I'm So Tired...

[Guest LindsaySF]

Did they try antibiotics for the ulcers?

[turbotaina]

Did they try antibiotics for the ulcers?

 

Lindsay, I was just typing the same thing.

[Guest lauri]

We're going into the vets AGAIN at 2.

 

This time he'll see the woman who originally started the clinic. I asked for them to get the results and x-rays ready to go over things with the vet.

 

Hopefully we'll be able to get some new insight into this thing.

[Guest greyhoundluv]

I hope they find what the problem is.

[Guest paulamariez]

Definitely try giving Miles the pasta, macaroni noodles or something similar, instead of the rice. My dogs won't eat the rice, but love the noodles. Also, our vet said that on some dogs, the rice can be irritating to the intestinal tract because it's rough and doesn't get digested. The pasta really helped firm up our hounds loose poops. I cooked the boiled ground beef as well, and rinsed it after cooking it, to get any excess fat off of it. Too much fat can make loose poops as well. I'm guessing you've probably tried canned dog food. If not, give that a try. My Bueller absolutely will not eat kibble. And don't get the extreme cheapos, like Alpo canned or something. Dogs know the difference! Bueller won't touch that stuff. Try something like canned Innova, Eagle Pack Holistic or Wellness (available at pet food stores and they're only cents more expensive than the store brands). These are very well rounded canned food, with meat, veggies, barley, supplements, etc. That's the only brands that Bueller will eat. Have you tried a probiotic supplement at all? I kept putting it off, and one day when Bueller had loose poops and didn't want to eat while he was on antibiotics, I decided to give it a try. I was shocked because he was back to normal by the next day. Also, when our first greyhound Chief had ulcers from a medication he was taking, the vet prescribed him Tagamet, once a day and liquid Pepto Bismol THREE times a day. Plus he needed a snack before bed because it was too long for him to go without eating something until breakfast. This really helped Chief tremendously. I will keep your sweet Miles in my thoughts and prayers, because he obviously needs some help and it doesn't seem like your vets are being all that helpful, unfortunately. I hope you have some better luck with the woman today! I know how tough it is taking care of the hounds when you are ill as well. I'm not as bad off as you are, obviously, but I have my bad days too where I can barely get out of bed, let alone walk the dogs three times a day, because I have Lupus. Tiger, Bueller and Domino are sending you both some get well doggie kisses!

Edited August 5, 2008 by paulamariez

[Guest lauri]

Okay...so basically trying the 'least meds as possible' route, the vet put Miles on 'Flagyl' and some anti-puke pills. He showed pain during a belly palpitation AND this time has a bit of fever which indicates something...obviously. She took fecals and is testing for giardia. BUT there is also indication of food allergies which was always a thought.

 

All three vets told me to stay away from ground beef when having stomach stuff. It's hard to digest. And there's still too much fat in it. I have to say that I don't disagree - three vets and my own research tells me that, but I was willing to try ANYTHING to get some weight on him.

 

Plus in canines, beef, wheat, and dairy are the most common allergens (I was given literature to read wile Miles was getting checked). Funny...Miles was doing better... then the other day I decided to give him his cookie after his dinners. They have wheat. That's the day he started to throw up again.

 

About the changing of protein sources - since food allergies or sensitivites are suspected, the source of protein needs to be completly allergen free. I was sent home with 'Hill's ZD'. It's some food where they've taken protien sources and 'Frankensteined' them to be allergy free. Miles ate some at the vet but is refusing it now. We talked about the fact that Miles' anorexia is caused by the fact he gets hurt after he eats. It's evident - he'll act hungry, smell the food, lick his lips like he's interested to eat then just goes away and sulks.

 

This is a 'litmus test' of sorts. If he does well on this until he's in top shape, and we switch to another food and he gets sick, well...I guess you can figure that out.

 

He will have NOTHING but this food until he's well. No cookies, no yogurt, no pumpkin. JUST 'Frankenfood'!

 

THEN...in 48 hours if we see very little or no improvement, it's prednisone which I'm not real happy about. That crap's nasty! But if it helps to get the disease in check then that's what we have to do.

 

She says Inflammatory Bowel Disease could be the issue if not an ulcer. But in either case, foods can aggravate the problem.

 

So for now Miles has 'Frankenfood'!

[Batmom]

I had wondered about flagyl and ZD. Did you get the dry or the canned? Canned might be more palatable. Fingers crossed!

