[anonymously]

delete

I have decided not to comment to the above post. It is off topic and not helpful to the OP.

[anonymously]

If you go to the “Frequently Asked Questions” section at The SkeptVet site, he does in fact provide the information you asked about.

Above comment is in response to: “I definitely do not agree with many of the statements made by Skeptvet. I don’t know that he actually states his real name anywhere on his blog. The fact that he recommends rawhides is concerning to me”.

[anonymously]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/
Hope this helps.
I would listen to the veterinarian that has examined your puppy.

[anonymously]

Every dog is different. My shih-tzu mix vomits 1 hour after eating a little bit of any raw or cooked vegetable, or anything raw for that matter (tried this a few times). My other dogs are fine with them. When trying anything new, just a small amount at first….and don’t be surprised if they chuck it up.

PS: Just this morning I was chopping up carrots to make soup, they were all begging so I gave each one of them a small raw carrot. The shih-tzu mix only had a bite, chucked it up an hour later. No veggies for this girl!

[anonymously]

Newman’s Own Organics canned turkey (95%) is a decent topper, imo.
I use Nutrisca salmon and chickpea dry food as a base, it seems to agree the best for my dog with allergies and a sensitive stomach (she is 1/2 shih-tzu), the others like it too.
I also use Nutrisca canned foods, 4 years now, no problems.
Check out chewy.com for prices and delivery.

Homemade and tips, see general guidelines http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[anonymously]

I no longer use a lot of supplements. I do add a fish oil capsule once a day to meals, I add water to the food, especially a senior male small breed, as they are vulnerable to developing bladder stones, UTIs, take out frequently to urinate….at least every 4 hours.
Exercise/long walks as tolerated.
If you are feeding a decent diet, they don’t need multi-vits….unless your vet has recommended such. The liver has to detoxify all this stuff.
I’m just sharing what I have learned over the years.
BTW: shih-tzu’s have lousy teeth, if the vet that examines your dog recommends a cleaning and extractions, I would get it done. Then daily brushings (see YouTube for how to videos) may help to prevent any more professional cleanings being needed.
My dogs do well on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea (canned and dry) as a base. I often add a tablespoon of cooked chicken or lean meat or scrambled egg…you get the idea.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=supplements

[anonymously]

My dog had both types of stones (struvite and calcium oxalate). I would give no supplements unless approved by the vet that has examined your dog and is treating him.
You could make the situation worse.

It takes weeks (sometimes 2-3 months) to see a change in PH after diet changes and increased water added to the diet, so testing PH at home is not accurate. Just go by what the veterinarian recommends
/forums/search/bladder+stones/.

[anonymously]

What does your vet recommend? I would keep her diet simple. My senior does well on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea (canned and dry) 3-4 small meals a day with water added, kibble soaked overnight.

Homemade diet recipe and tips: http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

PS: I would not give a dog with the issues you describe, raw food, in any way, shape or form. Especially not a senior.

[anonymously]

I would start with a veterinary checkup, if he hasn’t had one recently. His issues may not be related to his diet. He may have a medical condition that is easily treatable.

You don’t say how long he has had health problems? The breed or age of the dog?
What do you mean by “bite issues”?
I’d start with a visit to the vet. Best of luck.

[anonymously]

They do tell us, by their behavior. By refusing to eat, by trying to be alone. It’s just very difficult to hear them. Then sometimes they perk up for a bit too.
Take care of yourself, dogs sense when we are sad, he wouldn’t want that for you.

[anonymously]

I know how difficult this will be, but when you see the vet on Thursday, have an honest discussion with him as to how aggressive you want to be with diagnostic testing and treatment, versus care and comfort measures.
If you opt for aggressive treatment, consider the outcome and how well he would tolerate recovery, you know your dog best.
Peace

[anonymously]

Oh, I’m so sorry, I know how hard it is to see them this way. Do what you can to keep him comfortable. Age 13 is old for a large dog…..but I hope he improves in the next few days and can stay with you a while longer.

I have a 15 year old peke that has good days and bad days, he’s confused, wants to eat whenever he’s awake. He sleeps a lot. The vet gave me a mild pain med that I give him a couple of times a day which seems to help. He’s comfortable, at the moment.

