2 Yr Old English Bulldog

Question
QUESTION: I just recently on Sunday drove from NJ to Fl to pick up a rescue Bulldog.  Overall he is great, loveable, friendly, however he is seriously underweight. I started him on Gatorade immediately on the way phone to at least hydrate him again. He also was on Science Diet and now is being changed to Solid Gold Holistic food that my other Bulldog is on.  He did have bloody stool and diarea when he was at the rescue but they gave him meds and when I got him he had just diarea the first time but now is normal. He also sneezes(only when he first wakes), but he has blows out clear mucus(thank heaven only on my fiance and not me). My question is when he is sleeping, he all of a sudden starts not really hacking but he sounds like he trying to clear something from his throat, It then stops but it is really scary. Do you happen to know what would cause that?

ANSWER: First of all, kudos to you for taking on this dog. Secondarily, I can't believe a rescue would let him out of their hands in this condition and expect an adoptive home to deal with it.

Now, if he's in such bad shape, it's going to take months for him to be ok, both mentally and physically. Just take things slowly. Increase his food gradually. I would definitely have a fecal exam and a float done right away, especially since you have another dog at home.

As long as the mucus is clear, he's ok. The hacking in his sleep is caused by a dry throat. His palate gets stuck and for a moment he can't breathe. That's the scary part. Once he's back to normal, say in about 6 months, you might investigate having his soft palate resectioned. Have him evaluated by your vet.

Good job.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I took Zeus to the Vet today.  Lucky for me and him he was clear of Kennal Cough and clear of any worms.  The vet did however put him on three days of a wide spectrum dewormer just to be safe. I will make sure to take things slow with him, however he just wants to eat all the time but I do feed him one cup in the morning and at night.  Thanks again for all your help, there is a Bulldog specialist in Staten Island and I will try to get his palate looked at by him.

Answer
Two cups a day isn't enough, even at this state of the game. If possible go to 3 cups a day, morning, noon and night. Then two cups in the morning and 2 cups at night, until he has gained to the point of being healthy.  Then you can cut him back if you need to.