Hello everyone,

For those who have been following, Stella is home from the vet...finally! I thought she was coming back this morning, but when I called they wanted to keep observing her and I had to wait until the end of the work day. Of course it was the day I taught my late class, so I didn't get her back until after 7:00pm!

So far, she seems fine, and they told me she's doing well. Right now she's playing with a toy and has both of her beds on her back :) When I took her out, she even pooed normally, so that's a really good sign.

Now, to my question/concern. They've been giving her meds to help her stomach and to get her GI system back on track (they just determined she had gastroenteritis, not sure of the cause). So, I was expecting maybe a pepto-type med that I'd give her a couple of times a day. Well, when the vet tech showed me the meds and read me the instructions, I was totally shocked! She just kept pulling med after med out of the bag! Here's the list of what she has:

1. Proviable- this one has a capsule AND a paste--I give the capsul once a day, the paste 2-3 times.
2. Carafate Liquid- 5 mls every 8 hrs (3 times/day)
3. Pepcid- 20 mg tablets- 1/2 tablet every morning for 8 days
4. Metronidazole- 250 mg- 1/2 tablet every 24 hours

Ok, now I have to confess that I personally am very critical of our overly medicated society and unnecessary push from pharmaceutical companies, and if my doctor were to prescribe this to me, the prescription slips wouldn't even make it past the office trash can. So, my initial reaction was of the horror that this trend has made it to the pet world! I also am concerned because her stomach upset may have been CAUSED by medication. On the other hand, I don't want to hurt her in any way because of my critical stance on meds, and I have had very positive experiences with this vet so far (and so have many people I know). But it just seems like A LOT for a little puppy. I also have the dilemma of WHAT to not give her. I wouldn't stop all of it, but I just can't help feeling like some is not necessary. Honestly, the antibiotic worries me the most for possible stomach reactions.

Anyway, I would really appreciate some honest, direct feedback on this. If you think I'm overreacting, please be blunt, I won't get offended. I just want to to what's best for little Stella.

Thanks so much!

Nicole