PS: Did the vet say to continue the antibiotic? A dog I had a while back would eat a little bit of chicken baby food for me when he was sick and wouldn’t eat dog food. Continue to encourage him to drink water, as tolerated.

[anonymously]

She is only 9 months old, still a pup. She will continue to fill out till she is 2 years old.
She does not look thin to me, she looks fit.
Frankly, if the vet says she is healthy, I would just continue what you are doing.
Also, some dogs are naturally thin, just like some humans.
She is actually better off health wise being on the slim side, imo. Obesity can cause a multitude of problems.

[anonymously]

Btw: It was very kind of you to take on a mature dog with issues, I am sure he appreciates it very much.

[anonymously]

Don’t believe everything you read on the internet, I hope you have a vet that you trust that can advise you.
If Green Tree Extract is in the dog food mentioned, I would assume it was in minute amounts that are considered safe.
PS: Have you read the ingredients on the bag of whatever bread you use for yourself lately?

[anonymously]

I would be more worried about the dog surviving the heartworm treatment, that is a priority.
Otherwise I would go by your vet’s suggestion, maybe a high quality puppy food (canned and dry). I might add a tablespoon of chopped cooked chicken or chopped cooked chicken liver, add a little water to meals. I might feed 3-4 small meals per day instead of 2 regular ones. I would not add any supplements unless your vet advises so, just more junk for the liver to deal with. I would not give raw food to an old sick dog.
You don’t want rapid weight gain, too stressful, just a gradual increase.
Also, see what your vet advises regarding the flea allergy, frequent baths? Be careful about vaccinations and pesticides with a senior dog like this….
Walks/activity as tolerated, keep him moving.

[anonymously]

“Foreign bodies of the stomach are always potentially serious, but may not constitute a medical emergency. Many foreign bodies eventually exit the stomach and pass harmlessly in the feces. It is the foreign bodies that become permanently lodged or that block food passage that are the most critical. The inability to eat and/or vomiting are sure signs that the foreign body is causing a problem”.
“All foreign bodies must be removed from the stomach. Some, especially if small, will pass into the intestines and exit the body with the feces. If a lubricant such as mineral oil is administered, it may be especially helpful at moving the foreign bodies, such as a small piece of cloth or small fragments of bone, into the intestine. Mineral oil, however, is of little help in aiding the passing of large objects such as balls. If an object is going to pass naturally, it usually occurs within 48 hours of ingestion. If vomiting begins, or the object fails to naturally pass, then surgical removal is the only option. Left untreated, gastric foreign bodies usually result in ulceration, starvation, dehydration, and eventually death. If your puppy ingests a foreign object, always consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate therapy”.

The above are excerpts from Pet Education, Doctors Foster & Smith “Foreign Bodies in the Stomach Can Cause Vomiting in Dogs” I was not able to post the link.

[anonymously]

Watch for redness or discharge from that eye, wash your hands after touching that area….in case he is developing conjunctivitis (highly contagious). It is easily treatable with a prescription ophthalmic ointment.
Btw: you never mentioned what breed of dog you have?

[anonymously]

It is too late to try to induce vomiting….you could cause more damage.

If it was my dog I would have concerns, I would call the nearest emergency veterinary clinic and see what they advise. They may want you to bring her in, keep the wrapper with the ingredients of the object she swallowed handy, so that they know what they are dealing with.
Vomiting is not a good sign. She could develop a blockage, or depending on how sharp the material is, a perforation.
Call a vet.

[anonymously]

Just make sure you check with his regular vet first thing in the morning about the antibiotic.
Maybe offer him something tasty, like a little cooked chicken meat with his food…so he’ll eat something.
He will need to urinate often as the infection is not cleared up….

[anonymously]

I was wondering how your dog is doing this morning, I was concerned about what you said about his breathing and lethargy “breathing very heavily”
I hope you were able to reach someone covering for his vet, if he hasn’t improved.

