Two months and still having issues :(

[deonk1]

Well two months ago today, Harley started throwing up and had diarrhoea.

I'm sad, cause once again today he threw up and had diarrhoea again. I'm just frustrated. I've run blood tests, stool samples, urine samples, and they all come back clear. All the vets also managed to miss the fact that he had fleas, which I'm now dealing with, I think they're almost gone.

I finally relented today and put him on the crap food the vet recommended (I didn't want to two weeks ago cause I felt that switching him for a 3rd time in 3 weeks wasn't going to help the situation). I'm mad cause we think he may have an allergy and the vet wants him on a food with chicken in it . But the vet wont comment any further until I agree to put him on Medical (which they conveniently sell). I'm very pro-local, and sustainable companies, and don't agree with RC at all. I can't really afford to consult another vet cause well I've used my insurance for GI issues.

Sorry just need to rant. I want a normal dog, I'm frustrated cause while I love my baby, I bought him to show in agility. I bought him from a reputable breeder, so I wouldn't have these issues, and now I have a sick dog that can't go outside let a lone to dog class. He's also not as happy cause I'm keeping him away from other dogs (his immune system isn't great, plus he's lost too much weight for his normal exercise). I can tell he also misses our training .

I just want him to be better, so we can go play outside again. He looked happy on Thanksgiving, I let him play outside cause my mom lives in the country and there are no other dogs, so no risk of the usual viruses. He liked that.

[Ellie May]

All blood tests are normal including bile acids test?

RC is not bad...

Any xrays done?

[yorkietalkjilly]

My little Jilly had very bad stomach issues all of her life and could only eat one good without roaring illness - Science Diet Sensitive Kibble. It saved her life and it was the ONLY food she could ever eat - ever. She never got any table tidbits or other treats or anything or she got very, very ill and nearly died. But I made her kibble various ways in the microwave or baked it, made her various treats of all kinds from the kibble and she lived to be a little old lady - only sick if some visitor or well meaning friend slipped her people food or something. She could never eat anything but that one food and as long as I was very strick about it, Jilly stayed well w/only the occasional bout of upset. I loved her with all of my heart until the day she went to the Rainbow Bridge so you can love them more than life even if they are not hale and hardy. I would give anything in this world to have her back, here with Tibbe and me, with her tummy troubles and all. I sure pray your little baby finds a way to get past this, but even if not, you have been given a special little life to look after and it is such a privilege to have a Yorkie, isn't it?

[deonk1]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

All blood tests are normal including bile acids test?

RC is not bad...

Any xrays done?

No xrays, the vet said it's irritable bowel syndrom, and that an xray is useless. My boyfriend has decided that if he gets sick on the new food, the vet is useless. At that point we're consulting a new vet all together. So the vet thinks we need to do trial and error with food to fix him.

I've done 3 sets of blood tests with different vets. All clear (well the very first one showed bacteria, which was treated by two antibiotics).

I really hope the RC works. Like I said it's not my first, second, or third choice in food.

It frustrates me cause for the past 2 years he's been able to eat ANYTHING. He was on high quality food and was supplemented with some fresh/canned human grade fish to snack on (I researched what he could have and what amounts, so he wasn't over fed, or too high protein). He only ate grain free treats, and usually high quality ones.

He's eating the wet Medical that I have, the closest vet was out of the dry food, and until I get my car back Monday (repair shop) I could only go to this vet. So I bought him some canned. He doesn't like it, but is eating it occasionally.

[deonk1]

We were on vacation when he originally got sick (got sick the day before we left, still sick when we arrived), that's why he's seen 3 different vets. 2 were at emerge, and then the other one isn't Harley's real vet, she is just the first vet that could see him right away last time he was sick (at my normal clinic).

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by deonk1

No xrays, the vet said it's irritable bowel syndrom, and that an xray is useless. My boyfriend has decided that if he gets sick on the new food, the vet is useless. At that point we're consulting a new vet all together. So the vet thinks we need to do trial and error with food to fix him.

I've done 3 sets of blood tests with different vets. All clear (well the very first one showed bacteria, which was treated by two antibiotics).

I really hope the RC works. Like I said it's not my first, second, or third choice in food.

