Posted by iZ's mom (+ Kirby too!) on July 21, 2000 at 16:50:52:
In Reply to: Re: treating igs or humans??? igs do *not* need to be treated ... nm posted by mike on July 21, 2000 at 15:06:45:
99% of igs will test positive for salmonella ... that is not something that needs to be treated and it is very UNlikely that it is the salmonella that is causing your ig's diarrhea ...
i *do* understand your concern about the diarrhea tho! + you are right, it causing dehydration *is* something to be worried about!!!
so about diarrhea ... are you talking about totally liquid poop, multiple times a day, everyday??? yes, that is scary! if that is the case, i would really have to suspect that one of his food items isn't agreeing with him ... *NOT* that you're not feeding him the right things, but maybe there is something that *his* body in particular, is upset by???? (almost like a food allergy???) i'd try changing his diet drastically just for now ... like feed *only* collards for a couple days ... maybe add a small amount of bread since ig's seem to like that ... it might help add a bit of bulk to his stool ... *small* amounts tho ... and then re-introduce the other foods very slowly, like one new thing every 4-5 days and see if there is one in particular that upsets his tummy ...
iZ almost died from dehydration when he was sick last fall ... so again, i *do* understand your concern! are you giving your ig Pedialyte??? it's in the baby aisle at most drug or grocery stores ... it replaces electrolytes lost during vomiting or diarrhea and helps prevent dehydration ... it's better than just giving water ... try giving your ig small drinks of it with an oral syringe a few times a day ...
check with the vet, but the nutribac may be a good idea especially if your ig's been on Baytril or other antibiotics ... you might want to just try some fruit flavored yogurt, get the kind with active cultures in it ... it'll do the same as nutribac, add 'good' bacteria to the gut ... yogurt *is* animal protein, but a small amount for a few days for medicinal purposes, *is* ok ... (probably cheaper too!) (iZ likes strawberry)
keep him a bit warmer than usual ... don't let it get below 80 degrees at night ... around 90 during the day ... since ig's are cold-blooded, they heal slower and the extra warmth will help him heal a bit quicker ...
let us know how you + he are doing ok??? hope he's better *soon*!!!