[Jane K]

Brought my mixed Cattle girl home last night after 5 days of treatment and testing for severe PLE and vasculitis. She has refused the special diet since day one. I have to find something to get her eating before she starves. Is there any safe OTC I can add to this baked cardboard? They don’t seem to think she’ll live and I’m equally certain we’re going to give it our best effort.

[Anonymous]

Ask the vet if you can add a tablespoon or two of homemade chicken broth (no additives), or a tablespoon of boiled bland chopped up chicken breast or scrambled egg made with water?

Call the vet’s office and ask the vet to call you back when he has a minute.
PS: What medications is she on……some meds can cause nausea resulting in poor appetite.
Go over this with the vet, sometimes they can make changes.

[Jane K]

Metronidazole, Doxycycline, Prednisone, Pentoxyfylline, Fenbendazole Granules, Baby Aspirin. I’ll ask them about your suggestion. I know they sent her home to die but we’re not ready for that. As long as that tail wags…………

[Anonymous]

Make sure she is comfortable, ask about Tramadol for a pain med? If she is dying, aren’t comfort measures important? Tell the vet that is a priority.

PS: Nausea is often a side effect of some of the antibiotics.

[Jane K]

I feel as if they sent her home to die. They talked about weeks and if she responds etc. It would be from the fluid over wheming again and all the system issues that go with it. I’ll check about the nausea. No one has mentioned that. I like the chicken broth idea. They approved peanut butter for her pills if necessary but I put them in her cardboard food and rubbed it on the back of her teeth. I see the cooler sections at the grocery for dog food and wondered if I could buy something to mix with her prescription kibble. I was going to stop after work and look this afternoon. Our vet should be getting her report from the hospital this morning. I’ll check in with them also.

[Anonymous]

How old is the dog? Is your vet a specialist? You may want to seek another opinion.
Just boil a chicken breast for an hour or two and pour a little of the water over her food.
If that agrees with her, break up the chicken meat and mix a spoonful in with the prescription stuff. Assuming your vet says it’s okay.

[Jane K]

She’ll be 5 in January. She’s a cowgirl/springer mix and who knows what else. Rescue. Loves squirrels and her family. She’s been at THE Ohio State University pet hospital in ICU since last Friday. Released last night b/c I had to put a stop to the many tests they kept coming up with. Great service. Excellent care. Loved on her every day and night. I trust their treatment plan and hope that Sallie continues to respond well and move forward. The not eating is my main goal for now. I’m waiting to hear back from them to approve broth or eggies or purchasing a specialized food OTC to mix a little in her bland script. Never heard of this in 35 yrs of dog ownership. Wish I didn’t know.

[Anonymous]

The 2 main reasons a dog won’t eat are usually nausea and/or pain. The only other reason I can think of, is old age or chronic illness, they give up and want to go.
I don’t mean the occasional skipped meal, but no interest in food for more than 72 hours is always a concern.

I hope Sallie feels better soon.

[Jane K]

Thanks!!!

[Anonymous]

You are welcome. If she is not going to the water dish and drinking water on her own, it wouldn’t hurt to add a splash of water to her meals.
if fact, you could soak the prescription kibble overnight in water in the fridg. Adequate hydration helps relieve nausea. Confirm this with your vet.
PS: If you soak the kibble in the boiled chicken water it might taste and smell better 🙂

[Jane K]

Confirmation from doc to add boiled chicken or lean gr beef and juices. I asked (again) about why she isn’t eating. They said the actual cause of her condition could be causing this. With all the tests she had to rule out the usual issues, including cancer I’m a little puzzled by that. I only declined the lymph node sample so I’m not sure what that are thinking. If it was lymphoma she was going home with the same treatment plan to start. Her ultrasound was negative. Sallie is also a little quirky. If she feels shamed you can forget about whatever is you want her to do. Constantly shoving food in her face may not be a good idea. I’m hoping her chicken dinner tonight will make the difference. It’s hard for me to wrap my emotions around the thought that she might not make it. I know she was bad. Full fluid involvement in upper and lower cavities, and her body down to her paws and eyes. Got her in just in time. Keep your paws crossed! And thank you so much for this chat. I’ve never joined before. Here is a wealth of info right under my nose.