Side effects:
“Cephalexin is a very safe and effective antibiotic to treat bacterial infections. The side effects are rare and include loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, are rare. Allergic reactions such as itching, rash and difficulty breathing may occur. Side effects in dogs may also include drooling, rapid breathing and excitability. Fever and vomiting are additional side effects that may occur in cats”.

[anonymously]

Keep an eye out for vomiting, he probably just doesn’t feel well. He might be tired, when they have a urinary tract infection they feel like they have to go (pee) every minute, which is exhausting. He needs to rest, maybe now that the antibiotics have kicked in he doesn’t have that sense of urgency anymore…
He’s not eating much, but no diarrhea is a good thing, sometimes antibiotics can cause loose stools.

[anonymously]

Okay, as long as he is eating something. Pour a little water in his food dish so that he will have to lap it up to get to the food. Is he going to the bathroom okay, peeing, bowel movements? Sometimes the antibiotics can make them a little nauseas…
However, the antibiotics are very important to clear up the infection.

[anonymously]

What antibiotic is he on? It might not agree with him, the vet may have to change it to something else.
If your veterinarian has someone on call you can speak to, I would do that. You might have to take him to the 24 hour emergency clinic nearest you. Call your vet’s number and see what they advise for after hours emergencies.
Is he eating or drinking anything?

PS: If he is really sick and it was my dog I might hold his next dose of meds till I could speak to a veterinarian, in case he is having a reaction. Encourage him to drink water.
* I have worked in healthcare, but not with animals. Only a veterinarian that is familiar with your dog, or has examined your dog, can give you specific advice.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 4 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

You’re welcome. Good luck. And give us an update, if you think of it..

[anonymously]

The hair thing could just be related to aging. Definitely ask the vet if your dog needs an ultrasound, I wish I had had one done right away with my dog. And some blood work will show a lot also. Something may be off.

[anonymously]

Did the vet mention bladder stones? It sounds like he might have a urinary tract infection. When this happened to my senior small breed, he was treated with antibiotics and seemed to be okay, then the symptoms started all over again a few months later. When they did a x-ray/ultrasound it showed he was loaded with stones and needed emergency surgery.

So, if it was my dog I would get the ultrasound done now so that you will know what you are dealing with. Was blood work done? He’s due for a good senior workup, imo.
/forums/search/bladder+stones/ per the search engine here

[anonymously]

In my experience, small dogs live longer. I had a yorkie that made it to 16, I currently have a peke that is 15 1/2.

When I was a kid we had a shepherd/collie that lived to be 18, he got 1 can of Calo (similar to Alpo) a day, roamed free and received minimal vaccinations.

My corgi that had the best diet, exercise, minimal vaccinations, passed from hemangiosarcoma at age 9.

I think of age 10 for a dog as comparable to age 50 for a human, some are in good shape, some are not. I find the age related ailments start around that time. Hope this helps.

PS: I agree, that age 12-13-14 seems to be the average, that’s not a bad deal.

[anonymously]

excerpt below from: http://www.2ndchance.info/Apoquel.htm
Food Allergies are probably over-diagnosed in dogs (they account for, perhaps 5-10%). Hypoallergenic diets are occasionally, but not frequently, helpful in canine atopy cases but you should always give them a try. Food intolerances are more common – but considerably more likely to result in digestive disturbances and diarrhea than in itching problems.

I assume you have checked via the search engine here /forums/search/allergies/

My dog was tested for environmental allergies by a dermatologist and has responded well to allergen-specific immunotherapy. We didn’t do the blood test for food allergies. As food sensitivities tend to fluctuate anyway.
I would never consider any mail-in saliva or hair test. Most people complain that their dog tests positive for everything!

The best choice would be to see a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, if one is available near you (here is a list: http://www.acvd.org/).

[anonymously]

I don’t know, are they concerned about bladder stones?
“Phosphates are used as dietary supplements for patients who are unable to get enough phosphorus in their regular diet, usually because of certain illnesses or diseases”.
“Phosphate is the drug form (salt) of phosphorus. Some phosphates are used to make the urine more acid, which helps treat certain urinary tract infections. Some phosphates are used to prevent the formation of calcium stones in the urinary tract”.

