I recently had a blood panel done on my 14 mo. old GSD - been on raw for @ 6 months. There were a couple categories that were out of the normal range and I'm looking for some suggestions from raw feeders who may have experienced some of these issues.

I talked to two vets (and Dr. Stahl - thanks again, Chad) about the numbers. One, (my brother) said that there was nothing far enough out of normal to be concerned about, especially considering the diet he's on and the fluctuations that are going to occur due to varied ingredients, etc. (he's not a fan of raw, by the way, but hasn't harped on me too much as long as it's done correctley.)

the second is the local vet who did the test (also not a raw fan), and she's concerned about some of the same levels vet #1 isn't worried about. She wants to put him on antibiotics for two weeks and then retest (ALT level was slightly high, which indicates liver function, and he had a couple of slight deviations in his bloodwork that might indicate he's fighting an infection of some kind) and I'm waiting on the results of a urinalysis (BUN was 1 point above normal - common indication with the high protein but she wants to be sure.)

after talking it over, it's been agreed that the high protein content of his diet is probably making his liver and kidneys work a little harder than normal, which is probably to be expected.

my question is: are there any additional supplements, enzymes or vitamins that are known to help aid the absorption of these things and return some balance to his system?

otherwise, everything else looked good and balanced. the whole point of the blood test was see if the diet he's on was effective, and barring the discovery of any underlying or more serious issues, i would like to keep him on it.

if anyone has had any similar experiences or could recommend some additional supplements, ingredients or other considerations i would appreciate it.

thanks.

chris- unfortunately i cant offer any advice but i too am curious about the protein level. My almost 4 month old pup just tested low on the protein and he is on a raw/dry diet (abady.) in addition to chris's question can anyone explain in at least semi-laimans terms why protein levels fluctuate and what high/low levels mean as far as good and bad health?

josh -

here's one link that has some info:

http://www.nwlabs.co.uk/testinterp2.htm

try a google search - there's a lot of information out there about interpreting "blood test results" that can help explain the basics. just don't try to diagnose anything by them.

otherwise, ask your vet. most will be happy to explain things to you when they have the time.

i posted my case here because i'm hoping someone with more raw diet experience than i have may have had similar results at some point.

Chris
I feed a commercial packaged tripe, all ingrediants are put together just for the dogs.
Go to 'greentripe.com" the site gives all the info.
They do make sure that the enzymes are in there to help digest the protene and othe ingrediants.
There prices are cheeper than posted if you buy in bulk. And shipping is very low.
Ron