[CaliforniaGreys]

I sure hope the Hill's diet helps, it sure should.I can't imagine how frustrated you are. It's interesting what you said about the common things that cause food allergies. I've never heard that beef was one but I do know that chicken, corn,and wheat are the most common.

[Guest lauri]

Both.

 

Hopefully we can eventually get him on SOME kind of food he can tolerate. The vet herself has a dog that ONLY eats the ZD.

 

The stuff is EXPENSIVE!

 

Funny...we've spent at least $1000 on Miles since April for this 'whateveritis'. I work with a girl who's ALWAYS in financial woes. She wears $150 jeans (actually all expensive clothing), goes on cruises, remodels her home every three years with new furniture etc., bought a swim-spa, refinanced out the A$$ and now is stressing because she had a shoddy loan that's gone up!

 

ONE $800 toy poodle wasn't enough. She had to get three!

 

Makes me wonder, with the money we've spent to make our dog well, how the heck is she able to afford three when they get sick? She can't even afford to pay her booth-rental at work!

 

Damn...makes me pretty happy that Miles 'refused' the foster-to-adopt pup we had a couple of years ago!

 

I just hope we can get him better soon...

[Batmom]

I sure hope the Hill's diet helps, it sure should.I can't imagine how frustrated you are. It's interesting what you said about the common things that cause food allergies. I've never heard that beef was one but I do know that chicken, corn,and wheat are the most common.

 

Statistically, beef and wheat are the most common, followed by ... I forget. Might be dairy but IIRC it isn't chicken and isn't corn. That's true allergy, tho, not food intolerance.

 

I usually suggest beef, tho -- and usually try it myself -- because so many dogs are fed chicken-based diets these days.

 

If he's got IBD, the ZD ought to help. Fingers, toes, and paws crossed here.

[Guest lauri]

Do you think he'll eat if he's hungry enough?

She said if he doesn't get some in him he's lost enough protein he's close to needing a transfusion.

 

Dang...

 

I never figured I'd be a 'REGULAR' in this GT topic.

[Guest longdogs]

Pred might help a lot and just need to be used carefully. It really makes a big difference to their appetite. Is he OK with boiled chicken? Have you tried things like low-salt canned consomme? Or plain home-made chicken soup with all the fat skimmed off with/without meat? Warm chicken soup - really just concentrated home-made chicken stock with some of the meat added - would get William eating when nothing else would. There's not a lot of food value but it is a start. I used to roughly cut up a chicken, cover it with water in a pan and simmer until tender. The chicken then got pulled off the bones and put to one side while the bones, skin etc were put back into the pan to simmer for longer. The stock was then strained, reduced and allowed to set in the fridge. When cold, all the fat could be easily skimmed off. A portion could then be warmed enough to melt it and some boiled chicken added (or not). It doesn't need to be a prime roasting chicken.

[Guest LindsaySF]

Did you offer him the ZD? Did he eat any?

 

Because he is still having problems, and ultrasound and other tests were inconclusive, I would be looking to treat with antibiotics and dewormers, even if he tests (tested) negative. Then worry about food allergies and trying different protein sources.

[Guest mandm]

My greyhound was on Z/D for a while. He also did not like the kibble, but would eat the canned. 5 cans per day -- it cost a fortune. I tried getting him to eat the kibble by pulverizing it in a food processor and then adding water to it so it had a canned consistency. He'd eat some, but he digested the canned better than the kibble, doctored or not.

[Xan]

No advice, just checking in with positive thoughts.

As for using RR on an empty stomach, you use so little, I don't think it matters. I have had the best success with it right before bedtime with an anxious puppy, when his stomach would normally have been pretty empty. He didn't have a sensitive tummy, though. :

 

Good luck and hugs!!

[Guest MAXNAV]

I don't know the whole history here but have you tried turkey?

 

I actually bake a turkey and add it to Iams Lamb & Rice kibble (you don't have to do this but I would stay away from a kibble that contains any other products that seem to upset Miles tummy) ....this has FINALLY stopped her stomach from gurgling and firm poops.

 

I think the turkey is very soothing to their intestinal tract.

 

You know, the Iams Lamb & Rice kibble is the only thing my collie could ever tolerate too! We went through countless brands until I tried the Iams. He never had a problem again with the big D.

 

I'd also try to keep him from eating grass. Some dogs have an adverse reaction to it (upset stomach, bloody diarrhea). You can put a stool cup in a muzzle or just cover a muzzle with duct tape. Try it for awhile and see if it makes a difference.

 

Navigator can't eat grass. Not even a blade or two, or he'll barf "big time".

