I think my dog is sick.... Can anyone help me?!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Judy in Waco

Just an update....Jack's owner was able to get the right food at a more reasonable price at her vet. Jack has the food he needs right now.

Great news! Thanks for letting us know!

[dwerten]

ok first off that price was way high as i fed that food it is about $30 a bag for 8lb here in california

and do not want to freak you out but my dog with ibd could not eat this food as it has white potato in it inflaming the intestines and he was hospitalized 60 days into eating it so just wanted to let you know It is salmon and potato diet and white potato is an inflammatory food so for a dog with digestive issues I would not recommend - maybe ok with allergies as my dd tolerated it but my dex could not so just wanted to add this so you are aware as need to go back and remember op as been dealing with a sick dog today my dex

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by dwerten

ok first off that price was way high as i fed that food it is about $30 a bag for 8lb here in california

and do not want to freak you out but my dog with ibd could not eat this food as it has white potato in it inflaming the intestines and he was hospitalized 60 days into eating it so just wanted to let you know It is salmon and potato diet and white potato is an inflammatory food so for a dog with digestive issues I would not recommend - maybe ok with allergies as my dd tolerated it but my dex could not so just wanted to add this so you are aware as need to go back and remember op as been dealing with a sick dog today my dex

To the OP: IF this food becomes a problem, it can be returned! Hill's does reimburse the vets for any returns. That is just in case....don't want you to think you are stuck with it if it is an issue. Hopefully, it will not be a problem

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

To the OP: IF this food becomes a problem, it can be returned! Hill's does reimburse the vets for any returns. That is just in case....don't want you to think you are stuck with it if it is an issue. Hopefully, it will not be a problem

yes that is 100% correct so do not let them say you cannot - just tell them you already called the manufacturer and they said they reimburse the vets - call them to confirm though but i do this with shampoos and they backed down and gave me my money back after tons of diff vet shampoos i called and found out i could return it is just a hassle for the vet but oh well if it does not work I want my money back. I always get samples now

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by dwerten

yes that is 100% correct so do not let them say you cannot - just tell them you already called the manufacturer and they said they reimburse the vets - call them to confirm though but i do this with shampoos and they backed down and gave me my money back after tons of diff vet shampoos i called and found out i could return it is just a hassle for the vet but oh well if it does not work I want my money back. I always get samples now

My vet tells people! It is a shame that vets would not inform people.

[dwerten]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

My vet tells people! It is a shame that vets would not inform people.

yeah made me mad when i find out - seems some just do it until people start putting two and two together - would much prefer honesty upfront it is part of that trust factor

[Sarah Sadie]

Would cooking Jack's food help with the cost? Looking for input from other Yorkie owners. Search the Internet for "low protein" dog food recipes-then ask your vet for approval before trying this. When my guy's system acts up, I cook him a mixture of rice, carrots, and venison - the amount of venison could be reduced. Ask about a vitamin to be sure Jack gets what he needs. We use venison because it is part of our diet and we don't have to buy it. Chicken could be used - just not too much protein. If Buddy is having serious digestive issues, I puree the mixture in the blender. For storage, I pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop out the cubes and store them in a zippered baggy. Rice is very cheap - a dollar's worth makes several week's food, coupled with the small amounts of meat and veggies it is very economical. (Don't put the fat or skin in the food.) ABOVE ALL, get your pet's doctor's opinion before trying this.

[Becca1]

Originally Posted by luvmyYorkieJack

The food he prescribed is Science Diet D/D. And for an 8 pound bag it's $60. I just graduated from college and am still job searching. I just spent money I don't have on vet bills to find out almost nothing. I just don't have the money to buy that kind of dog food when I have to put a roof over my and my dogs' heads, need to be able to buy food myself, and pay my other bills.

