Duncans tummy is bad again

[Duncansmom]

Poor lil wee man, he has IBS and I cant seem to find the right solution. Ive got him on a wheat free diet and he does pretty well but then BAM outta nowhere he curls up and gets really clingy, thats when i know hes getting an attack. Ive talked to the vet about tylane and he is leary about it for him, dont know wot else to do for him. Any suggestions would be great and does anyone elses yorkies have this sad problem? I feel so bad like Im a bad mom.
Thanks for any advice.....
Elizabeth, Duncan and Piper

[Ellie May]

Are you willing to homecook?

[Duncansmom]

if it will make him well and keep him well, you bet. I dont know wot to do for that tho. I know you need special nutrients and vitamins, so where do you get them?

[Ellie May]

Okay, what tests have been done to diagnose him with IBD?
What are his symptoms?

If homecooking won't work for you, you could try Wellness Fish kibble but I doubt it will work. If you are sure it is IBD, you could try the diet below from Wylie's Mom's nutritionist. If you are doing it for more than a few weeks, you will have to supplement with a lot more than just calcium. Maybe try it for a couple weeks and if you see any positive changes, then start studying about supplements? The measurements that Ann gives here may not apply to you because of the weight difference in dogs. Also, go easy on salt because too much can cause kidney damage. Here are two posts from Wylie's Mom:

**White fish (pollock, sole, cod, trout, tilapia, whiting); I can buy a big, frozen bag of pollock at the regular grocery store for 5.99. Sprinkle lightly w/ all-season, bake 4-5 filets for 13-15 mins, put in tupperware, flake w/ fork, keep in fridge.

**Get canned, sliced, white potatoes (or, fresh, whole); I micro about 3 cans at a time in a big bowl w/ some butter and salt - mash up, keep in fridge.

**Steam then puree canned (or fresh, frozen) green beans - I do a bunch at a time - so I end w/ about 1.5 cups at the end.

Now, how much does she weigh?
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*for an all-season, I use Mrs. Dash's Table Blend (it is salt free) - it's Marcel's fave

*I do add a bit of regular salt to the potatoes (along w/ some butter spray or butter) - I think the salt just adds some *oomph* - just give them a taste and make just a bit "blander" than you would like them

*for her weight, I broke it down into Tablespoon measurements to make it easy, these are measurements for the WHOLE day, so you can divide by 2 if feeding 2x per day:
6T of fish
4T of potato
2T of green beans (actually, I do recommend frozen over canned here)
then, adjust per weight; keep in mind fish is very lean (hence, the volume)

*When homecooking, you MUST supplement with calcium - I used to make mine from egg shells (I used to use a shells from a dozen, put them on baking sheet, bake for 10 mins at 350, grind in my coffee grinder to a powder and give about 2/3rds of 1/8th of a teaspoon, a "pinch"); you can also purchase calcium easily at Pet stores (comes in powder) by Solid Gold and other brands (also called "bone meal")

Does this all sound doable? This is really the best for her right now - having these few ingredients, clean/easy protein could really get her straightened out.
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[Duncansmom]

well, hes had all his blood tests and my vet said he is normal and healthy in all areas. because this is an acute problem, he feels its ibs. all the symptoms of it, hurty tummy, bouts of diareaha ect. Hes ruled out everything else. Duncan is 3 1/2 pounds and when it hits, it comes on out of the blue. He wont eat, play or move much. He only wants to be on me all the time curled up and warm. hes only a year and few months old and i hate to see him in any discomfort.
Is this diet something that he should be on forever or just when hes not well? I do cook for him when hes ill but it seems as soon as hes back on his regular food, an attack can happen at any time. I would rather cook for them both (when Pipers old enuff) and make sure they stay healthy and well.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Duncansmom

well, hes had all his blood tests and my vet said he is normal and healthy in all areas. because this is an acute problem, he feels its ibs. all the symptoms of it, hurty tummy, bouts of diareaha ect. Hes ruled out everything else. Duncan is 3 1/2 pounds and when it hits, it comes on out of the blue. He wont eat, play or move much. He only wants to be on me all the time curled up and warm. hes only a year and few months old and i hate to see him in any discomfort.
Is this diet something that he should be on forever or just when hes not well? I do cook for him when hes ill but it seems as soon as hes back on his regular food, an attack can happen at any time. I would rather cook for them both (when Pipers old enuff) and make sure they stay healthy and well.

Forever.
I'm surprised dog food agrees with any dog honestly.
He does well on homecooking, so there is no reason not to leave him on it. I wouldn't personally keep him on the same ingredients forever though (unless it is all that works).

When you homecook now, what are you using?
Puppies can have homecooked food also...

[Duncansmom]

well it is just a bridge food to get him better not really home cooking diet per say. He gets either beef or chick and rice. Very bland to get him back on track. Piper is 14 weeks so do I have to put extra nutrition in hers or can they eat the same thing?

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Duncansmom

well it is just a bridge food to get him better not really home cooking diet per say. He gets either beef or chick and rice. Very bland to get him back on track. Piper is 14 weeks so do I have to put extra nutrition in hers or can they eat the same thing?

To homecook for an adult or a pup for more than a couple weeks, it has to be balanced. I would recommend talking to a nutrition. They will formulate the diets for you and balance them.

While the fish based diet would be the best for IBD, it may not be necessary because evidently anything other than dog food works for him.

You might just leave the pup on puppy food and make the fish, potatoes and green beans for the other one. While you are doing this, you could be talking to a nutritionist about changing them both to homecooking. If the fish for some strange reason doesn't work for him, then I'd just give the beef or chicken and rice until you talk to a nutritionist.

[Duncansmom]

ok will do. Thanks for all your help!
Elizabeth, Duncan and Piper

[Yano]

Yorkies are so sensitive to food. Chibi had tummy problems for the longest time. Every dog is different. But we found that EVO Innova was good for him. Some little ones have allergies to wheat or other grains, so we tried this food and it seemed to work. Although since it is high protien we add potato, since it's easy to digest. It seems that dogs have difficulty digesting starch such as corn. Our vet suggested allergies. Vets are helpful here, I know in the U.S. it is hit-and-miss with vets. Good luck, sorry if I haven't been much help. We hope Duncan can feel genki (healthy) soon! Sending Yorkie kisses!

[MICKEYK]

just wanted to say hope your babie is better soon