[anonymously]

Well, as long as the specialist is board certified, I would stick with him. Otherwise, you will have to get copies of all Koji’s records and start all over again with someone new.

Your only other option would be to take him to an emergency 24/7 veterinary clinic, if it comes to that. Believe it or not, I have had good luck with those places. However, they are not cheap.

[anonymously]

Are they giving him sub q fluids? Every day or every other day? It shouldn’t be too expensive, I found it helpful with my dog that had kidney damage related to Lyme disease.
In fact, I gave it myself (prescribed by veterinarian).

Sounds acute (from what you describe), if he gets through this, he should be good to go for a few years. I would not look at the abdominal surgery as a negative thing. I would listen to the specialists and do what they advise.

PS: Sometimes you get a dog that needs nothing but the minimum of routine care. Then there are the ones that have allergies or diabetes or some other condition that costs a few bucks. In the end, it all evens out.
In fact, I wouldn’t wait too long to have the surgery, if he is as bad as you say, maybe they can move the surgery date closer. The weaker he is , the less likely he will be able to tolerate it. What you describe, sounds like an emergency situation.

[anonymously]

An added thought, when my dog started with the allergy symptoms I wasted a year trying all kinds of bogus remedies.
Nothing worked until I went to the specialist. When you have a serious condition, in my opinion, go to the best, right away.

[anonymously]

It sounds like she is getting the best of care. I think anyone reading about Koji will be sending positive thoughts her way. Maybe the surgery will identify the problem….it’s not like you have a lot of options left.

How long has she been ill? Wondering if this is acute, or due to a congenital anomaly.

PS: Did a veterinarian that examined the dog recommend Nutriscan? If so, I would make sure to report the results to him, so that maybe he will rethink suggesting it to other clients in the future.

Keep us posted, we are all pulling for her.

[anonymously]

I would consult a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist, if you haven’t done so already.
Have x-rays and ultrasounds revealed anything?
Regarding the saliva and hair tests for canines: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=nutriscan
Best of luck

[anonymously]

I just found some information you might find helpful, see the comments too.

N-Acetylcarnosine Eyedrops for Cataracts in Dogs and Cats (Can-C, Bright Eyes NAC, etc)

[anonymously]

I am not aware of any foods or supplements that would make a difference….however, have you considered cataract surgery for your pet? Click on link for full article: https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/cataracts-and-your-pet/

What are the alternatives to cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is an elective procedure. Dogs with impaired vision, or even complete blindness in both eyes, adapt very well and can continue to be a happy, healthy, integral member of your family.

[anonymously]

I figure if he is at the end of his life and it makes him happy, so be it.

[anonymously]

I give my senior 4 or 5 small meals a day, that seems to help. Another thing to consider is that dogs get dementia just like humans, they are confused about mealtimes.

[anonymously]

Not wanting to eat is a symptom of nausea. I would not advise taking advice from a stranger on the internet as good idea right now (myself included).
If you want to identify any further treatment options….see my previous post. Best of luck

PS: I have a 15+ year old senior I have to assist so that he can have a bm. Can’t leave him alone for more than 2 hours. I get it. I focus on keeping him comfortable, he has a good appetite…in fact, he is hungry all the time. I took him in for a geriatric workup not long ago, his lab work is better than mine.

[anonymously]

She is old, I don’t want to upset you, but it may just be her time. You could take her to an emergency veterinary clinic (no appointment needed).
Let them run some tests and see what they advise regarding aggressive treatment vs keeping her comfortable. Or call her regular vet, if you think that would be helpful.

If she is nauseas, forcing her to consume things might make her even more uncomfortable and prolong her agony.

PS: I hope I am not coming across as harsh, I understand your distress and I wish you and your dog well.

[anonymously]

Dosing Information of Fluralaner for Dogs
Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. The dose of Bravecto™ for preventative flea control is administration of the product every 12 weeks throughout the flea season and every 8 to 12 weeks through tick season. Bravecto™ should be administered with food to maximize effectiveness. Treatment can begin any time of year but should ideally begin 1 month prior to flea or tick season. The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication and the development of any adverse effects. The manufacturer suggests monthly treatments to protect against flea re-infestation. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Read more at: https://tr.im/tPTdl

[anonymously]

ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most common adverse reactions recorded in clinical trials were vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, polydipsia, and flatulence. For complete safety information, refer to product label.

CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
Available by veterinary prescription only.

For technical assistance or to report a suspected adverse drug reaction, contact
Merck Animal Health at 1-800-224-5318. Additional information can be found
at http://www.bravecto.com. For additional information about adverse drug experience
reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS or online at
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/ SafetyHealth.

PS: I would consult a veterinarian and have the dog examined if symptoms continue.
Not sure if Bravecto would have any liability, as based on the information you have provided, the preventive was not specifically prescribed for your dog (correct me if I’m wrong).

[anonymously]

You went off topic and criticized my post, most of the time I ignore these things, occasionally I do respond.
From now on, I will ignore all comments made by the above poster.

I hope the OP had a positive day at the vet with her dog and we get an update 🙂 Peace.

[anonymously]

“BTW: All canned foods (dogs, people, whatever) tend to be higher in sodium, it’s just part of the canning process. I don’t have to read any labels or ingredient lists to know that”.
“Ask your vet, or a nutritionist if you don’t believe me”.

“tend”: to be disposed or inclined in action, operation, or effect to do something

“Ask your vet, or a nutritionist if you don’t believe me”: meaning, ask a health care professional to clarify, if you have any questions

“BTW: Salt has many different chemical names. Some things are just common sense”.
fact and opinion

[anonymously]

If the dog has not had a recurrence of bladder stones since 2012, he is doing very well. Whatever treatment he is getting appears to be working, diet and all. Continue to work with your vet.
Of course, water, water and more water added to the diet, frequent bathroom breaks help, big time.

[anonymously]

I would focus on bladder stone prevention, from what you have said the cancer issues are in remission. Continue with the prescription diet and ask your vet if you can add something tasty to it. Best of luck.

[anonymously]

I am not here in a professional capacity.
I am just offering my opinion.
BTW: Salt has many different chemical names. Some things are just common sense.

[anonymously]

Glad you were able to get a refund. However, it is not unusual to see undigested carrot pieces in dog feces. One of my dogs had weight issues, she loved to eat, so I would give her a raw carrot as a snack midday. They were bright orange and appeared undigested in her bms…the good news is that they otherwise agreed with her and were low in calories.

[anonymously]

It may be better to keep them away from the Thanksgiving Day food/dining area.

Besides how bad all the table scraps are for dogs, consider the aggression and food fights that break out. Liability issues, if a dog bites another dog or a guest.

Emergency room visits for humans due to dog bites go up this time of year. Emergency vet clinic visits for a variety of GI issues are up also.

Best to keep pets separated from the family festivities, offer a special treat, small piece of boneless turkey meat added to their regular meal, later.

[anonymously]

Call your local shelter, maybe they can mix it with the cheap stuff and the dogs will be able to tolerate it.
You may be able to consider it a donation.

PS: My senior likes Newman’s Organic beef and liver canned, mixed with watered down dry food. If I give him only canned, he gets runny stools.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 5 months ago by anonymously.

[anonymously]

What does your vet say? It is not about what is the best food at this stage of his life. It is about what agrees with him. I am thinking that some of the high quality foods may be a little too rich (fatty, greasy, high protein) for him.

Maybe a bland, boiled chicken and rice diet would be better. Consider consulting a veterinary internal medicine specialist, otherwise, keep the diet simple, nothing fancy.

PS: See if you have the option of getting a refund for anything unopened.

[anonymously]

BTW: All canned foods (dogs, people, whatever) tend to be higher in sodium, it’s just part of the canning process. I don’t have to read any labels or ingredient lists to know that.
Ask your vet, or a nutritionist if you don’t believe me.

[anonymously]

I meant to say I used Royal Canin So for a dog with bladder stones (hx of both struvite and oxalate).
I used Royal Canin Renal support for my dog that had kidney damage.

