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10-17-2009, 10:04 PM | #1 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oregon
Posts: 22
| malabsorbtion syndrome HI, Our poor little yorkie, Mini Pearl, is sick with malabsorbtion syndrome. She is about 1 - 1/2 pounds over weight, due to the fluids in her belly.Her normal weight is just 4 1/2 pounds, so you can realize how serious this is. We, including her vet, are trying everything we can. Is there someone out there that might have a different idea or diet to try. Her diet now is boiled rice, boiled chicken breast and low fat cottage cheese. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Dianna |
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10-18-2009, 06:39 AM | #2 |
Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado
Posts: 6,728
| This is from the vet's handbook that you might want to bookmark. I had never heard of this so I looked it up. You also might want to go to the The Dog Food Project - How does your Dog Food Brand compare? and ask for an individual session to help you with your little one. Merck Veterinary Manual Treatment: Treatment of malabsorption involves dietary therapy, management of complications, and treatment of the primary cause (if identified). Management of EPI in dogs is relatively straightforward (see Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency). It should include feeding a low-fiber diet that contains moderate levels of fat or highly digestible fat, very digestible carbohydrate, and high-quality protein. Specific treatment involves lifelong supplementation of each meal with pancreatic extract. Powdered extracts (2 tsp/20 kg body wt) are preferable to tablets, capsules, and enteric-coated preparations. Fresh or frozen pancreas can be used as an alternative (100 g/meal for an adult German Shepherd). If response to pancreatic replacement therapy is poor, SIBO may be suspected, and the animal treated with oral antibiotics for ≥1 mo (see below). H2-receptor blockers, such as cimetidine at 5-10 mg/kg or ranitidine at 2 mg/kg, may be given 20 min before a meal to inhibit acid secretion and to minimize degradation of enzymes in the pancreatic extract, but their efficacy is questionable. Oral multivitamin supplementation should be considered as supportive therapy, but cobalamin (500 mg/mo) should be given parenterally. Dietary requirements of cats with EPI can generally be met by conventional commercial diets, but pancreatic replacement therapy is still needed, as well as parenteral cobalamin supplementation in cats with low serum cobalamin levels. Effective treatment of small-intestinal disease depends on the nature of the disorder, but therapy may be empirical when a specific diagnosis cannot be made. In dogs with SIBO, a low-fat diet may help by minimizing secretory diarrhea due to bacterial metabolism of fatty acids and bile salts. Oral broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy with oxytetracycline (10-20 mg/kg, TID for 28 days) has been successful. Metronidazole (10-20 mg/kg, BID) and tylosin (20 mg/kg, TID) are effective alternatives. Repeated or longterm treatment may be necessary in dogs with idiopathic SIBO. Vitamin supplementation may be helpful, particularly cobalamin by injection (eg, 500 mg/mo for 6 mo) for dogs with cobalamin deficiency. Secondary SIBO usually resolves with appropriate management of the underlying disease, but idiopathic SIBO can be difficult to control, especially in German Shepherds, which are predisposed to developing the condition. Dietary modification is an important aspect of the management of small intestinal disease in both dogs and cats. Diets generally contain moderate levels of limited protein sources and highly digestible carbohydrates (to reduce protein antigenicity, reduce osmolar effects, and improve nutrient availability), and low to moderate levels of fat (to reduce steatorrhea and decrease secretogogues). In addition, they are lactose and gluten free, may be fiber-restricted, and may contain increased levels of antioxidants, prebiotics (fructo-oligosaccharides), or omega-3 fatty acids. These additives are thought to modulate the inflammatory response and increase the health of the bacterial gut flora. Treatment with an exclusion diet consisting of a single novel protein source should be used as trial therapy when dietary sensitivity is suspected. In addition, intestinal inflammation is sometimes a manifestation of dietary sensitivity, and an exclusion food trial is also indicated in mild cases of inflammatory bowel disease. Boiled white rice and potato are suitable carbohydrate sources, while lamb or chicken are often used as a protein source, depending on the dietary history. Cottage cheese, horsemeat, rabbit, venison, or fish may be acceptable alternatives. Commercial exclusion diets may be generally less suitable than home-cooked diets for diagnosing food hypersensitivity in dogs, although not necessarily in cats; however, they are preferred for maintenance to reduce dietary imbalances. Protein hydrolysate diets may be most effective in eliminating dietary sensitivity. The exclusion diet generally does not need to be fed for >3 wk. Oral prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg, BID for 2-4 wk, followed by a reducing dose) may be useful in some animals with dietary sensitivity if the initial response to the exclusion diet is disappointing. Treatment of idiopathic intestinal disease in dogs should initially attempt to eliminate or control an underlying antigenic stimulus that may be playing a primary or secondary role in the damage. This is particularly important if there is evidence of intestinal inflammation. Treatment should first involve the use of an exclusion or protein hydrolysate diet for suspected dietary sensitivity as described above. The diet should comprise digestible carbohydrate, (preferably rice, which is most digestible) and high-quality protein. Restriction of fat content may also be valuable and can minimize the secretory diarrhea that is a consequence of bacterial metabolism of fatty acids and bile salts. Oral prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg, BID for 1 mo, followed by a reducing dose) is indicated in cases of intestinal disease with an obvious inflammatory component, such as lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis and eosinophilic enteritis. Higher dosages (1-2 mg/kg, BID) may be indicated in more severe cases. In rare severe cases, it may be necessary to use azathioprine (2-2.5 mg/kg, SID). Cats with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher incidence of dietary sensitivity than dogs, emphasizing the importance of a dietary trial with an exclusion diet. If this fails, treatment may be needed with oral prednisolone at a dosage of 1-2 mg/kg, daily for 2-4 wk, gradually decreasing until clinical signs resolve. Severe cases often require higher dosages and longterm therapy. Cats that do not respond may be given adjunct metronidazole (10 mg/kg, BID). The beneficial effect of metronidazole might be due to an inhibition of cell-mediated immune responses as well as to its anaerobic antibacterial activity. If remission is not maintained on this combination, other immunosuppressive drugs such as chlorambucil or azathioprine can be attempted, although the latter has many side effects in cats. For treatment of cases of idiopathic villous atrophy, prednisolone, antibiotics, and an exclusion diet can be considered. In lymphangiectasia, a severely fat-restricted, calorie-dense, highly digestible diet is essential. Supplementation with fat-soluble vitamins is advised, and additional medium-chain triglycerides have been recommended as an easily absorbable fat source that bypasses the lymphatics, although their efficacy has recently been questioned. Prednisone therapy may be beneficial for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, especially if there are associated lymphangitis and lipogranulomas. The response to treatment is variable; clinical signs may sometimes abate for months or even years, but the longterm prognosis is grave. Giardiasis can be treated with metronidazole or fenbendazole, and histoplasmosis with itraconazole (cats) or ketoconazole (dogs), with or without amphotericin B. In cases of lymphosarcoma, treatment involves an appropriate chemotherapy regimen.
