UPDATE: Received the biopsy results and new blood work (that tested for two vitamin deficiencies basically). My boy has IBD. From all our vet visits this was the middle road. Worse than IBS (I think? I don’t know enough yet. But isn’t IBS an IBD?), but better than Lymphoma or whatever else would had meant death. His folate levels are “low,” so we are getting him a supplement (the GreenMin he was on previously did not have any. If anyone wants a ingredient list I’ll write it up) for the Folate until he is back to normal there. The vet recommended switching to a hypoallergenic diet or low ingredient diet dog food, though that would be hard because he has had most protein sources in his life, so hypoallergenic would likely be the choice unless we can come up with something (he’s had chicken, lamb, venison, salmon, I’m sure he has had beef somewhere in his life, and although a very small amount of it that he has stolen from his brother, duck. Idea guys?). Still a long road ahead of us, but were just starting with changing his diet to see how he does, reevaluation in about 3-4 weeks. If he is still experiencing issues, a steroid would be the next step, though the vet is being cautious with that because she stated most dogs then need the steroid the rest of their lives. I believe the steroid mentioned was budesonide. If anyone has any experience with this, feel free to share anything you may know that would be helpful. Brands of food anyone likes that would fit my boy? Words of encouragement? Is he going to ever regain his energy is my biggest concern… Just want him to be happy and is isn’t right now (understandably). Thanks everyone (mostly anon who has messaged me every step of the way. Whoever you are, it helped distract me if nothing else).