Just wanted you to know that we recently went through much the same thing with our 3 year old Yorkie; for about a month, she had vomited off and on, had some diarrhea, drinking more water and urinating more - she continued to eat well, but just wasn't acting herself (I actually thought some of it was depression over our terrible winter weather and she couldn't get outside enough); she was also listless and pacing. Anyway, we took her to our vet who we trust and have had for 30 years. He did a complete blood work-up, x-rays and urinalysis. Uninalysis came back with crystals and blood work came back with high levels of enzymes in her liver. He suspected bacterial hepatitis, but w/o a liver biopsy couldn't be positive. Since he likes to err on the side of caution, he suggested treating her as a "hepatitis" dog and foregoing the cost and trauma of a biopsy. He put her on 15 days of antibiotics and changed her food (she was previously on Eukanuba) to Hills Science Diet - L/D. She had been losing weight, so he suggested feeding her 3 times a day. She was eating 1/3 cup twice a day, and now I feed her 1/3 cup 3 x a day. It has only been 10 days and I've seen such a vast improvement and she has put her weight back on and her symptoms have practically disappeared. She is to go in to check her liver enzymes in another week. I hope your dog continues to improve for you. Just so you know, I paid $55 for a 20# bag of the Hills LD from the vet (this was the only size they had available at the time). Good luck! Becca in Missouri

[Becca1]

Has anyone had an update on Jack and his liver problems?

[Judy in Waco]

Originally Posted by Becca1

Has anyone had an update on Jack and his liver problems?

The last I heard she had the right food for him. I haven't heard anything since then.

To the OP...we're still keeping your little Jack in our thoughts and prayers!

[YorkieMom6]

Originally Posted by ally173

believe me i totally understand; it's an outrage on how expensive that food is; i was looking online and i found this website; the 8lbs sells for $25 and 18lbs for $50; i know it's still expensive but better than $60 for 8lbs
HILL's Prescription Diet Canine d/d (8 lb. Bag) (Potato & Venison)

by the way the retail price for the 8lbs is $30; that vet is charging double the price; which is not fair; shame on him/her. i dont understand why people like that take advantage of pet owners.

good luck

Originally Posted by Judy in Waco

I called my vet this morning. She said that there are different varieties of Science Diet D/D. The only kind she has in stock is the egg and rice.

Here are the prices she will sell it to me.

8lbs= $29.15
17lbs= $59.50

She said that if you tell her specifically which type of Science Diet D/D you need, she can give you an exact price.

I will also gladly overnight an 8lb. bag of the egg and rice to you if you would like. (I'll handle the shipping costs.)

I just wanted to commend you both on finding more reasonable options for the OP - Great Job!!

Would love to see an update on Jack....

[luvmyYorkieJack]

EVERYONE I AM SO SORRY I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO POST SOONER!

Wouldn't you know it, I got caught up in life. I have been busy substituting and job hunting. The financial situation is looking up again... for the time being. So again, I am so sorry I have not posted.

Jack is Jack. He hasn't really put much on for weight. But his attitude has improved. He eats the prescribed food. On Monday I am getting a copy of his test results from the vet. I found a vet in town that is willing to look at the results and take his case. So, I am setting him up for an appointment to get a new urine test done. I want to make sure that this food I got him is helping dissolve the crystals. I don't mind paying for it since he eats it as long as it is helping him. I wanted to wait a few months to see if this low protein, magnesium reduced diet would work. But I'm thinking that depending on what this new vet can tell me, Jack might go in for another BA test. From there, I will seek out institutes that specialize in liver shunts.... if the tests indicate one. Once I have the reports in my hands on Monday, I will scan it in and post it. Maybe someone can help me figure out what it means. I know it is important to hear it from the vet but I know there are people with experience out there.

Other than that, we got our first family picture taken the other day. Dan, myself, and the boys.... first time ever.... usually one of us needs to hold the camera. Again, I am sorry this is so long overdue!

And I just want to add, thank you to anyone and everyone that has helped, said a prayer, and/or offered kind words. It really helped me through all of this.