brookcove
Posted : 2/17/2009 2:30:35 PM
If they've handled Evo just fine before this, try a round of Safeguard. It's a bit pricey for the all the dogs (sorry), but it will get any possible bugs with the exception of one tapeworm they most likely don't have (and wouldn't cause this symptom anyway). this includes Giardia, which is showing some resistance to the go-to med the vets typically give instead.
Safeguard is available over the counter. Be sure to do all three days. Then repeat in about seven days from the last treatment. Finally, about a month from that treatment, repeat. You won't have to do any other wormer other than HW during this time. I don't recommend using Heartgard "plus" for instance. Interceptor is fine.
You do want to treat your dogs. The bug takes a while to get established sometimes if it's a sneaky, drug resistant type, but eventually unfortunately you'll get some symptoms in one or both of your own dogs.
I won't hurt, and it would definitely help, during the first round and second round, to do a period of bland food until the intestinal tract has a chance to fully repair. A good human quality probiotic will help too - look for one in the refrigerated case of the health food store with a guaranteed CFU of acidophilus of one billion plus.
After things settle down, you can explore the possibility that they just need a simpler food - the dairy in Evo can be a real irritant during times of GI stress.
Good luck! Kind of a stinky time to, well, have stinky things happen.