[anonymously]

http://www.aavn.org/nutrition-resources.pml

Don’t know if this will help…

[anonymously]

@ Maureen W,

http://bichonhealth.org/HealthInfo/UrinaryStones.htm (excerpts from article below)
“It has long been recognized that some Bichons Frises have a predisposition to formation of urinary stones (uroliths). This condition is known as urolithiasis. There are several types of stones that can form in the bladder, with struvite (also called magnesium triple phosphate or “infection” stones) and calcium oxalate being the most common in Bichons”.
“The most important preventative for stone formation is free access to fresh water. For a dog predisposed to stone formation, there are other considerations as well”.
“This article is intended to provide the pet owner with a better understanding of the prevention and treatment of urinary stones. Good veterinary treatment is the most reliable resource for the ongoing care of your dog. You may wish to copy this article for your veterinarian”.
“Key Point: 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”.

[anonymously]

Discuss your concerns with the vet that is treating your dog, the diet recommendation may be temporary to assist in getting the urinary condition under control. A urinary blockage can be life threatening, in my opinion, that trumps growth issues.

I would comply with whatever the vet recommends, when the dog is stable you can make changes under the vet’s supervision.
BTW: Don’t expect to see immediate results…..it often takes 2-3 months to see any changes from diet and treatment.

[anonymously]

I have used Royal Canin prescription foods in the past, with good results (when recommended by vet) 2 different types.
However, I usually end up adding something tasty to it (like a bite of chopped up cooked chicken, otherwise, it seems boring.

[anonymously]

What does a prescription food have to do with his age? I don’t understand.
Ask your vet, but I believe a medical condition takes priority. Just add a little cooked chopped up chicken breast to it (for example) if you want more protein.

Supplements, if they do anything at all, depend on the type of stones your dog is making.
I give my dog this item, but I have cut down to only 2 tabs a day. I am not sure it does anything, but I keep giving it just in case it is helping….his struvite cleared up after antibiotics and increase in water, calcium oxalate stones are a different story (genetic).
K-Plus™ Potassium Citrate Plus Cranberry

[anonymously]

What are you feeding your dog now? My dogs do well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea as a base, I have been using it (canned and dry) for my dogs, for 3 years now, no episodes of diarrhea. I know, it is made by Dogswell.

Was the Hills Science food one of the prescription diets? Maybe there were other factors involved in the cat’s demise.

Perhaps you will find this site helpful http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

[anonymously]

“Maybe someone reading this had the same problem & found a good answer”.

Exactly. That is why I share information based on my experience and knowledge and will continue to do so.
Best of luck.

[anonymously]

I meant to say, Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist.

[anonymously]

BTW: I had several water dishes available too.
The dog in question never goes near them. But, pouring water over his food works, he has to drink it to get to the food. It has made a BIG difference. No recurrences in 4 years.
Frequent bathroom breaks, also.
If the dog’s condition is serious, there are prescription meds that might be helpful. I wouldn’t bother with any supplements, unless the veterinarian treating your dog advises differently.
Consider seeing a Veterinary Internal Specialist, if you are not seeing results with the current treatment.

[anonymously]

Did you check the search engine here? /forums/search/bladder+stones/

Excerpts from previous posts:

As your vet will confirm, dogs that have a tendency to make bladder stones have to be on a special diet the rest of their lives, this is a serious condition and it just doesn’t go away.

The x-ray is important, but once she is stable for about 1 year, ask the vet if you can skip the x-rays and testing urine PH as long as she is urinating normally and having no difficulty? Ask him the warning signs to look for. You didn’t mention her age?

I would comply with the prescription food for now.
And don’t forget, water, water, and more water added to the diet. Ask the vet ….but I believe this helps big time. And frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate.

“My dog had both (struvite and calcium oxalate), no symptoms till the age of 11, started with UTIs. He has had no recurrences in 4 years since his emergency surgery.
In fact, I just took him in for a geriatric workup and his lab work was good”.

“I was afraid the vet would want to do x-rays and test his urine…..but he said as long as he is not having symptoms we are not going there (he’s too old to tolerate another surgery)”
“I do monitor his urination habits and check for normal flow, stream, amount. If I note any discomfort I will take him to the vet”.

“There is a genetic component and some breeds are more prone to bladder stones.

“Anyway, if you do nothing else, add water and take her out to urinate frequently.
I went along with the prescription diet for almost a year, since then he has been on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea kibble soaked with water +, I use the wet food too, but the canned foods seem so greasy to me”…

PS: Soak the kibble, even the prescription food in water overnight in the fridg, add more water prior to serving. Keep the bladder flushed. Maybe add a little canned prescription food as a topper.

