Quote:
Originally Posted by Luckymom  Hi Yorkieluv,
Thanks so much for your response! I am so sorry to hear your yorkie has the same thing, but I am also glad to hear from someone who understands. Everyone has been so wonderful and caring..I appreciate everyone's input. You are exactly correct, it is Lactulose that he is taking. I give it to him 3 times a day, and the Amoxicillin 2 x a day. The vet said he may have to stay on these things for a very long time. But that is OK if it makes him feel better. I can't tell what his stool is like because we have a huge backyard and I never can seem to catch him pooping. But I am going to try to catch him so I can see the consistency. He is feeling much perkier, but he still does this weird thing. After he eats he kind of paces around and whines, and then when he lays down to sleep, his head twitches - like little sideways jerks. I know that sounds weird. I honestly think that his brain has been damaged from all the toxins and it is making him do weird things. He is still a little unstable on his feet but I think that will get better. Any input is always welcome!! THANKS!! |
You're right! It's good to be able to talk to someone who is going through the same thing...When my yorkie was first diagnosed, nobody that I knew had ever been through this, and I had to learn most things on my own...I did a ton of research and read everything related to the liver and nutrition that I could get my hands on. I wish I would have had someone to share with me what I know now. I have learned so much since my yorkie was diagnosed, and I try to help others as much as possible.
If he has liver problems that are not going to be fixed through surgery, then it will be absolutely necessary for him to stay on the lactulose FOR LIFE. I really doubt that he has brain damage...The symptoms after meals that you are describing are typical of dogs who are still backed up with toxins.
It's imperative that your baby have at least 2
soft stools per day and that you monitor this everyday. Until you get the dosage of lactulose just right, he will continue have those symptoms which are uncomfortable for them. Feeling ill/twitching/whining/pacing after eating is common in symptomatic liver compromised dogs and is a sign that he needs more liver support in the way of supplements, proper dosage of lactulose, and small, frequent meals are VERY important.
Feeding small, frequent meals is of paramount importance in a dog that is symptomatic like your baby...Feeding a small meal every three or four hours (total of 5-6 meals per day) will help lighten the load on the liver....
Doing this makes it to where the toxins don't back up like they would if you only fed 2-3x/day... This makes *the world of difference* for them. It helps them tolerate their food much better, and it makes it to where they don't feel sick after they eat.
Don't let him eat a large amount at once. So, if he's supposed to eat 1/2 a cup in the whole day, split that up into 5 equal parts and feed that every 3-4 hours...
If you do this, you will notice a huge improvement in the neurological symptoms after meals.
Canned L/D is better than dry because the dry L/D contains ethoxyquin which is carcinogenic...If you would prefer to stick with a dry food, Royal Canin makes a prescription food for liver compromised dogs called Royal Canin Hepatic LS 14 which is very palatable and most dogs seem to love.
The following is a link to a group that will provide you with a ton of information. You will learn so much there. Please join:
DogLiverDisease : Dog Liver Disease