Both times the food agreed with them and no adverse effects were noted. Once the dogs were stable (after at least a year) I made changes in their diets under the supervision of their veterinarians. However, the dog with kidney damage stayed on the prescription food for the remainder of her life and did as well as could be expected.

[anonymously]

Soaking the kibble (prescription or nonprescription) overnight in water in the fridg makes a big difference in the texture and smell of the food. Plus the dog gets more water in their diet.
Let us know what your vet recommends after examining him. Best of luck

[anonymously]

I have also used prescription and nonprescription dog foods when recommended by a veterinarian that has examined my dog. I have noted no adverse effects.
Some science-based information here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

I have used Royal Canin SO for a dog with kidney damage, the dog did well, you can always add a spoonful of homemade chicken broth.

Royal Canin adult
Science diet maintenance
Hills Ideal balance
Iams
Eukanuba
Proplan
Purina one

[anonymously]

Did you check the search engine here, example: /forums/search/bladder+stones/ See some of my posts.

[anonymously]

Regarding food intolerances:
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.

Check the search engine here /forums/search/allergies/

Also, if the dog is still sick tomorrow, you may want to ask the vet about postponing vaccinations until he is medically stable.

Down the road if the allergy symptoms continue, 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/).
Don’t be fooled by mail-in saliva and hair tests, I have heard they are unreliable.

PS: Any kibble soaked in water overnight is like wet food, especially if you mix something tasty in it. Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea dry and canned has no grains, no potato, no chicken or egg. See Chewy. com for price comparison.

[anonymously]

What did the vet recommend? I would stay with the chicken and rice for a few days, then slowly add the new kibble to it. You haven’t even had him 72 hours…give him a few days to adjust, he’s only a puppy. Add a splash of water to his food.
Some science based information here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

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

[anonymously]

http://www.bostonherald.com/lifestyle/health/2015/10/diet_aids_bladder_stones
Excerpt below:
The cause of these stones developing is not well understood. It is thought to be an inborn error of metabolism that, given certain diets, causes the pH of urine to become more acidic than usual, leading to crystals and stones formation.

Diagnosis is usually made by X-ray, palpation or ultrasound.

These kinds of bladder stones are the second most commonly found (struvites being the most common). They each require different types of management with specific prescription diets. Several companies make these specific diets, and I would work with your veterinarian to choose one. Sadly, even with special diets, these stones can still come back, so if your dog shows any signs like before, get him right in for evaluation

[anonymously]

Okay, so, soaking the kibble overnight in water, adding a spoonful of topper, more water, should work. What foods did he say were okay? Let’s see the list.
Check Nutrisca and Salmon and Chickpea http://www.chewy.com/dog/dogswell-nutrisca-grain-free-salmon/dp/35031

If your vet is recommending prescription food, I would go along with it for now at least until the dog is stable, then discuss options.

Per the search engine here: Check out my posts. /forums/search/bladder+stones/

PS: Take the dogs out frequently for bathroom breaks, opportunities to urinate. Keep the bladder flushed, stagnant conditions in the bladder are conducive to struvite and calcium oxalate development.

[anonymously]

My small breed dogs do well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea (canned and dry), I soak my senior’s kibble in water overnight, plus add a splash of water. I use Newman Organics canned also, I have tried their kibble, one dog does well on it.
What foods did your vet recommend? Do your dogs have any specific problems?

[anonymously]

I would take her to the vet as soon as possible, in fact I would go to the nearest walk-in emergency vet, rather than wait till tomorrow.

There are a few things that could cause this. However, only a veterinarian that has examined your dog can diagnose and treat. The sooner she gets treatment, the sooner she will get better.

PS: Don’t waste time coming to these forums and consulting amateurs (myself included) when you have a serious issue, such as you described regarding your pet, go to a veterinarian.
If you are under 18, please consult a parent or adult that you trust first. By any chance, could the dog be in heat?