[anonymously]

I would consult a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, as I said before the dog’s issues may have nothing to do with the food.

Mail-in saliva and hair tests are not helpful from what I have read. By the way, they are not cheap. I have read a lot of complaints that the test comes back positive for nearly everything. Then what? Plus, it is not an allergy test, it’s a food sensitivity test?

A book review: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2015/06/canine-nutrigenomics-by-dr-jean-dodds-science-as-windowdressing/ Read the comments, there are a variety of opinions, pro and con.

[anonymously]

Just reread your post. Please listen to your vet. Antibiotics are important. You have to clear up the infection. Supplements are not medication.

[anonymously]

It’s not the food.
/forums/topic/struvite-crystals/page/8/#post-81037

[anonymously]

Excerpts from previous posts:

As your vet will confirm, dogs that have a tendency to make bladder stones have to be on a special diet the rest of their lives, this is a serious condition and it just doesn’t go away.

The x-ray is important, but once she is stable for about 1 year, ask the vet if you can skip the x-rays and testing urine PH as long as she is urinating normally and having no difficulty? Ask him the warning signs to look for. You didn’t mention her age?

I would comply with the prescription food for now.
And don’t forget, water, water, and more water added to the diet. Ask the vet ….but I believe this helps big time. And frequent bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate.

“My dog had both (struvite and calcium oxalate), no symptoms till the age of 11, started with UTIs. He has had no recurrences in 4 years since his emergency surgery.
In fact, I just took him in for a geriatric workup and his lab work was good”.

“I was afraid the vet would want to do x-rays and test his urine…..but he said as long as he is not having symptoms we are not going there (he’s too old to tolerate another surgery)”
“I do monitor his urination habits and check for normal flow, stream, amount. If I note any discomfort I will take him to the vet”.

“There is a genetic component and some breeds are more prone to bladder stones.

“Anyway, if you do nothing else, add water and take her out to urinate frequently.
I went along with the prescription diet for almost a year, since then he has been on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea kibble soaked with water +, I use the wet food too, but the canned foods seem so greasy to me”…

PS: Soak the kibble, even the prescription food in water overnight in the fridg, add more water prior to serving. Keep the bladder flushed. Maybe add a little canned prescription food as a topper.

[anonymously]

Feed him measured amounts twice a day, add a little water to his food. I would use a high quality kibble as a base, a tablespoon or two of wet food or cooked chopped chicken or lean meat added.

Some tips here under general guidelines http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

PS: Poor appetite and changes in appetite could be a red flag that something is wrong, if it continues more than 72 hours call your vet for advise.

[anonymously]

I would ask your vet for a referral to an Internal Medicine Specialist. If he thinks this would be helpful.
Remember, food and supplements are not medication or treatment.
If your dog’s condition is serious, there are prescription meds that might be helpful, talk to your vet.

[anonymously]

There is NO magic supplement. The trick is to add water to each meal 3-4 small meals per day soaked in water, don’t measure, just fill the small bowl, the dog will lap it up to get to the food.
The dog must be taken out to void (pee) ideally every 2 hours during the day. At bedtime and first thing in the morning. Stagnant conditions in the bladder are conducive to stone formation.
There is nothing wrong with Royal Canin SO. If you get the dry, soak it in water overnight then add water too. Once the dog is stable, few months to a year, you can talk to your vet about adding something tasty to the prescription food, like cooked chopped up chicken breast or some other lean meat.
Did you check the search engine here /forums/search/bladder+stones/
I don’t necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed.
Some info at this site you may find helpful http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=bladder+stones

[anonymously]

Raw is not for all dogs. Have you tried the search engine here?
Example: /forums/topic/rectal-issues/

[anonymously]

Did the dog get a senior workup, labs, etc? Age seven is a good time to have this done. Something is wrong…..

[anonymously]

That is why I would get another opinion, asap. When she is stable, I would make an appointment with a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist to continue her treatment (if indicated).
It sounds like she may be experiencing pain. Or at least call your regular vet, if you think he will be helpful. Never mind, I would just go to the 24/7 vet clinic now and get an accurate diagnosis and some treatment started (if it was my dog)
Yes, it will cost a few bucks. It is what it is.

[anonymously]

Forget the food. If it was my dog I would head to the emergency veterinary clinic and get another opinion, today. Assuming she is as sick as you say, the trouble with online vets and advice is that the dog has to be physically examined by a veterinarian to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
PS: From what you describe dehydration is a real risk right now….

[anonymously]

I would consult a lawyer if you have one available to you (for free or a nominal fee).
He would be able to advise you accordingly.
PS: Always read the fine print. Sometimes it is difficult to prove things.

