Need help with Willow

Pray for Willow!!!

Awww.  Fingers and paws crossed here for Willow.  It's the pits when they're sick, isn't it?  They can't tell you anything and it's just all a big guessing game.  Hope the vet can get a handle on it and have her feeling better soon.
 
Joyce & Max

OK, well, I called the ER and they just said I could bring her in at 11pm!  I called at 9:30 and they said it was about a 2 hour wait. 
 
So, I gave her two Benedryl, 50mg total.  I know I could go with more but it IS the first time she's had it.  So, I want to be careful. 
 
I just brushed her and one thing that is really noticable is that her fur is really shedding out.  I brushed her three times today and I a lot of fur every time which isn't normal for her.  The first time I'll get some undercoat but not if she's brushed more than once.
 
She's scratching like crazy.  And, standing, hasn't laid down in awhile and slightly panting.  She's breathing. 
 
She's also looking at me like I should do something.  Which is making me feel really, really, bad. 
 
If I don't see a marked improvedment within the next 45 minutes or so I'm going in to see the vet.  I won't be able to sleep especially knowing she's panting. 
 
Her skin is pink all underneath her arms and legs and at one point she was trying to lick her paw pads--she never licks her feet, ya know how some dogs do that, she never does and very rarely licks her paws or legs at all. 
 
Thanks for all the help.  I like knowing your all there even if nobody is really sure.  My DH is no help, "you know more about this stuff than I do, sweet." 

Lori - I`m no help sorry but I do have good doggie vibes and prayer coming your way and Willows. Willow you get better real soon we all love ya so much.

Poor Willow. That does sound like a severe allergic reaction.  I hope the Benadryl helps.  In addition to that, if you have any vitamin C you could give her some - maybe 1,000 mg. to start with. It can really help to get an allergic reaction under control.  You can give another dose as often as necessary if the first wears off.

i will be interested to hear what the vet says!  good luck, and if it was me in your shoes, i'd be going to the ER, too....[&o]
 
hang in there, willow!
 
*all this AND the sox lost....[>:]*

The heavy shedding is probably stress related.

If your gut says not to give her any more Benedryll, I wouldn't. For my dogs, though, if they're reacting like that, I give them a lot. Teenie (11 pounds) gets one, 25 mg Benedryll during a severe reaction and Emma (18 pounds) gets two, or an injection of 50 mg, if her throat has started to close. We've done this a lot of times, before, and we know how it goes, though.

It does sound like Willow is having a very nasty reaction to something. I hope she's feeling better, soon!

i have no advice, just wanted to say good luck at the vet and get well soon willow! []

I hope that Willow is feeling better very soon!  Good vibes coming your way.

I'd agree with the antibiotics thing. I'd also give her a COOL bath as that helps itching...warm water aggravates it. Perhaps wrapped ice packs on especially itchy areas, too.

If she is looking at her belly or torso...or seems at all bloated, or tries to vomit unsuccessfully, I'd also RUSH her to a vet. Many times the only outward symptoms of bloat are worried expressions, pacing, restlessness, and itching/looking at the belly area.

It sounds very similar to what Legend does when he gets around something he's allergic to. Maple leaves are one example..he's severely allergic to them (amongst many other things) and he paces, whines, is restless, and scratches constantly. Lots of panting.  He also gets hives.
 
Vibes for Willow and hope that it's quickly resolved.  These Chowkids do love to worry us

Thanks everyone!  [sm=floating.gif]

We are back from the 4 hour trip to the emergency vet. 

First, this vet agreed with my vet that it's some type of moderate to severe allergic reaction to something environmental.  The  physical exam as far as her abdomen was normal again tonight.  She worked herself up so much she vomited again.  And, at that point I insisted on blood work just to confirm what they were telling me.  This is the most she's ever vomited in the four years I've had her.  And, they were saying that this severe of a reaction can cause stomach upset, nausea, etc.

They gave her a shot of a steroid tonight.  It's not particularly recommended if they are being treated for a UTI but she was very uncomfortable and the Benedryl, both injected and oral wasn't working.  This did work because she's not panting like she was when we left.

Remember I was asking why she kept going to her water.  Well, the blood work showed she was dehydrated.  So, that explains that one.  They offered to do the fluids but at that point I said enough because she was getting too stressed.  And, she's drinking on her own.

I also have to do a bland diet for a few days and give her Pepcid.  Do you know it cost $22 for a box of 65 Pepcid.  I couldn't believe that. 

I also was told to bathe her.  I know, I know, but she's had a UTI and then today we also had an appointment which we cancelled due to this.  So, tomorrow I'll do it myself.  They said if it is something she got into and it's on her fur that would help. 

So, that's it.  Time for bed finally.
I never realized how ill allergies can make a dog. 
Lori

Yikes,I am glad you got it under control.........nothing worse than watching one's dog going through this and not knowing what the problem is............hope she feels better soon.....[]

Oh I'm so sorry I wasn't here last night to offer my support and prayers.  I'm glad you brought her to the eVet and that's its working out.  Hopefully this will all be behind you today and Willow will be 100%.   Keep us posted please