[Anonymous]

You are doing everything you can to help her. Please take care of yourself, too.
I lost a dog suddenly to hemangiosarcoma around this time of year, 2 years ago.
Sometimes there is no explanation for these things. But, I hope your dog is different and has some more time.

[InkedMarie]

PLE: protein losing enteropathy?

[Jane K]

Yes. And vasculitis. They could spend a whole week doing tests and still not have a complete why so I asked for aggressive treatment for the PLE immediately. They were going to wait Fri – Tues and keep her stable if possible since it was a holiday wkend and not all the tests were available. She is 90% better in looks. Imagine a balloon with a teeny dog head. Now she looks like a real dog. Her legs are almost normal dog size. She’s kind of lumpy in the body but they said she had not been retaining more fluid after IV treatment and draining on Friday. I’ve been going with massive allergy problem but they said no. She has outdoor allergies. My husband likes to buy all those treats for her and her step-sib Border. Out of no where this blew up over the summer. I think it had been coming on but once summer hit we attributed some symptoms to her nutty behavior with allergy. She gets food funny, won’t step off the sidewalk, stays inside, and pretty much eats her feet without a shot and benedryl through the summer. Early Aug our vet told me she was fat and blamed us for over feeding. I kept arguing that a dog does not gain 9 pounds in 5 weeks. And I told them I thought she was breathing in a different pattern. I lost. We were sent home with a diet and exercise plan that masked even more symptoms. I still think I was stupid to not notice this.
I don’t think they checked for all types of cancers? No mention of kidney or liver problems. Her heart checked out fine. Her worm check in July was good. Clueless. She is probably one of the most annoying dogs I’ve ever in my life had which means we love her to the moon and back. As a cowdog she likes to herd squirrels. She chews on the sliding door on the way out and if your leg is in the way….well, too bad. She talks and sings and shrieks from her squirrel perch bench in the back of the house at the several dozen or so squirrels in our lot. They come up to the window and mock her. She helps with trash by attacking the bag all the way down the hall, out the door and to the can. She chews on the cat and then humps her. The cat allows this. We try not to watch. She doesn’t know a stranger. We got her to keep the old dog young so this is so, so sad. Old dog will be 14 in October. We shall see. She gets chicken tonight. I’m expecting a miracle. She deserves it!

[Anonymous]

It can cost $1000-$2000 (ball park figures) to check for everything and often the treatment options may be limited. People get upset, so they (the vets) check for the obvious things first. X-rays show a lot. Blood work shows a lot.

Another trick, broiled chicken liver, just a tiny bit mixed in with the prescription food. Dogs love it! But, I am not sure your vet would approve, it is an organ meat.

[InkedMarie]

So sorry. I had a dog with PLE, caused by lymphangectasia.

[Pitlove]

i really have no advice, but i just wanted to pop in and say good luck and i hope she makes a full recovery.

[Jane K]

Bought some chicken breasts on the way home………..and she ate a small bowl of script kibble and canned with chick broth, chicken and a little rice. Stood there trying to pick out tiny pieces of chicken. I’m so glad she came home to be with us and feels good enough to relax and eat. I put the whole mess in the blender to see if she’ll eat more of what she’s supposed to have. She was watching me the whole time. Hahha. I hope this is the first of many good moments. Thanks so much to each of you for encouraging me to reach out to her doc and go with real food.

[Anonymous]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for the update.
BTW: When she is due for a rabies shot, ask the vet about a waiver.
Note: The labels on rabies vaccines state that they are for “the vaccination of healthy cats, dogs…” There are medical conditions for which vaccination can jeopardize the life or well-being of an animal.

[Pitlove]

Glad shes eating Jane. I agree with Red’s sentiment about asking for a rabies waiver.

Keep us updated

[Jane K]

Thanks for the info. I’ll be there this evening with my Siamese for his summer wheezing condition and will make sure I ask about this. So, so glad to ‘meet’ you guys. Sallie had a great night and had some breakfast before I left. She seems almost normal – I was not expecting this after her guarded prognosis and comments about her making it through the next 2 weeks.