It frustrates me cause for the past 2 years he's been able to eat ANYTHING. He was on high quality food and was supplemented with some fresh/canned human grade fish to snack on (I researched what he could have and what amounts, so he wasn't over fed, or too high protein). He only ate grain free treats, and usually high quality ones.

He's eating the wet Medical that I have, the closest vet was out of the dry food, and until I get my car back Monday (repair shop) I could only go to this vet. So I bought him some canned. He doesn't like it, but is eating it occasionally.

My Rosie has IBS so I understand what you are dealing with. I too have to feed a vet recommended food. She is currently on Science Diet I/D. I have tried so many different foods but this is the one that Rosie is able to be successful on. As long as she is on the I/D, we are able to manage her IBS very well. I buy the dry and the wet and mix them at feeding times for Rosie. Although it was not my first choice in food either, it is what works for her.

Rosie came from a good breeder too. One I know personally who does her best to have good quality puppies. And I know people that have others from her that are just fine. I think on IBS it is just one of those things. Luck of the draw I guess. My question for you is why is there issues with the pup going outside? And immune system issues? Are they saying this is related to the IBS? Did the vet mention that things would improve?

[Sandysbabies]

We all hope for the best for our babies but sometimes it just doesn't turn out that way. I lost one to diabetes, one to cancer and have one now that has CHF, dementia. With all the shots, special diets, care, money etc. I would give anything to have them back. My vet said most people would have already put them down but if they are in pain thats one thing but I believe like I have said before, it takes a special person to take care of a special needs dog. I have had Tina for 14yrs. and I love her dementia and all. Believe me, its one of the most trying, most tiring jobs I have ever had. She is one handful to take care of. Just love your baby and care for them, no matter what. Its something you will never regret. They don't chose to be sick and they are always so commited to us and loving. Hope your baby gets better and everything goes for the good, but just love and take care of that baby.

[deonk1]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

My Rosie has IBS so I understand what you are dealing with. I too have to feed a vet recommended food. She is currently on Science Diet I/D. I have tried so many different foods but this is the one that Rosie is able to be successful on. As long as she is on the I/D, we are able to manage her IBS very well. I buy the dry and the wet and mix them at feeding times for Rosie. Although it was not my first choice in food either, it is what works for her.

Rosie came from a good breeder too. One I know personally who does her best to have good quality puppies. And I know people that have others from her that are just fine. I think on IBS it is just one of those things. Luck of the draw I guess. My question for you is why is there issues with the pup going outside? And immune system issues? Are they saying this is related to the IBS? Did the vet mention that things would improve?

My breeder suggested that I calm down his social life, the vet and my trainer didn't disagree. Mainly because he's been soo on and off and his usual social ritual is rather hectic. We visit the local dog shop weekly to buy food and visit his best friend (a poodle who works there ), we attend dog classes weekly, and competitions in the summer, plus we walk in the park next door several times a week. I live in a high traffic dog area, so we all thought it best that he stay away from that for a bit. Plus my neighbours have dogs, that I suspect aren't vaccinated. Also he had fleas 3 weeks ago, so we didn't want to take him out til he's clear to protect other dogs.

[deonk1]

Originally Posted by Sandysbabies

We all hope for the best for our babies but sometimes it just doesn't turn out that way. I lost one to diabetes, one to cancer and have one now that has CHF, dementia. With all the shots, special diets, care, money etc. I would give anything to have them back. My vet said most people would have already put them down but if they are in pain thats one thing but I believe like I have said before, it takes a special person to take care of a special needs dog. I have had Tina for 14yrs. and I love her dementia and all. Believe me, its one of the most trying, most tiring jobs I have ever had. She is one handful to take care of. Just love your baby and care for them, no matter what. Its something you will never regret. They don't chose to be sick and they are always so commited to us and loving. Hope your baby gets better and everything goes for the good, but just love and take care of that baby.

Yeah, it's tough. I'd give anything for him to just get better. I'm tired of the vet sucking me dry and not being sure what the diagnosis is.

She keeps flip flopping and it's stressing me out, but unless he takes a turn for the worst I can't really afford another vets opinion. I'm stuck trying what I'm told.

I hope the food fixes the issue.

Do you all think he's ok to socialize safely? I also fear that if he plays at his normal energy level that with him losing .5lb (he weighed almot 4 before getting sick and is now 3.5) that he wont be able to gain any weight back.