[anonymously]

Did you check out Wysong Senior: http://www.chewy.com/dog/wysong-senior-dry-dog-food-5-lb-bag/dp/50242
My senior was doing very well on this, however, I had to switch to one brand of food that agrees will all 3 dogs (Nutrisca).

[anonymously]

I have owned a shih Tzu or 2, in my experience, puppies will eat till they vomit if you let them (all puppies).

[anonymously]

Hmmm, I would go with Wellness. I would do a combination of wet and dry food, I might even add a splash of water. I respectfully disagree with your breeder, I would not free feed. I would give a puppy 3 or 4 small meals per day, by the time the pup is 6-7 months old I would be feeding 2 meals per day, measured amounts. Maybe an occasional bite for a snack for training purposes.
See general guidelines for tips: http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[anonymously]

I just looked up Orijen. Wow, expensive! I’ll stick with my Nutrsica Salmon and Chickpea 🙂

[anonymously]

How much are you feeding her? It could be just stress related. I hope the vet visit gives you some answers.

[anonymously]

I personally would not add any supplements to this dog’s food unless a veterinarian that has examined the dog recommends it.

For example: Some supplements can increase the tendency for bladder stones to develop, especially with older dogs that are sedentary and don’t drink enough water.

More info here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=glucosamine

[anonymously]

In my opinion, the first thing to do would be to get a diagnosis by a veterinarian. I would do this before trying home remedies.

It is best not to give over the counter medications and supplements (especially if they are intended for humans) unless recommended by a veterinarian that has examined your dog.
These products are not always benign and may make the situation worse.
If your current vet has not been helpful, find another one.

How can you treat a condition if you don’t even know what it is?

[anonymously]

It is always best not to give a dog any supplements or over the counter medications to a dog, unless prescribed by a veterinarian that has examined the dog.
BTW: Benadryl is a antihistamine. Every dog is different, these things can have side effects.
Only a Dr can diagnose and prescribe.
It sounds like you have had x-rays done and already consulted a specialist…if not, it may be time for a second opinion.

[anonymously]

What did the vet give your dog for a diagnosis? I would make an appointment with a specialist.
Maybe Internal Medicine, depending on what your vet recommends.
Three years is a long time to be going back and forth to the regular vet without improvement.

[anonymously]

Douxo Chlorhexidine 3% Pads and Malaseb Shampoo were prescribed by the dermatologist that treats my dog, but, the dog also receives allergen-specific immunotherapy. Not sure if these products would have helped much without this.

[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]

http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2011/06/30/dog-allergy-testing-and-allergy-shots/

Plenty of stories here. It is the cost of initial testing that deters people, but I have no regrets. There is the maintenance (the solution) but it’s cheaper than going back and forth to the regular vet (imo) and the dog is comfortable.

[anonymously]

Yes, that is one of the liver function tests (alk phos)
Sometimes there are slight anomalies with various lab values as a dog ages, for example, my senior has a slight anemia. It’s age related, nothing to worry about.
Best to ask the vet for more information.

[anonymously]

Do you mean AST? I think you may be referring to one of the LFTs (liver function tests)

Anyway, that is why I like allergen specific immunotherapy, it’s all natural, in fact, it is not medication.
Medications and supplements have to be detoxed by the liver, that can result in elevations.
PS: A slight elevation (temporary) could have been caused by the antibiotics or atopica.

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

[anonymously]

I never had any blood tests (to identify allergies) done on my dog, just the skin testing by a dermatologist.
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: A lot depends on the expertise of the specialist to get the solution right, regarding allergen specific immunotherapy. Even when it is effective, sometimes the solution has to be tweaked from time to time. And it can take a year or so to see dramatic results. In my dog’s case I saw improvement right away, however, they still have flare-ups…

[anonymously]

Allergies usually require lifelong treatment. They don’t just go away. From what I know and have read, environmental allergies could cause the symptoms you describe. The same way they can cause inflammation, pruritus, ear infections, etc.

I did the same thing with my dog with allergies, she was doing so well that I was able to decrease her allergy treatments. She was fine for a few months but recently had a flare-up. So, we are back to the beginning. Luckily she responds to immunotherapy and is doing well. We only see the specialist once a year, otherwise, he returns phone calls.

PS: Lesson learned, going forward I will be more cautious about making changes in any regimen that is working for her.

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

[anonymously]

Is this the dog you posted about before? The one with allergies?
“She is a very allergic dog”
If so, the same advice applies. I would see a specialist. Her problems could be related to her environmental allergies (or some other medical issue) and have nothing to do with the food.