[anonymously]

I would not. This is a controversial subject.
Also, “best if used by” “use by” “expiration date” are different things and have different meanings.
You could call the 1-800 number on the item and ask what they recommend.
Per the search engine here: /forums/search/expiration+date/
/forums/topic/suggestions-please-kibble-for-shelter-dogs/

[anonymously]

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.

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/

PS: Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea (dry and canned) is grain/potato free, check Chewy. com for price comparison.

[anonymously]

I stopped feeding my dogs raw bones after we ended up at the emergency vet x2 for GI blockages.

Give a Dog a Bone (Not!)–FDA warns of dangers of feeding bones to dogs

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=raw+diet
Also, check the search engine here, example /forums/topic/rectal-issues/

[anonymously]

Correction to link for AllergyDog Central http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/symptoms/

[anonymously]

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.

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: http://www.allergydogcentral

[anonymously]

I would head back to the vet, tell him the treatment prescribed has not been successful, so far, and that the symptoms have returned.
The dog may need some additional tests and pharmaceutical intervention. In the meantime, I would keep him on the bland diet, whatever works.

PS: The dog may have picked up a nasty canine virus at the kennel. Sometimes they need sq fluids and anti-nausea medication to get them over the hump.

[anonymously]

With a small dog it is easy to weigh once a week. Step on the scale and weigh yourself, then get back on the scale holding the dog and subtract your weight from the number.

This way you can keep your eye on any changes and adjust the amount of food accordingly.

PS: In the morning, after elimination and before the first meal, same time every week, is best for accuracy.

[anonymously]

Re: “Very bad fecal odor and gas”
If you haven’t done so already. I would stop by the vet’s office and have anal gland impaction, infection, abscess ruled out first. Also, there are other conditions that could cause this other than diet.

[anonymously]

Maybe you are feeding him too much? As long as he has no medical issues and your vet approves, you could try feeding him one meal a day in the afternoon, then walk him every 2 hours and at bedtime, first thing in the morning.
Just leave fresh water. Same for your other dog.

PS: Check general guidelines for tips http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[anonymously]

I am aware that this doesn’t answer the OP’s specific questions, however, someone reading this may find some helpful tips here: http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

[anonymously]

To the best of my knowledge, the odd comment made in response to my comment, was not made by a moderator here at DFA.

[anonymously]

Never mind/edit

[anonymously]

I have never used food/treats for housebreaking. Just carry or walk the dog outside to the desired location you would like him to eliminate at, every 2 hours during the day, at bedtime and first thing in the morning, about 30 minutes after meals. May take a month or two, but it works like a charm.

Remember, a puppy is like an infant, they will have accidents.

Why not just broil up a little chicken liver and freeze it…it would be a lot cheaper.

BTW: All organ meats are high in fat. I give them as an occasional topper, maybe once a week (twice at the most). Too fatty for every day consumption, imo.

[anonymously]

You may find some helpful information here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=nutritionist
and here:

What do Veterinarians Know About Nutrition?

“The real “experts” in this area are board-certified veterinary nutritionists, individuals who have advanced residency training in nutrition and have passed the board certification exam of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition”.

If not, maybe someone else will. Best of luck.

[anonymously]

“We will still be taking him to the vet to be safe, but my friend’s cousin, who is a veterinarian, stated that this is commonly caused by irritation to the digestive system and usually corrects itself”.

Second hand, third hand information doesn’t count regarding specific medical advice for a pet, unless the veterinarian has personally examined the dog, made a diagnosis and put their recommendations in writing.

just my opinion.

[anonymously]

The sub q fluids every day or every other day treatments are similar to dialysis, regarding what they accomplish. What does that tell you. Keep him comfortable for as long as you can, but be realistic. I would not give him supplements or make any diet changes to the prescription food, unless a vet that has examined him approves.

[anonymously]

I don’t listen to Dr Google if I see blood…..
I go to a real veterinarian who can examine my pet and advise me.

BTW: I have a medical background, I don’t go to the vet for every little thing.

PS: I had a dog on a semi-raw diet with raw bones, and I ended up at the emergency vet x 2 due to a blockage. No thank you.
I hope your dog is well, good luck.

[Author]

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