[deonk1]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

My Rosie has IBS so I understand what you are dealing with. I too have to feed a vet recommended food. She is currently on Science Diet I/D. I have tried so many different foods but this is the one that Rosie is able to be successful on. As long as she is on the I/D, we are able to manage her IBS very well. I buy the dry and the wet and mix them at feeding times for Rosie. Although it was not my first choice in food either, it is what works for her.

Rosie came from a good breeder too. One I know personally who does her best to have good quality puppies. And I know people that have others from her that are just fine. I think on IBS it is just one of those things. Luck of the draw I guess. My question for you is why is there issues with the pup going outside? And immune system issues? Are they saying this is related to the IBS? Did the vet mention that things would improve?

Did you do any testing to confirm the IBS? I was told the only way to know for sure was a biopsy, which is too difficult to do on a small dog.

[Taryn0405]

Gizmo is on perscrption food for his stomach issues. It seems to be common in smaller dogs and dogs in general. Many of the holistic and organic dog foods have a very high fat content which can cause belly trouble in even the most well bred dog.

I know there's alot of controversy about vets selling things like Science Diet and they get kick backs from it. But, it's hard for me to reason that theory when they too feed their dog SD. On that note as well, I tried every diet for Gizmo: Raw, Orijen, NB, TOTW, Blue, and the list goes on. He has done so much better on SD then any of those foods. Little to no eye matter, poops well, and literally scarfs his food with no tummy troubles.

I'm not preeching that every owner should put their dog on RC or SD, no. But, I don't think people give it the credit that it deserves. Especially if they don't have a dog that has a sensative stomach.

I'd try the RC, be sure to give it at least 10 days. Because, like you said, you've switched this dogs system 3 times with different food, which can cause more problems if there are GI issues.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Taryn0405]

Originally Posted by deonk1

Did you do any testing to confirm the IBS? I was told the only way to know for sure was a biopsy, which is too difficult to do on a small dog.

I know with human IBS the only test they do is a biopsy and colonoscopy to rule out any cancers. And IBS can be hereditary.

BabyGirlRosie (or Crystal), yell at me if I'm wrong but isn't IBS diagnosis basically determined through GI habits?

[deonk1]

Originally Posted by Taryn0405

I know with human IBS the only test they do is a biopsy and colonoscopy to rule out any cancers. And IBS can be hereditary.

BabyGirlRosie (or Crystal), yell at me if I'm wrong but isn't IBS diagnosis basically determined through GI habits?

I was wondering about that... cause my vet keeps writing GI symptoms on the diagnosis for my insurance papers. If the vet would make up her bloody mind that it is IBS I'd have more insurance coverage. Instead I'm now out. If he gets another tummy issue from now until July I'm screwed.

I thought there has to be a way to fully diagnose the problem. If those of you with dogs with IBS know of tests that helped, please let me know what to ask for in case I consult a new vet.

[deonk1]

Originally Posted by Taryn0405

I'm not preeching that every owner should put their dog on RC or SD, no. But, I don't think people give it the credit that it deserves. Especially if they don't have a dog that has a sensative stomach.

I'd try the RC, be sure to give it at least 10 days. Because, like you said, you've switched this dogs system 3 times with different food, which can cause more problems if there are GI issues.

Good luck and keep us posted.

He's eating the RC, I've decided to drop my personal values on this one and hope for the best, maybe this will solve all the problems. My biggest fear is that he'll refuse to eat it. He was on SD when we were on vacation, cause that's what emerge gave him so that my mother in law didn't have to cook rice and hamburger. He then refused to eat it. I hope the RC gastro diet tastes more appetizing.

[Taryn0405]

Can you get some canned as well? I know my vet put Giz on Science Diet W/D canned and dry and my vet let me warm up some chicken broth and pour it over the food. This helped it be more appealing.

I wouldn't recommend you do it without asking your vet first.

With regards to asking a vet about IBS, I would track bowl movements, when the happend, what they looked like, how much/little, etc. So you can bring it to your vet.

When your baby had bloodwork, was anything elevated? I see they didn't do an xray which I'm kind of shocked at. I thought an x-ray would be done to simpl rule out a blockage.