__________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products! |
10-18-2009, 11:03 AM | #3 |
My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca.
Posts: 12,228
| I would try acupuncture. It's amazing at how this method can cure so many ills, and it would be well worth the try.
__________________ AZRAEL RAZAEL JILLI ANN |
10-18-2009, 01:07 PM | #4 |
Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA
Posts: 9,333
| Is malabsorbtion syndrome like Protein Losing Enteropathy? If so, I would highly recommend an immediate consultation with Susan Davis, who helped my Sissy and BleuBoyBarber with her Jill. Specific diet and supplements can be the ticket to a quick turnaround. Specifically, a probiotic, digestive enzymes, and liver support along with a quality diet. Chicken is generally not recommended because of the antibiotics and hormones most are pumped full of. And rice is not easily digestible, so can make matters worse. I'm assuming your vet has run a full blood panel including a Spec Cpl, looking at the Protein level, cobalamine and folate? If not, this needs to be done as well. Steer clear of steroids, though tylan powder may also help the gut heal. Pet Health Pet Nutritionist Holistic Pet Praying for a recovery...
__________________ Sissy & Angel Last edited by LuvMySissy; 10-18-2009 at 01:10 PM. |
10-21-2009, 06:36 AM | #5 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oregon
Posts: 22
| Malabsorbtion syndrome Who is Susan Davis and how do I get in touch with her? I took our Pearl to a different vet for a second opinion and more blood work.I know that part of her problem is with the protein. What type of diet are your yorkies on? I am ready to try anything. We live in a small town and don't have access to very many vets. Thanks to everyone for their help and information. Dianna |
10-21-2009, 06:45 AM | #6 | |
Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado
Posts: 6,728
| Quote:
__________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products! | |
10-21-2009, 01:35 PM | #7 |
Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator | Are you seeing your general vet or a specialist? I think w/ this issue...it might be good to see an Internist or GI to get your baby on track, and then go back to the generalist to manage care. This sort of case can really be complicated.
__________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann | Pfeiffer | Marcel Verdel Purcell | Wylie | Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° |
10-29-2009, 07:37 AM | #8 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oregon
Posts: 22
| Lost the battle Our precious little yorkie, Mini Pearl, passed away at 7:10 this morning. She was just 4 1/2 pounds, but had and gave a ton of love to everyone. Our vet worked very hard to try and treat what was wrong, but maybe it just wasn't enough. It is a hard illness to diagnose, but he tried. She started to get sick about 1 am, and did not make it through the night. Thank you to everyone that tried to help me with her. You are all the best. Thank you again, Dianna |
10-30-2009, 05:00 AM | #9 | |
Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator | Quote:
__________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann | Pfeiffer | Marcel Verdel Purcell | Wylie | Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° | |
10-30-2009, 05:52 AM | #10 |
Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado
Posts: 6,728
| How sad and I am sorry for your loss. How long do you think she had been ill? This is a new disease to me and it is very heartbreaking.
__________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products! |
10-30-2009, 06:42 AM | #11 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oregon
Posts: 22
| Mini Pearl HI, Thank you for your caring. Mini Pearl was never really physically sick in the true sense of the word. Her stomach would bloat up and carry over 1 1/2 pounds of fluid. That could result in pancreas, kidney and/or liver damage. She was sometimes diagnosed with malabsorbtion syndrome, another time with protein losing enteropathy and then again with possible wheat or gluten intolerance. She was always happy and active, but would tire easy when her stomach swelled. She was on many different medications, but the steroids made me nervous reading about the side effects and some of the other stuff was even worse. She was very active the evening before and looked good and ate well. She became sick very early in the morning and passed at 7:10/ Living in a small town, we don't always have access to emergency vets. My vet is also very upset, he loved her almost as much as we did. She is buried with our other loves, with her favorite toys. I am sure I will see her again and that she will be her normal happy healthy self. Thanks to everyone again. Dianna |
10-30-2009, 06:47 AM | #12 | ||
Luv my Angel, too! Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: USA
Posts: 9,333
| Quote:
Quote:
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. RIP Mini Pearl...
__________________ Sissy & Angel | ||
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