Just talked to my sister who got this story 2nd hand.
My niece is out of the country right now and her 14 year old boy Chief is staying at my BIL's house. Chief basically stopped eating and then stopped pooping so BIL brought him into his local vet. He lives in a very small town and he doesn't have a choice of vets. He has to drive about 100 miles to get to a city large enough for a specialist.
I understand that the vet did some blood work, but then he gave Chief an enema to make him go. Sent him home, Chief didn't go so he was returned at which time the vet gave him another enema. This was repeated a third time. Somewhere in there the vet gave him sub-q's because he was dehydrated (he has never drank a lot of water) and that made him feel better and he started eating again. That, and not the 3 enemas got him going again (I suspect).
I want to call my BIL tonight and coach him on what to ask for from this vet, or to help him find another vet. Before I do, I want to hear anyone's experience with enemas. Frankly, mine have never had one and it seems absolutely excessive that they gave him 3, when the fundamental problem was that he stopped eating. I also don't know the results of his blood work but I really have to suspect CRF, knowing his history of never drinking very much water and refusing canned food.
Any insights are appreciated. I don't know how firm I need to be with my BIL about Chief's care. My niece is calling from Europe hysterical and Chief needs help now.
My niece is out of the country right now and her 14 year old boy Chief is staying at my BIL's house. Chief basically stopped eating and then stopped pooping so BIL brought him into his local vet. He lives in a very small town and he doesn't have a choice of vets. He has to drive about 100 miles to get to a city large enough for a specialist.
I understand that the vet did some blood work, but then he gave Chief an enema to make him go. Sent him home, Chief didn't go so he was returned at which time the vet gave him another enema. This was repeated a third time. Somewhere in there the vet gave him sub-q's because he was dehydrated (he has never drank a lot of water) and that made him feel better and he started eating again. That, and not the 3 enemas got him going again (I suspect).
I want to call my BIL tonight and coach him on what to ask for from this vet, or to help him find another vet. Before I do, I want to hear anyone's experience with enemas. Frankly, mine have never had one and it seems absolutely excessive that they gave him 3, when the fundamental problem was that he stopped eating. I also don't know the results of his blood work but I really have to suspect CRF, knowing his history of never drinking very much water and refusing canned food.
Any insights are appreciated. I don't know how firm I need to be with my BIL about Chief's care. My niece is calling from Europe hysterical and Chief needs help now.