[Guest MAXNAV]

Okay...so basically trying the 'least meds as possible' route, the vet put Miles on 'Flagyl' and some anti-puke pills. He showed pain during a belly palpitation AND this time has a bit of fever which indicates something...obviously. She took fecals and is testing for giardia. BUT there is also indication of food allergies which was always a thought.

 

All three vets told me to stay away from ground beef when having stomach stuff. It's hard to digest. And there's still too much fat in it. I have to say that I don't disagree - three vets and my own research tells me that, but I was willing to try ANYTHING to get some weight on him.

 

Plus in canines, beef, wheat, and dairy are the most common allergens (I was given literature to read wile Miles was getting checked). Funny...Miles was doing better... then the other day I decided to give him his cookie after his dinners. They have wheat. That's the day he started to throw up again.

 

About the changing of protein sources - since food allergies or sensitivites are suspected, the source of protein needs to be completly allergen free. I was sent home with 'Hill's ZD'. It's some food where they've taken protien sources and 'Frankensteined' them to be allergy free. Miles ate some at the vet but is refusing it now. We talked about the fact that Miles' anorexia is caused by the fact he gets hurt after he eats. It's evident - he'll act hungry, smell the food, lick his lips like he's interested to eat then just goes away and sulks.

 

This is a 'litmus test' of sorts. If he does well on this until he's in top shape, and we switch to another food and he gets sick, well...I guess you can figure that out.

 

He will have NOTHING but this food until he's well. No cookies, no yogurt, no pumpkin. JUST 'Frankenfood'!

 

THEN...in 48 hours if we see very little or no improvement, it's prednisone which I'm not real happy about. That crap's nasty! But if it helps to get the disease in check then that's what we have to do.

 

She says Inflammatory Bowel Disease could be the issue if not an ulcer. But in either case, foods can aggravate the problem.

 

So for now Miles has 'Frankenfood'!

 

IAMS Lamb & Rice kibble. No wheat, and not expensive. Based on my experience with my collie, it's the only thing that worked for the poor guy. For months after rescuing him from the SPCA, he had bouts of the big D. The poor thing would try to eat, but would then refuse. I think he knew he'd be running outside constantly. Also, I would have his colon checked (just to be sure), if he doesn't start improving.

 

We're thinking of you.

 

[Guest MAXNAV]

Both.

 

Hopefully we can eventually get him on SOME kind of food he can tolerate. The vet herself has a dog that ONLY eats the ZD.

 

The stuff is EXPENSIVE!

 

Funny...we've spent at least $1000 on Miles since April for this 'whateveritis'. I work with a girl who's ALWAYS in financial woes. She wears $150 jeans (actually all expensive clothing), goes on cruises, remodels her home every three years with new furniture etc., bought a swim-spa, refinanced out the A$$ and now is stressing because she had a shoddy loan that's gone up!

 

ONE $800 toy poodle wasn't enough. She had to get three!

 

Makes me wonder, with the money we've spent to make our dog well, how the heck is she able to afford three when they get sick? She can't even afford to pay her booth-rental at work!

 

Damn...makes me pretty happy that Miles 'refused' the foster-to-adopt pup we had a couple of years ago!

 

I just hope we can get him better soon...

I hear you regarding the $ to keep our guys healthy. In about 11 months time, we spent $6,000+ on Navigator, running tests, specialists, etc. Luckily we have a "dog only" credit card. We were still paying off our collies vet bills (he had heart problems and cancer), when Navigator got sick. It never ends, but I'm glad I have my boy. (Don't have expensive clothes or go on cruises. LOL)

 

Regarding the Hill's food. FYI ... my vet tech told me not to get the Hills food through my vet (too expensive), and to try the IAMS Lamb & Rice for my collie. Thank goodness she took me aside and whispered it to me, or I would have gone with the vet's expensive food. I wonder if they get a cut on what they sell??? I get a 20lb bag at either WalMart or my grocery store, and it runs about $16. It lasts me quite a while with just the one dog now.

 

 

[Guest koolaidnconner]

Conner has IBD and is on Z/D Ultra allergen free, and yes very expensive but it is doing my boy wonders. He is also on meds everyday with that but he becomes so irritated if he eats anything but Z/D. He does not like it much but what I have done is drowned it in water, wait 20 minutes and then give it to him, he loves it soft. He actually most of the time I think has a time clock in him, he will come bark 20-30 mins later. As for treats, I get a few cans of the soft Z/D food and mix the kibble, soft food, and a bit of water, and bake cookies for him, so he has treats to eat. He actually loves the cookies more than eating the kibble alone or with water.

