intestinal blockage from pig ears?

Question
Greetings!
One of my Vizsla dogs (aka Hungarian Pointer) loves to eat. She's a light boned (normally) 40# healthy bitch. This weekend, she ate her potion of food (1/2C dry kibble with 2T canned salmon), plus one of the other V's food (1C dry kibble + 2T canned salmon). Later in the day, she ate two fairly large pigs ears (1 was hers, the other was for one of the other V's. I also had sprayed all three Vizslas with Adams Flea&Tick spray as we were camping and there are lots of ticks & mosquitos in the area. When we got home, I also bathed all three with an organic orange oil-based shampoo to get rig of any "hitch-hikers" they may have picked up in the country.
Now - She is acting very lethargic (highly unusual with this very active little dog); she's walking rather "stiffly" and acting as though her tummy herts. When I pet her tummy, she's seems ok as far as pain, however, she's "puffy" and very inactive.

My question is - Does it sound like she's eaten too much and/or perhaps the pigs ears are expanding? Or could there be a blockage? Anything I might be able to give her to help? I'm a fairly experienced "dog-lady", but I'm a little stumped. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a million for your help,
Karen Sullivan

Answer
Hi Karen - I wonder if she just has excessive bloat and gas from all the fats she consumed. Pigs ears are hard to digest because they are loaded with fat.  Also, in the long run they cause many problems with the digestive enzymes and the pancreas.  So, I would cut down on them or she will get Pancreatitis.

I am wondering if she has a little case of this now.  If so, she will be vomiting and get diarrhea.  She would need to be put on a very low fat diet for a few weeks.  To give her system a rest from the fat intake and proteins.  AGAIN, this is just a guess on my part.


I can suggest a few good supplements for both of your dogs -
For the sick kid - Please give some pepto bismol - just 1-2 every 6 hrs for just 1 day and night.  It will give her some comfort.

Next, most of my clients go onto NuVET Plus - this is the Ultimate pet vitamin and immune system supplement
Please read here for the testimonials - not sold in stores - only thru a referral to the manufacturer...
Use my name and ordering referral code
Marie Peppers # 81098
http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

The kids would need 1 wafer each, per day - only .55 cents per day- this product also helps to keep Joint and arthritis stiffness away!


Another thing you may want to start is some good oils - in the food each day - 1-2 teaspoons per day -
here is a link to a great product - Good quality:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  
YOU CAN take this too... good for you and your dogs..

Give the dogs 1 per day...
SUPER OMEGA 3 EPA SOFTGEL CAPSULES


http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?StockNum=1515

And one more thing - A great product for YOU and your dogs -
Silver Shield -
give the dogs 1 tablespoon per day - and give yourself some, too..

http://www.mynsp.com/nuvetpetnurse/products/guide.aspx?stockNum=4274



BEST wishes - I hope she is feeling better soon.  I know you love your dogs and want to keep them around for along time. I am sure you did not know how bad the pig's ears are for them... in the long run.

Talk to you soon!
~~~~give me an update in a few weeks...


Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net