[Anonymous]

Positive thoughts 🙂

The vet may tell you that when she is stable there is no reason why she can’t have the rabies shot. However, if it was my dog I would have concerns, considering how ill she was. Example: http://www.thedogplace.org/VACCINES/Rabies-exemption-form-states-2012.asp
Anyway, it’s worth discussing with your vet (imo). Maybe he would let you do a titer instead…

PS: Now you will have to cook some fresh chicken every 2 or 3 days. And the other pets in the household will want some too! LOL

[Jane K]

Hahahaa, true!! Siamese #1 snuck up and snatched a piece. His sister stared and yelled until she got one. Old dog begged and then turned around and ate Sallie’s nasty canned food. And…….younger daughter helped herself to some. I will be defrosting and purchasing soon.

[Anonymous]

I look for skinless, boneless chicken breast in the reduced price meat section of my local Shaws. I have been doing this for years without any problems, Often I put it in the freezer first. I don’t even eat the stuff, I’m a vegetarian.
My 15 year old Peke (he has periods of confusion) sometimes goes to the fridg or sits in front of the stove in the middle of the night and barks. Demanding that I get up and cook for him!

[C4D]

Hi Jane,

I haven’t had a dog with your issues, but I wanted to chime in. I had a dog with CRF. I wish you best of luck with your pup and hope she can get through this. Red gave you some good advice. I cook boneless and bone in chicken breasts for my dogs also. I simmer them for 30-40 minutes till cooked through and reserve the juice to add to their food, and shred the chicken. You can do several in a crock pot too.

I agree with Red on holding off on the rabies vaccine until all is well health wise. I did vaccines with an older dog that didn’t have any real serious issues and we almost lost him. Talk with your vet and research if your interested. They’re finding that the vaccine lasts longer than they thought but legislation hasn’t changed. Some states and counties allow waivers for dogs with health issues.
Dr. Ron Schultz has done a lot of research on it:

Home – Rabies Challenge Fund

[Jane K]

Talked to my vet last night and he approves the chicken. My fridge and freezer will be filled with chicken. (He also said if she gets bad to fix her one hell of a good steak dinner. Love this guy) As the fluid drops away you can see how malnorished she is. I’m measuring her girth by day to see if that goes away. I can still feel fluid in there so not sure how many days on these meds it would take to absorb if it’s going to. My main goal for this week is no increase. Her funny self is back. And the annoying Sallie. She is so mad about this food issue that she’s starting to hide anytime I show up with food unless it’s her beloved chicken. Never underestimate a smart dog. She probably smells that script food 10 minutes before I fix it. Hahaha. Keeping my fingers crossed that she will continue to improve. I would love to prove them wrong and have many more years with our little cow dog.

[Anonymous]

I have friends that tell me their dogs are very picky eaters. But, I personally have never met a dog that didn’t like chicken 🙂
Look at it this way, it’s probably cheaper and better than a lot of dog foods, and as long as you are using the dog food as a base, the dog should be getting the other stuff that’s needed. I’m glad that your vet approves.
PS: I hope she beats this thing.

[Jane K]

She picks the chicken out of her kibble. Hahahaaaa. I love this nutty dog. I’m thinking of putting it in the blender and mixing it with the kibble. We’re going to have a little chat abou this tonight when I get home. 🙂

[Anonymous]

Yes, maybe if you blend the chicken with a little water or chicken broth, make it a lumpy gravy consistency and mix it together with the prescription kibble, she will have to eat the kibble to get all of the chicken….you might be able to hide the meds in there too. Watch her though, you know how sneaky they can be.

[Jane K]

More snickering. Each pill had it’s own chicken piece this morning. She glared at me but took them anyway. She wouldn’t even get out of the bedroom so we were working in the dark as my husband was going into to work late today. We kind of woke him up…..Sallie thought it was pretty funny. He just called with his feeding update. Everyone got chicken. Hahaha. Old dog Bing. Sallie. Cats. I’m good with that. Tonight I’ll try the blended with broth variety.

[Jane K]

Made it through a week but already putting on fluid. Hoping our vet can drain her to provide a little more time with us. I keep hoping diet and meds will make a long term difference.

[Anonymous]

I hope so, too. I bet she knows how much she is cared for.

[crazy4cats]

Hi Jane-

I do not know or have any experience with your pup’s condition, but I do know what it is like to care for an ailing pet. I’m hoping the best for you!

