What's new
Mastiff Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • Welcome back!

    We decided to spruce things up and fix some things under the hood. If you notice any issues, feel free to contact us as we're sure there are a few things here or there that we might have missed in our upgrade.

Bye, bye, Miss American Pi

ruby55

Well-Known Member
Thursday, little 11 week old Pi got a mouthful of acorns. The little booger was always picking up everything, trying to eat whatever she got. My housemate was walking her, thought she got just about all of it out of her mouth. Friday morning, she was laying in a puddle of vomit. Lethargic. Rushed her to the vet; she had a temp of 106 degrees, and her right lung was full of fluid, from aspiring vomit. Xrays & ultrasound showed very little acorn debris in her gut. No appetite. She died today, about 3 hours ago. I just can't deal. I've had some of the moms at work grab some acorns, & they too will vomit. It's from the oils in the shell; acid in the nut. Here's your warning. 007.jpg027.jpg032.jpg
 

NYDDB

Well-Known Member
I am so sorry for Miss Pi...how tragic and devastating.

About the acorns- I had no idea. Good that you are spreading the dangers of them.
 

DDSK

Well-Known Member
Thank you for sharing this info with us, even in your grief and pain you think of others.
I'm deeply sorrowed for your loss.
Run free Little Pi.
 

ruby55

Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry for your loss. Poor baby. Were these acorns or hickory tree nuts?
They were acorns from live oak trees. It's a real problem for dogs here in the south. People just don't know. The vet said he usually sees bowel damage from the shells, or impacted bowels. The fact that she went down so hard & fast is what is so frightening. The pneumonia is what got her; they just couldn't get her lungs clear. I'm totally depressed. Going to work, seeing all those puppies bouncing, barking, biting, etc. is going to kill me.
 

Bailey's Mom

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
Thank you for sharing this info with us, even in your grief and pain you think of others.
I'm deeply sorrowed for your loss.
Run free Little Pi.

I am in tears, and Bailey has come to comfort me. How do I make her understand that I am crying for the lost little one. How terrible! Our dog is crazy for nuts..Pistachios, Cashews, peanuts...yum! And then I hear of this child dog losing her life to a tree nut.

Poor Pi! I will never travel through the wood again with such a careless attitude, I will always be on guard against the ubiquitous acorn. Poor Ruby.... I am so sorry.
 

QY10

Well-Known Member
I am so sorry for your loss. RIP little Pi.

I had no idea about acorns. Thank you for sharing your story despite how heartbreaking it is. :(
 

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
Oh Man.
So sorry!!! I don't know what I would do.
Be strong! My heart is with you.
RIP Miss Pi.

Thank you for sharing about acorns. I'm in the NW, so they're not that common... but I never would have given it a second thought. I sure will now!
 

Boxergirl

Well-Known Member
I absolutely mean no disrespect, but I want to make sure that everyone sees the twofold risk here. The acorns contain tannic acid which can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, as well as pose a blockage and intestinal damage risk. They also cause gastrointestinal upset. Technically the acorns were what caused the vomiting, but aspiration pneumonia is what took this baby from her family. I have a boy with megaesophagus and before he was diagnosed I never even really considered vomiting that big of a deal. It's the biggest risk for us now. So please be cautious and watch your dogs around acorns, but also be aware that vomit can be aspirated and cause pneumonia. Particularly if the vomiting is prolonged. Like I said, I had no clue until my vet told me how often this happens. Again, Ruby55, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Pi.
 
Last edited:

ruby55

Well-Known Member
I absolutely mean no disrespect, but I want to make sure that everyone sees the twofold risk here. The acorns contain tannic acid which can cause damage to the liver and kidneys, as well as pose a blockage and intestinal damage risk. They also cause gastrointestinal upset. Technically the acorns were what caused the vomiting, but aspiration pneumonia is what took this baby from her family. I have a boy with megaesophagus and before he was diagnosed I never even really considered vomiting that big of a deal. It's the biggest risk for us now. So please be cautious and watch your dogs around acorns, but also be aware that vomit can be aspirated and cause pneumonia. Particularly if the vomiting is prolonged. Like I said, I had no clue until my vet told me how often this happens. Again, Ruby55, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Pi.
You are right on the money, Boxergirl. It was the pneumonia that took Pi. The stomach acid plus acids from the acorns were just too much for her to conquer. I spoke to 3 different vets (2 who were working on Pi; one from work) & they all agreed it was just too weird how she crashed so fast. She was so robust. She just couldn't get that vomit coughed out. I miss her every day, & never want to see a little 11 week old on the table with no heartbeat or brain activity again. I can't forget it. And coming to work, seeing all these little labrador retriever pups that are so close to little Pi's age...