Guest ss556 Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 I brought Alan to a Vet who owns a greyhound as well as treats several greys. I brought all my lab reports and was fully prepared for this visit. A "greyhound friend" who uses this vet came along with me for a second set of ears. I was glad to hear that Alan "is being managed well, we're doing all the right things, his Pannus appears to be atypical as his corneas appear normal/unaffected; the meds he is on are good; he does NOT see signs of neurological deficits", as my vet said to me last week and that I should enjoy him. "His rear legs may have arthritis or it could be old age" since Alan is having his 10th birthday on July 17th. The only thing he didn't agree with me on is his food, he's a strong believer in a K/D kibble diet for him. He did drop 2lbs. though, down to 88.2 - he's always been between 90-92. So I'm feeling better, for the moment, at least. But Alan was so mad at me when we got home, wouldn't eat his chicken dish or his dog food dish and just stared at me. I guess I will have to make it up to him:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisad Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 I'm very glad that Alan is doing alright, and no neurolgical damage. I don't know about the K/D...I'm not a fan of Hill's and sometimes Vets push that food because they sell it and make $$. Have you looked around to see if Innova or Solid Gold makes a kidney supportive food? for you and Alan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CocktailGirl Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Sounds like a greyt report. Glad to hear Alan is doing well. What vet did you goto for your 2nd opinion? Give Alan hugs and scritches from me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burpdog Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Good news! Quote Diane & The Senior Gang Burpdog Biscuits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Snowy8 Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 My pups say the reason Alan was mad was because the ride wasn't long enough, you didn't go anywhere interesting other than that ole smelly doctor's office. He was probably expecting a ride thru McDonalds or Chik Fila...geeze! Its still early, try again...he he he Seriously, I'm glad he's doing better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greyhound1 Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Glad he is doing better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowpantslady Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 greyt news!!! Quote Iris www.ligc.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest vahoundlover Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest taylorsmom Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 That is good news for Alan and for you!! I agree with lisad also--not a fan of Hill's, are there any other kidney supportive foods out there?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Redpack Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 I'm glad. Alan's one of my favorites here. Am I allowed to say that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JohnnyBell Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tenderhearts Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Glad to hear Alan is doing so well! :clap I have used the K/D here with good results, but that was the canned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackandgrey Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Alan!!! Quote Susan, Jessie and Jordy NORTHERN SKY GREYHOUND ADOPTION ASSOCIATION Jack, in my heart forever March 1999-Nov 21, 2008 My Dancing Queen Jilly with me always and forever Aug 12, 2003-Oct 15, 2010 Joshy I will love you always Aug 1, 2004-Feb 22,2013 Jonah my sweetheart May 2000 - Jan 2015 " You will never need to be alone again. I promise this. As your dog, I will sing this promise to you, and whisper it to you at night, every night, with my breath." Stanley Coren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Oh_Greyt Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Yay for Alan!! Second opinions are always good, even if it's just to confirm. Don't worry about the 2 lbs... That could easily be a difference in scales. I've seen great results with K/D also, but if you need to do what you feel comfortable with. I always tell clients that if they have concerns, or are uncomfortable, they won't be happy. They need to stick with what works for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Thank you all, it means a lot to me being the worry wart that I am about the love of my life! And as happy as I am about my own story, for now, I do know that things can change. But I will relax a bit and take it as it comes. My sadness does remain with those here on GT that are not having such good results. My heart aches for them and my thoughts are always with them. You are a bunch of GREYT PEOPLE! - Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricia Posted June 23, 2007 Share Posted June 23, 2007 Yahooooooo! Way to go sweetie! Quote Patti-Mommy of Lady Sophia 7-28-92 - 8-3-04... LaceyLaine 8-2-94-12-5-07... Flash Gordon 7-14-99 - 8-29-09... BrookLynne...Pavé Maria... and 18 Bridge Kids. WATCHING OVER US~SOPHIA~QUEENIE~LACEY LAINE~ CODY ANGELO~FLASH GORDON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greytlady94 Posted June 23, 2007 Share Posted June 23, 2007 Wonderful news for Alan!! Instead of Hill's KD could you be maybe do a home cooked kidney diet? Just a thought. Quote Greyhound angels at the bridge- Casey, Charlie, Maggie, Molly, Renie, Lucy & Teddy. Beagle angels Peanut and Charlie. And to all the 4 legged Bridge souls who have touched my heart, thank you. When a greyhound looks into you eyes it seems they touch your very soul. "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more then he loves himself". Josh Billings Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tigonie Posted June 23, 2007 Share Posted June 23, 2007 (edited) Yes, there is a major brand alternative kidney food to K/D. We use Purina NF rather than the Hill's K/D. The vet and our specialist both told me Emma would probably hate the taste of ANY kidney kibble, so I figured I'd go with the cheaper brand, at least to start, since our vet carries both. Turns out that Emma likes the stuff, plus it's helped her with her kidney problems (test numbers improved greatly). Not all vets carry the Purina version, but I bet there's a vet near you who does. Call around. If someplace near you sells Purina NF, they may want to contact your vet to ensure that you have a "prescription" for it (as though you'd want to buy it if your dog didn't need it). It comes in both canned and dry, but I really think the canned stuff is stinky. We pay (I think) $34 or $35 for a 20-lb bag of kibble. Considering I used to pay something like $25 or $26 for each 17-lb bag of Natural Balance, I really don't think the price is that much worse than regular food for her. Edited June 23, 2007 by Tigonie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted June 24, 2007 Share Posted June 24, 2007 I'm sure I could get alternative k/d kibble to Hill's. A friend uses the Eukanuba, but I would try the Purina NF or one of the Royal Canin ones. The thing is that Alan is not really eating any kibble at all lately, only if he is starving late at night I will give in and give him a packet of Pedigree mixed with some kibble, the one I have left is EPH Duck & Oatmeal. I started introducing Wellness Super 5 Mix chicken, didn't care for that kibble. I just think I created a monster by cooking chicken or beef for him. I was going to try Canidae all lives or the senior one. I don't know yet. I guess I'll look into the K/D kibbles first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemandvm Posted June 24, 2007 Share Posted June 24, 2007 1. The "mark-up" on food is very low so vets are not making very much money selling food. Actually if you look at the amount of room that food takes up in a hospital... it is hte lowest revenue producing area in every hospital. If prescription diets were sold OTC with a prescription... no vet would ever carry food. We carry no maintenance diets and only prescription diets. 2. Plenty of studies have shown that feeding low protein diets are better for dogs with a protein losing nephropathy (the type of kidney disease Alan has). 3. There are alternatives to Hill's SD K/D. Purina, Eukanuba and Royal canin all make kidney diets that would be comparable. Quote Bill Lady Bella and Sky at the bridge "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." -Anabele France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tigonie Posted June 24, 2007 Share Posted June 24, 2007 ...The thing is that Alan is not really eating any kibble at all lately... Maybe you can start him on one of the canned kidney diet foods, or mix canned and kibble? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ss556 Posted June 24, 2007 Share Posted June 24, 2007 Thank you Dr. Bill, I always appreciate your input. And as far as the canned food goes, unfortunately alone, it gives Alan the Big "D". I'm working on a diet best for Alan. I don't have a problem buying prescription diets from the Vet, it's just hoping that Alan will eat it as in general, I don't like wasting my money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemandvm Posted June 25, 2007 Share Posted June 25, 2007 Thank you Dr. Bill, I always appreciate your input. And as far as the canned food goes, unfortunately alone, it gives Alan the Big "D". I'm working on a diet best for Alan. I don't have a problem buying prescription diets from the Vet, it's just hoping that Alan will eat it as in general, I don't like wasting my money! If he won't eat it... you can take it back to your vet. 100% guaranteed for palatibility. Doesn't mean 100% of dogs will eat it... just that you can take it back for a full refund if he won't! : ) If you want to try homecooked. I know Hill's SD used to have recipes that you could make at home. I am not sure if they were meant for longterm or not though. You could contact them and ask: http://www.hillspet.com/zSkin_2/_refacing/...D=1182737675509 Quote Bill Lady Bella and Sky at the bridge "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." -Anabele France Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.