vet. See Loperamide (Imodium AD) for more info. Also see Multidrug Sensitivity for an article about other drugs the breeds above may be sensitive to, which include Ivermectin, certain chemotherapy drugs, digoxin, and possibly morphine. Also see MDR1 Problem Drugs List with North American Brand & Trade Names for a more extensive list of drugs and their brand names that should be avoided if your dog carries this gene.

I went through this diarrhea and cramping thing recently with the collie mix I sit for and found that the pet version of kaopectate---PetPectillin worked great----you can find it at Petsmart, Petco and the like. 

Good luck.

Edited to add:   Oops, I just saw that Buddy is not one of your GSD's, but I still am wary of the Immodium.

Yep...Buddy is the big boy hypothyroid Lab.  I'm not sure too after reading your material (THANK YOU!) that I should give the Immodium considering his thyroid supplement.

Maybe I'll go to Petsmart and get some of the PetPectillin to offer relief for today.

I've used Imodium with our vets OK many times.  But, Willow will get a child's dose for her weight.  Your dog is much bigger so I'm not sure.  Hope he's feeling better soon. 

I'm almost positive Callie doesn't use Imodium and will suggest other things. 

I know a lot of people in real life and also on here that use Pepto Bismol instead too.  In fact, I think Dyan uses it for Gibby and he's a big dog. 

I just answered your PM -- sorry, I wasn't on at all today until now (5:00 pm).  I typed out for you what the "Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat" says -- it's pretty safe but NOT for certain situations.  The Pill Book doesn't go into breed distinctions but that's probably covered in the "possible side effects" where it lists sensitivities.  And one of the big red flags IS hypothyroidism. 

I've said it before but it bears repeating -- " "Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat"  (Del Reference book, last printed 1998) - you can get it on Amazon still, and it's a book I refer to all the time (in fact, I've worn out three copies!!!).  It never gets into breed specifics (altho it does on Ivermectin) but it actually spells out HOW a drug works which can sometimes actually give you insight into whether or not you want to give it or not.

Rather than using Immodium, I typically use Pepto Bismol caplets.  I can't use Immodium on ME so I never have it here.  And I like Pepto caplets b/c they are easy to break when I need a small dose. 

It's funny -- I can't take Pepto liquid at all -- it's one of those things my mother used to haul out any time I was sick as a kid and my brain is SO hardwired that just SEEING the pink bottle will make me sick to my stomach (cos that's when she gave it to me -- when I was puking my guts out LOL).  At least there was never any danger in my taking it because it "tasted good" LOL.

But I can't take loperamide -- if you read all of the nervous system side effects (it can paralyze the intestinal tract) that's why I can't take it.  TMI, right?  But *laughing* I never dare risk it on a dog. 

Thanks everybody.  I opted against the Immodium and just withheld his meals for the day...a nice fast doesn't hurt anyone. 

He is doing much much better...back to his normal big self. 

I'm thinking that they are getting into something that is causing tummy upset...water, rabbit poo...not sure what.  But, everybody is great this morning.