Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote: melissa hoyer
Quote: connie sutherland
what blood work was ever done? That would probably be my first question. As far as I know, a typical blood test can't diagnose EPI, even with elevated ALT or low cholesterol. The cTLI & Cobalamin/Folate tests are necessary, which is why you are reading so much surprise at not having those results while having an EPI diagnosis.
I would ask for a copy of his blood work from the time of his initial diagnosis. Some vets will give enzymes without the testing...kind of a "try it and we'll see" approach.
This is what was bothering me (after Betty's discerning post). "Try it and see" when "it" is apparently failing (recently lost weight) .... well, like the O.P., I would be all over that diagnosis and additional testing.
Your pup could have Salmonella or giardia (or parasites) in addition to his digestion problems if he has suddenly lost weight.
I'm sure your vet is on top of this--these were just easy things that came to my mind reading about a thin dog with diarrhea.
Best of luck in your hunt for a cure to his problem.
thank you all. I am noting all of this and wil be asking for complete lab test results since diagnosis four years ago. Now I'm more cinfused than ever so I really want to be proactive and figure this out.....
Can anyone advise me about how much to feed Shambo? First, let me clarify -- at one point I had all the tests done for EPI and Shambo was positive, plus showing all the symtpoms. I just don't have those records, they're four years old and I hope to get them from the vet on Monday. BUT HOW MUCH SHOULD HE BE EATING? I have been feeding him a lot -- because he is always hungry and he's so thin. Should cut back to 2-3% of his body weight (70 lbs), or perhaps his optimum body weight, which would be 80 - 85? I have been feeding him at least a third more than that. I give him a tsp of bio-case per lb of food. Thanks for recommending that Berte's website.
I'd feed for his ideal weight. But other than that, it really does vary by dog. I WOULD NOT cut back food for a dog that is on the thin side.
My 37# dog needs to eat 1.5x of what my 31# dog eats in order to keep weight one. When on kibble she ate almost twice the recommended amount on the bag (and it was high quality kibble). It's just the way her metabolism works. I know of another Border Collie that is larger than her, eats half as much as she does and keeps weight on just fine.
The bottom line is, you've got to feed the dog in front of you. As long as it's a healthy, balanced diet (and it sounds like yours is) I'd keep at it until you consult with a vet and get a full work-up on whats going on with him. I wouldn't change anything up until you've got that figured out.
Feed him as much as he wants and see if he puts on some weight. If you aren't feeding him very much fat you will have a very hard time putting weight on him, it will take LOTS of protein to do the same as a moderate amount of fat (you may need to increase the calcium to maintain firm stool).
Look at it as a lab test without any blood work. If he puts on the weight you know you probably just have a high metabolism dog.
thanks very much. That's funny -- every dog I've ever owned has eaten twice the amount of kibble they say on the bag. In this case, I read all the time, feed 2% or 3% of body weight. Because Shambo is thin and hungry I have gradually increased his food intake to 6% of his ideal body weight. He has EPI so he's not absorbing most of it. He has the chronic loose stools of EPI but I also read that over-feeding is a common cause of diarrhea. And that too much fat is not good for EPI. I started cutting the skin off the raw chicken. The other half of his diet, Hinest Kitchen, is about 5% fat.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote: Mara Jessup
As long as it's a healthy, balanced diet (and it sounds like yours is) I'd keep at it until you consult with a vet and get a full work-up on whats going on with him. I wouldn't change anything up until you've got that figured out.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Re: How to fatten up my dog?
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
