Question:
Hi. I seem to be having problems posting. I sent one before and it looks like it didn't transmit-- but if there do end up being 2 posts for me on this topic, I apologize in advance....

Our 1-yr old Bichon, Toto, started vomiting intermittently throughout the night a few nights ago. She stopped eating and would only drink water if we put it to her mouth. We took her to the vet who could not figure out the problem and referred Toto to an emergency vet clinic for overnight observation and care. Toto refused food and water, but continued to vomit. They did blood work but did not find anything there. They did X-ray and did not find any foreign objects there. In case it is due to viral/bacterial infection, they have been giving her antibiotics. It has only been 2 days now on the medication, but because of continued vomiting we did a sonogram which indicated something slightly detectable in her stomach area. Vet thinks this is some foreign body that the x-ray was not able to detect and recommends operating-- although he covers himself by saying that he cannot guarantee 100% that the surgery will find anything there and take care of the problem. Vet tells us operate tonight or put Toto to sleep! It has only been 2 days and the antibiotics may not even had chance to start taking effect, right? The surgery will be very expensive. I want to believe the vet but my friends tell me that vets often recommend more expensive procedures when less invasive, less expensive options are available just to make money. How should I handle this situation? It wilol take me a year to pay off the surgery costs. Isn't there any way to flush out the object? Thanks for any guidance on how to handle similar situations in future-- I do not really know what my rights are in situations like this.

Answer:
Well, you can get a second opinion, but with your dog's symptoms, and the fact that there is "something" in her stomach, surgery is probably the only option.

Some things don't show up clearly in x-rays if the object is soft, like a sock etc. If the object cannot be passed (too large, twined around the organs) your dog will likely die without the surgery. I know of no other way to get whatever it is out other than surgery.

I also do not know of any doctor, human or vet, who can guarantee 100% the results of most surgeries.

Here is a place you can apply for a Vet credit card.
Care Credit

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