[Jane K]

My vet turned me down. He thinks it’s just prolonging the end and we would be better off spoiling her and keeping her comfortable. Ummm, draining the fluid does make her comfortable. Whatever. Called OSU twice now with no response. Wow. Called vet we used to have. Original doc from the 80’s owns the place now and has experience draining. I asked them twice this morning to contact her and ask if she would do. I mean really, I’d hate to drive all the way over and get turned down. That didn’t happen so I made the appointment anyway and we shall see. Thanks for kindness.

[Anonymous]

When my dog was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, I was devastated, at first they (emergency place) said they would remove the big tumor for $, then they said it had spread to her lungs and that there were no treatment options. I went to 2 or 3 other vets to get her comfort meds. It was the longest month of my life. It broke my heart. I have lost dogs before, but this one really affected me.

I hope the vet you contacted gets back to you. Peace.

[Jane K]

Thanks! Everyone called. OSU called for an update b/c no one read the email update or listened to the voicemail. Wanted me to come in this week before their rotation was up. I already have my new appointment tonight with our old clinic. If nothing else I want to establish a plan of comfort or long term. She was doing really well until yesterday.

[C4D]

Jane,

All I can do is send you my loving thoughts for your baby. Do whatever it takes to keep her happy and healthy! <3

• This reply was modified 8 years, 7 months ago by C4D.

[loree g]

My cattle dog was always a picky eater…..cheese would help ‘jump start’ him. Even parmesan would do the trick. Can use very little since so tasty. Hope this helps.
A search might find a specialist … look at Colorado Vet college n UCD VET here in California. There’s a cancer vet hospital in the LA area which had very progressive and positive help. Sorry don’t have the name. Davis might in links Best wishes….in our prayers.

[Jane K]

Sallie went to a new clinic last night. We used them many, many yrs ago. I contacted them after our vet pretty much said don’t treat her and let her go. Wow. So anyway, called these people. They were so nice. And cheaper. How did I miss this fact???? They also have evening hours. She sat on the floor with us to observe and exam and then did blood work and gave me 1.5 hours of her time to go over her entire history and what might be wrong and on and on. I was impressed. She’s calling OSU director of the small animal center (where we were) to go over all the things that wouldn’t show up in the paperwork I had. I told her I was horribly blunt about this whole thing so I can’t imagine what they had to hide. She went to OSU vet school and keeps up with seminars and workshops so she knows everyone involved in Sallie’s care. She said she can get a better feel for what they think may be causing this. Works for me!

For now, Sallie is stable, eating well, playful and showing no other signs of evil other than the fluid that is still there. Her protein level was better. She went to the bathroom last night and it was near perfect. A first in many weeks. I had to email that info to them this morning as it’s a huge sign of success. Hahahahaa.

She might have lymphoma, might not. They are treating her for it on a temp basis along with several other things. We’ll know more tomorrow.

I was wondering how much this was going to cost. $53 What????? For all that time, consultation, all the time she read up on the condition before I got there, going through her files, blood test, exam. I was astonished.

They also have wondering pets in the waiting area. Sallie loved that! Got her snoot tapped by the piggy senior cat on board. Sniffed butts with the dog who comes in and out of treatment rooms. What a fun place. How did I not remember all this?

Before I left the front desk lady wanted to go over my old list of animals to see if any were alive. It was really long. The couple behind me muttered something about animal hoarding that had us all hooting. We used to have a small farm in Hocking Hills National Park (Ohio) so had many strays dumped on us. It was a funny trip down memory lane.

I think I found the perfect vet to see Sallie and us through whatever is ahead. We still hope for success but no matter what we have a good support system in place.

And……….she plowed through a whole bowl of cardboard kibble this morning! Yay.

[Anonymous]

Glad you had a positive experience. It really is important to find a vet that you trust, and listen to him. It can be so expensive nowadays…..I just cancelled my own checkup, but, I made sure my dogs got their annuals 🙂

[Jane K]

hahahahaaaa, I’m so,so behind in my own care.

[Anonymous]

BTW: I have been binge watching the tv show “Damages” on Netflix, the dog that plays Patty’s (Glen Close) dog Cory is an Australian Cattle Dog. Beautiful dog, reminds me of my Corgi.

[Author]

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