[Guest lauri]

Both.

 

Hopefully we can eventually get him on SOME kind of food he can tolerate. The vet herself has a dog that ONLY eats the ZD.

 

The stuff is EXPENSIVE!

 

Funny...we've spent at least $1000 on Miles since April for this 'whateveritis'. I work with a girl who's ALWAYS in financial woes. She wears $150 jeans (actually all expensive clothing), goes on cruises, remodels her home every three years with new furniture etc., bought a swim-spa, refinanced out the A$$ and now is stressing because she had a shoddy loan that's gone up!

 

ONE $800 toy poodle wasn't enough. She had to get three!

 

Makes me wonder, with the money we've spent to make our dog well, how the heck is she able to afford three when they get sick? She can't even afford to pay her booth-rental at work!

 

Damn...makes me pretty happy that Miles 'refused' the foster-to-adopt pup we had a couple of years ago!

 

I just hope we can get him better soon...

I hear you regarding the $ to keep our guys healthy. In about 11 months time, we spent $6,000+ on Navigator, running tests, specialists, etc. Luckily we have a "dog only" credit card. We were still paying off our collies vet bills (he had heart problems and cancer), when Navigator got sick. It never ends, but I'm glad I have my boy. (Don't have expensive clothes or go on cruises. LOL)

 

Regarding the Hill's food. FYI ... my vet tech told me not to get the Hills food through my vet (too expensive), and to try the IAMS Lamb & Rice for my collie. Thank goodness she took me aside and whispered it to me, or I would have gone with the vet's expensive food. I wonder if they get a cut on what they sell??? I get a 20lb bag at either WalMart or my grocery store, and it runs about $16. It lasts me quite a while with just the one dog now.

 

 

This food is being used as - what I call - a litmus test. Weird non-allergenic proteins and no grains. This isn't necessarily what he'll eat. We just need to get him well first and then go from there.

 

I realize now it was just a matter of time before his insides 'broke'.

 

We'll just do what we can do and hope for the best.

[dmswartzfager]

Dumb question - have you tried warming the food? We had Blitz on z/d for a few months while getting his IBD straightened out, and I had to nuke his food in order to get him to eat it - canned or kibble. So I put some water with the kibble and canned, mixed as well as I could, and microwaved it for about 45 seconds.

 

For several months after we were done with the z/d, he would come running any time we used the microwave, no matter what we were nuking.

[Guest paulamariez]

Hopefully Miles is on the road to recovery. I will keep your sweet little boy in my prayers that he starts eating and this new food works.

[Guest lauri]

Dumb question - have you tried warming the food? We had Blitz on z/d for a few months while getting his IBD straightened out, and I had to nuke his food in order to get him to eat it - canned or kibble. So I put some water with the kibble and canned, mixed as well as I could, and microwaved it for about 45 seconds.

 

For several months after we were done with the z/d, he would come running any time we used the microwave, no matter what we were nuking.

 

 

I soaked 1/2 cup of theZD kibble, added some of the canned ZD...probably like 1/4 cup, nuked it (per your instructions) just a tad and put it in his dish and he ate most of it!

 

So this is one whole can and then this meal!

 

He's been peacefully sleeping on our bed. I realized that when he's not feeling well, he won't get on the bed or sofa. I think it hurts to jump when his tummy is off - he 'feeped' jumping out of the Explorer yesterday at the vets. When we got home (lucky for him he's skinny!) I was able to lift him out and to the ground.

 

 

 

[dmswartzfager]

Dumb question - have you tried warming the food? We had Blitz on z/d for a few months while getting his IBD straightened out, and I had to nuke his food in order to get him to eat it - canned or kibble. So I put some water with the kibble and canned, mixed as well as I could, and microwaved it for about 45 seconds.

 

For several months after we were done with the z/d, he would come running any time we used the microwave, no matter what we were nuking.

 

 

I soaked 1/2 cup of theZD kibble, added some of the canned ZD...probably like 1/4 cup, nuked it (per your instructions) just a tad and put it in his dish and he ate most of it!

 

So this is one whole can and then this meal!

 

He's been peacefully sleeping on our bed. I realized that when he's not feeling well, he won't get on the bed or sofa. I think it hurts to jump when his tummy is off - he 'feeped' jumping out of the Explorer yesterday at the vets. When we got home (lucky for him he's skinny!) I was able to lift him out and to the ground.

 

Awesome!! Glad to hear it!

 

[Remolacha]

glad he is eating!