Just a guess…. You could ask your traditional vet for his opinion, leave a message for him to call you back when he has a minute, just to ask him a quick question.

You may find that homeopathic vets and traditional vets often don’t agree on treatment modalities. Then you will have to decide which one you want to believe.

[anonymously]

Sounds good. I am glad that you have found a veterinarian (or two) that you trust and that your dog is responding to treatment.

[anonymously]

Make sure your vet (leave him a message to call you back) knows about the vomiting. Baytril doesn’t agree with some dogs and they have to use a different antibiotic. I would speak to the vet about it, rather than the vet tech. Especially if the vomiting and/or poor appetite continues. The dog could be nauseas.
Thanks for the update.

[anonymously]

I have found some helpful information at this site: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

Also, I believe that genetics plays a major role in our longevity, animals too.

A homemade diet, some tips in general guidelines you may find helpful:
http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[anonymously]

@ Howard J
Excellent!
Btw, I regret that I referred you to the cairn talk (link in a previous post).
I no longer recommend that site to anyone.

[anonymously]

You’re welcome.

PS: Your question may not show up right away, sometimes they screen…and then it may take a while for the doc to respond, so check back.

[anonymously]

Well, if you click on the blog that you are interested in, or just go to the current blog and explain that you are posting off topic, scroll down to the end of the comments and you will see: reply
example: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/frequently-asked-questions-faq/comment-page-1/#comment-118571

Hope this helps, I’m not so great on the computer…

[anonymously]

Ask SkeptVet a question, he has helped me immensely with his explanations. Read through some of the blogs and comments over there.
I had some concerns regarding the rabies vaccine and what I read over there has helped me to make decisions.

BTW: The link you provided won’t let me read the full article unless I register (pay?)
Everyone wants to make a buck, lol.
PS: I had a dog that had loose stools till she was 9 months old, tried various dog foods, couldn’t afford to go back and forth to the vet at the time. She was in good shape otherwise.
Then it just stopped. Was it a virus? Who knows.

[anonymously]

“I found another vet willing to work with me. He acknowledged the financial ties vets have to Royal Canin and Hill’s”.

That would be a red flag to me, prescription foods have helped a lot of animals get through a rough patch, you could always look into other options later. I tend to lean toward science based veterinary medicine these days.

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2015/08/veterinary-medicine-is-a-business-and-that-includes-alternative-medicine/ excerpt below
“The bottom line is that financial bias is a real issue in veterinary medicine at all levels, and it has to be investigated and managed. However, this is not the same as saying there is widespread fraud or a sinister conspiracy involving vets and companies that do business with them. There is no reason to believe that the majority of vets are doing anything other than the best they can to help their patients and clients. And there is absolutely no reason to believe vets offering alternative therapies are any less subject to financial bias or any purer in their motivation or behavior than vets practices science-based medicine”.

[anonymously]

“My dog recently got diarrhea and a bacterial infection with an unknown source.”

Was this an acute issue? Cause sometimes dogs just get into something and it passes (fingers crossed) How’s the dog doing now? Any luck getting a nutritional consult?

Maybe you can find some tips here, under general guidelines. http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[anonymously]

Another thing, re cruciate ligament tears. I have read that there is a genetic link, so you should notify the breeder, if it’s an option.
I know someone that went through this with a lab, first one leg, then the other. The dog was young so they went along with the surgery and difficult recoveries. The dog is about 7 now and doing well, no complications.
I know they spent about least 3-4 thousand per surgery.

[anonymously]

Just a thought, you may get more responses to your other post if you post it over here. Many of us can’t see it.

[anonymously]

Sorry to hear of your dog’s troubles. Don’t know if this will help http://hencam.com/henblog/2015/06/lilys-prognosis/
I have found a lot of helpful and interesting information at that site, I know they have a small dog and were able to avoid surgery, however, that’s not always possible. Best of luck.

[anonymously]

I post this link from time to time, if nothing else, I think it has some good tips http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[anonymously]

I hope you will rethink the raw diet thing, raw doesn’t agree with all dogs.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/
/forums/topic/rectal-issues/
Just a couple of examples.

