Connie, yes this was mostly based on x rays where I did see the diffence in the bone structure although not being a vet,or any where close to understanding what the heck I was looking at. They showed me where the "shading" on the x ray was not like the other bones and talked about blood flow and a lot of things I had NO idea about. I am really over my head in this situatation. The blood test apparantly were for tick diseases that cause lameness ie ehrlichiosis and others I can't remember. Connie I had so much medical talk thrown at me my head was spinning. I thought feeding a raw diet was the right thing for my dog, but it seems as though I am being told different from my vet. I do not want to continue to keep my dog on rimadyl and sedatives because I know that this is not good for
her.

 Quote: Joyce Salazar

... I am not entirely convinced that this problem is because of low levels of calcium. I would need to see blood work that proved such a thing. ...

So would I. I get more questions than answers from what I'm reading.

And it has nothing to do with being a longtime raw feeder. Believe me, I know people do feed bad raw diets.

But several of the statements here are very confusing to me.

I'd call back and at least ask if what they showed you on the x-rays was osteoarthritis changes, and if not, exactly what. Just admit you can't remember all they said.

And I would also ask if blood calcium was tested.

" I thought feeding a raw diet was the right thing for my dog, but it seems as though I am being told different from my vet. I do not want to continue to keep my dog on rimadyl and sedatives because I know that this is not good for
her."

I'd back up. Right now, you don't really know what the vet even diagnosed. I don't know how you could. I sure don't, based on the info here.

So I would startwith

Connie, Joyce has recommended another Vet in my area that could quite possibly give me a different diagnosis on this but if you could be so kind to give me some info on what I need to ask as well as bringing all the tests the previous clinic had run,it sure would be a great help, as I said earlier I am way over my head with this, and I am sure "they" know that, or least that is how I am feeling. If you have any more questions or concerns please feel free to ask. I really don't want to make the switch back just because a vet does not agree with the raw diet.

I'd ask vet the questions I outlined about the tests already done. I'd make an appointment for a second opinion, and bring pencil and paper.

By the way, if you were feeding an unbalanced diet, you'd balance it. It's not like raw diets have one set of micro- and macronutrients and kibble has another.

" I really don't want to make the switch back just because a vet does not agree with the raw diet."

Of course not. If it's wrong, you fix it (unless you choose to switch). But again, I'd back way up, because I'm confused from the first post about what the vet is even telling you. What is he seeing in the x-rays? Where did he get the low-calcium information? Does blood work indicate it?

It doesn't matter what the vet thinks of your confusion; if he can't explain something so you can understand it, then he's the wrong vet anyway, right? But at least make the call and talk; have a pencil in your hand.

(You will probably have to make an appointment to have that conversation; the vet won't be likely to be free to talk for fifteen minutes any old time.)



How long has the dog been on raw?

Thanks a lot Connie, she has been on a raw diet for a little over 2 yrs now. She will be 4 this October.

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/balancing-the-calciumphosphorous-ratio-in-a-raw-diet-for-dogs/

This link helps to explain raw fed dogs and the calcium from RMB's

It seems to me that as long as you were feeding enough RMB'S you should be ok.
Connie what kind of tests are necessary to find out if Mia is deficient?
Would that be a blood test or something different?

Frank do you think your vet is simply questioning this because you are doing a home made raw diet instead of commercial raw?

Unless there was some sort of test done to prove deficiency I think it seems a bit like a 'guess than a real concrete diagnosis.
I only say this because of the many vets who see the people who aren't doing the diet the right way.

I would for sure seek a second opinion.

Frank do you think your vet is simply questioning this because you are doing a home made raw diet instead of commercial raw?

Joyce, I don't really know at this point.. After blood tests, x rays and this is all they can tell me why she is limping, and recommending Royal Canine dog food. I have to admit the more I think about this the more I am not only confused but frustrated!

So the dog was not even on raw until after full growth.

"It seems to me that as long as you were feeding enough RMB'S you should be ok.
Connie what kind of tests are necessary to find out if Mia is deficient?
Would that be a blood test or something different?"

Yes, simple blood tests.


And as I mentioned above:

I'd back way up, because I'm confused from the first post about what the vet is even telling you. What is he seeing in the x-rays? Where did he get the low-calcium information? Does blood work indicate it?

 Quote: Frank Magnetico

After blood tests, x rays and this is all they can tell me why she is limping, and recommending Royal Canine dog food. I have to admit the more I think about this the more I am not only confused but frustrated!

Me too. Let's get some clearer info.