[anonymously]

Seizures in canines are often idiopathic (unknown cause) and genetic. It’s neurological. Like a brainstorm that will occur at certain intervals, of course sensitivities could trigger, things like thunderstorms can lower the seizure threshold.
Probably best to avoid unnecessary additives and chemicals and make sure the dog is getting adequate exercise.
If he has more than 1 seizure a month the vet will advise medication, this is necessary and will help him.
Uncontrolled seizures can lead to brain damage, not to mention the suffering and confusion the dog experiences.
I had a dog with seizures that lived to old age on a daily low dose of phenobarbital. Listen to your vet regarding diet recommendations, I didn’t avoid any particular foods. However, a simple ingredient food might make sense. I like Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea
Also, ask your vet about a rabies vaccine waiver, he may qualify, if he is diagnosed with a neurological disorder. He is at the age (young adult) where seizures tend to appear.

[anonymously]

Of course, cover and refrigerate all opened dog food in tightly covered containers. In fact, I refrigerate or freeze dry food in containers too, if I have the room.
Wet food or dry food soaked in water is good for about 3 days (in my experience).
Just sniff it, you will know if it’s going bad. Dry food without anything added in a tightly covered contained is good for at least 2 weeks, unopened bags are good a lot longer, but check the expiration/best by/use by dates on the package.

[anonymously]

Best of luck.

PS: Keep In mind, that the people you are taking advice from on these anonymous forums often are not veterinary healthcare professionals, and may be giving you incorrect information.
(myself included)

[anonymously]

“The holistic vet decided to put her on chinese herbs and supplements. We are also doing acupuncture weekly (for now)”.

Masticatory Muscle Myositis is a very serious condition, if it was my dog, I would be inclined to take a much more aggressive approach based on conventional medicine. Prednisone can be a very effective medication when used under the supervision of a specialist.
Sometimes steroids are necessary…..

[anonymously]

Are you sure they are not dried cranberries? They look similar and are added to some dog foods.

[anonymously]

http://whatstheharm.net/homeopathy.html

There are plenty of articles on the internet to support whatever treatment avenues one wants to pursue.
I prefer “Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine”
http://ebvma.org/home/fda-review-of-homeopathy/

[anonymously]

If it was my dog, I would take the dog to a board certified Internal Medicine Specialist (if you are not doing so already)
Excerpts from article below: http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_masticatory_myositis.html

“Results of treatment are best early in the course of the disease. If the disease has progressed to an advanced state before treatment is initiated, there may be no response”.

“In short, treatment is suppression of the immune system usually through high doses (rather than the more commonly used lower “anti-inflammatory” doses) of prednisone or dexamethasone. High doses should be maintained until the jaw seems to open normally. After that, the dose may be gradually tapered over 6 months. In many cases the drug cannot ever be completely stopped”.

[anonymously]

Are Homeopaths Innocent Victims of Skeptical Attacks?
Posted on November 28, 2015 by skeptvet
Homeopaths often claim they are being unfairly “attacked” when skeptics point out that homeopathy is irrational, pseudoscientific, or simply ineffective. They portray themselves as innocently minding their own business until we spontaneously attack them. This ignores the reality, however, that homeopaths frequently promote homeopathy as an alternative to scientific medicine, and they often do so with their own vigorous criticism of conventional veterinary medicine. Here are a few examples:
click on link for the rest of the article http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2015/11/are-homeopaths-innocent-victims-of-skeptical-attacks/

[anonymously]

What you describe sounds like environmental allergies. If I were you, I would consult a board certified veterinary internal medicine specialist or dermatologist. Diet/food may not have much to do with his symptoms.
At age 16, I would let the dog (if it was mine) eat whatever he wants, in moderation.

PS: Check out the search engine here at this site, lots of info.
I assume your pet has had a senior workup, if not, that might be a good place to start. The veterinarian may be able to prescribe medications (depending on the results of the exam) that will keep your dog comfortable.

[anonymously]

“A call to ban veterinary surgeons from prescribing homeopathy as a treatment for animals”

“The biggest danger of homeopathy is not that the remedies are ineffective, but that some homeopaths are of the opinion that their therapies can substitute for genuine medical treatment. This is at best misleading, and at worst may lead to unnecessary suffering and death”.
https://www.change.org/p/the-royal-college-of-veterinary-surgeons-a-call-to-ban-veterinary-surgeons-from-prescribing-homeopathy-as-a-treatment-for-animals

Two New Campaigns in the UK to Protect Patients & Clients from Veterinary Homeopathy

[anonymously]

“We lived in different areas with different weather, different homes so I know it’s not environmental”.

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.

via search engine here: /forums/search/allergies/

Another site you may find helpful http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/symptoms/

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