[anonymously]

Did you check the search engine here? I do not agree with all of the opinions expressed. /forums/search/allergies/

Do not put anything on it, it will only make it worse.
Assuming your dog is in good health and has seen the regular vet recently.
The best choice would be to see a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, if one is available near you (here is a list: http://www.acvd.org/).

Most dermatologists will not skin test for allergies until the dog has been exhibiting symptoms for 1 year/4 seasons without any significant periods of relief. There are also other treatment options that a specialist could offer.

Don’t be fooled by mail-in saliva and hair tests, I have heard they are unreliable

A summary of treatments for canine atopy:

Evidence-Based Canine Allergy Treatment

And here is a recent update:

Evidence Update- Evidence-based Canine Allergy Treatment

More info here:
http://www.2ndchance.info/allergytesting.htm
Skin tests to determine what your pet might be allergic to are considerably more accurate, on the whole, than blood tests. However, they are not 100% accurate either. To have them performed, you will need to locate a board certified veterinary dermatologist

excerpt below from: http://www.2ndchance.info/Apoquel.htm
Food Allergies are probably over-diagnosed in dogs (they account for, perhaps 5-10%). Hypoallergenic diets are occasionally, but not frequently, helpful in canine atopy cases but you should always give them a try. Food intolerances are more common – but considerably more likely to result in digestive disturbances and diarrhea than in itching problems.

PS: If you wait, it may get really bad, keep an eye on the chest area for a bright red rash developing. When this happened to my dog I had to go to the emergency veterinary clinic. They usually prescribe steroids to stop the suffering and to temporarily get the situation under control. The Dr there reprimanded me for putting witch hazel on the rash. There are prescription creams that a dermatologist will prescribe that help, but usually only in conjunction with other treatments.

[anonymously]

Doesn’t sound good. I assume your dog is under the care of a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, I would go by their recommendations, prescription diet, additional testing….
Anyway, maybe someone over here has been through this with their cairn. http://www.cairntalk.net/
Also, you might find this sight helpful http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=pancreatitis
Good luck.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 4 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

https://www.aspca.org/about-us/faq

[anonymously]

“My 12 year old lab mix has just been diagnosed with bladder stones and she needs surgery”.
Surgery to remove the established stones could be life saving, a veterinarian would not have recommended surgery if it wasn’t indicated.
Post surgery, regarding calcium oxalate bladder stones:
“It is not yet possible to dissolve calcium oxalate uroliths by dietary management”.
“However, compliance with feeding special diets and avoiding use of certain drugs will minimize risk factors known to be associated with calcium oxalate urolith formation”.

PS: I gave up cable and eating out. If you wait, and the surgery needs to be done on an emergency basis, it will cost even more.

[anonymously]

Per the search engine at this site, a lot of information here. I think you will find answers to your questions.
/forums/search/bladder+stones/

Most veterinary clinics have payment plans/credit arrangements you can apply for. If she needs surgery she must be uncomfortable, stones are painful. I wouldn’t postpone. I would get that done first, per recommendation of the vet.

Oh, and dry food doesn’t really do anything for the teeth. Brush the teeth every evening, I use a medium adult brush and Petrodex tooth paste, see YouTube for how to videos.
I have found daily brushing takes about 5 minutes and is very effective, scrub the sides and back and try to get the inside areas where the tartar and plaque tend to build up.

Post surgery: As you can see by using the search engine (bladder stones) and checking the various posts and threads at this site. The most important thing you can do is increase water intake, add water to all meals, 3 or 4 small meals per day instead of 1 or 2.
Offer frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate, observe for normal flow/amount/stream. Keep the bladder flushed to avoid stagnant conditions conductive to stone formation.
Otherwise I would defer to your vet regarding diet and supplement choices, at least till the dog has been stable for a while….then discuss changes with the vet.
Some types of bladder stones tend to recur, there is a genetic component to consider.

PS: Wysong has a prescription food, ask your vet if it would be appropriate….if you like the ingredients better http://www.wysong.net/veterinarian/

[anonymously]

A lot of them do phone consultations, no matter where you are in the world. Anyway, your dog may stabilize and it won’t be necessary. Give it a little more time.

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