May 03, 2011
Our GSD has always had periodic bouts of diarrhea. Would you recommend that we take a stool sample to the vet to be tested?
Full Question:
Our German Shepherd will be 2 years old this month. She has always had periodic bouts of diarrhea. Our vet tells us that GSDs have sensitive intestinal tracts and this will happen from time to time. For the past 2-3 weeks, she has been perfectly normal (her waste is of good color and consistency) for 2-3 days and then all of a sudden its pudding. We give her boiled chicken with some rice a couple of times and she's alright again.Would you recommend that we take a stool sample to the vet to be tested?
Patricia
Cindy's Answer:
I would definitely have a stool sample evaluated to rule out parasites. I would also have blood work done, with the vet specifically testing for pancreatic function.
Your vet is wrong about GSDs having sensitive intestinal tracts, I don't know where that myth comes from. Their digestive system is no different than any other dog, if they don't have any underlying problems. GSDs DO sometimes have genetic issues with pancreatic function which will cause digestion problems but that needs to be diagnosed through a blood test. The test your vet needs to run is called a TLI test.
If all that comes back normal, I would re-evaluate what you are feeding your dog.
If you are feeding a commercial diet I would recommend you look at our Feeding dogs references. When an otherwise healthy dog has intermittent diarrhea, changing the diet to a more appropriate food can make a world of difference.
Your vet is wrong about GSDs having sensitive intestinal tracts, I don't know where that myth comes from. Their digestive system is no different than any other dog, if they don't have any underlying problems. GSDs DO sometimes have genetic issues with pancreatic function which will cause digestion problems but that needs to be diagnosed through a blood test. The test your vet needs to run is called a TLI test.
If all that comes back normal, I would re-evaluate what you are feeding your dog.
If you are feeding a commercial diet I would recommend you look at our Feeding dogs references. When an otherwise healthy dog has intermittent diarrhea, changing the diet to a more appropriate food can make a world of difference.
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