Really shaky, wobbly..Charlie is sick!!

[Ellie May]

If he ever has neurological symptoms again (wobbly, off balance), he will probably need to be checked for liver shunt.

Neurologic symptoms aren't consistent with an upset stomach as far as I know.

The fact that it happened after feeding steak makes me think of pancreatitis (Ellie got pancreatitis after eating beef) but red meat can bring out liver issues, so I would really look further into this.

[Yorkieluv]

I agree, Crystal...

[KimberlySRN]

I am glad Charlie is feeling better. I might take him in a get some tests just in case??The neuro problems make me a bit nervous. I can see not feeling well but the wobbling is kind much.

[Susan123]

I'd suspect a shunt....Definitely want to rule that out. After they eat protein they'll get lethargic, wobbly, shaking, head bobbing... including the blank stare. It wasn't the steak. Keep an eye on her/him. Anymore symptoms take him in for a chemistry panel, if it's significant for liver levels proceed to a Bile Acid test.

[Charlie Roo]

Wow! Thanks for the suggestions. I would have never thought of that. Now those that think liver shunt, would these symptoms be something on going? He acted like this once before and that was when I first brought him home and changed his food, it only lasted a couple of hours and then he was better, this was when he was 2 months old, he is now 11 months old. His breeder told me that bloodlines are strong and no history of health problems in both parents. What causes liver shunt? He is now on Nature's Variety Instinct and Raw (high protein) I heard high protein is not good for dogs with Liver problems, someone please clarify?

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Charlie Roo

Wow! Thanks for the suggestions. I would have never thought of that. Now those that think liver shunt, would these symptoms be something on going? He acted like this once before and that was when I first brought him home and changed his food, it only lasted a couple of hours and then he was better, this was when he was 2 months old, he is now 11 months old. His breeder told me that bloodlines are strong and no history of health problems in both parents. What causes liver shunt? He is now on Nature's Variety Instinct and Raw (high protein) I heard high protein is not good for dogs with Liver problems, someone please clarify?

If he has gotten shaky or wobbly in relation to food more than once, I would most definately have a bile acid test done.

Some protein is better than other for liver compromised dogs (no red meat and meat protein at all isn't great). Red meats contain more ammonia than other meats and the liver isn't processing things correctly, so it goes to the brain (I think) and causes symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy (shaking, seizures). Some dogs tolerate protein better than others. If a shunt is suspected, he needs to come off of the high protein food today (in my opinion) until it is ruled out, especially if uncontrollable symptoms have occurred.

Shaking after a food change, especially going to one with higher protein, would suggest a liver problem. Severe vomiting or diarrhea after a slow food change, going to a food with more fat in it, would suggest possible pancreas issues.

[Charlie Roo]

When I first brought him home and switched the food, the new food was Blue Buffalo Chicken/Rice at 25% protein, this is when he had the first wobbling and such. I switched him over to Nature's Variety over a month ago, he had no problem with the transition which the protein is now (42%). So now I am confused, do I test for liver shunt & pancreas?

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Charlie Roo

When I first brought him home and switched the food, the new food was Blue Buffalo Chicken/Rice at 25% protein, this is when he had the first wobbling and such. I switched him over to Nature's Variety over a month ago, he had no problem with the transition which the protein is now (42%). So now I am confused, do I test for liver shunt & pancreas?

If is it just shaking/wobbling I would check for liver problems.
If it is severe vomiting or diarrhea I would check the pancreas.

What meats are you feeding in Nature's Variety? Chicken?
Didn't you say it happened after giving steak the other night?
Shaking after eating red meat would be worth at least checking out in my opinion.

[Charlie Roo]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

If is it just shaking/wobbling I would check for liver problems.
If it is severe vomiting or diarrhea I would check the pancreas.

What meats are you feeding in Nature's Variety? Chicken?
Didn't you say it happened after giving steak the other night?
Shaking after eating red meat would be worth at least checking out in my opinion.

He is on Nature's Variety Instinct (Chicken) & NV Raw (Chicken)
Yes, it happened after I gave him a few shreads off my steak from dinner, that was the last thing he ate before the shaking, wobbles, and vomitting.
Just like the first time I switched his food when he was a pup, both times had vomitting, shakes, and wobbling. Thanks again for all your suggestions, I really appreciate the info.

[wemple2]

Just my opinion, but a bile acid test is relatively inexpensive...do it, have it checked...it will do no harm, if nothing else it will ease your mind. I did it after Winston started experiencing seizures...his were okay but I'm glad I did it. Good luck and best wishes to you and your little guy.

[Charlie Roo]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

If is it just shaking/wobbling I would check for liver problems.
If it is severe vomiting or diarrhea I would check the pancreas.

What meats are you feeding in Nature's Variety? Chicken?
Didn't you say it happened after giving steak the other night?
Shaking after eating red meat would be worth at least checking out in my opinion.

I just wanted to let you know I am going to take Charlie to the vet and have him tested. He vomitted yesterday and this morning (it looked like his food), but today he through up twice and it was yellow on the bottom and foamy on the top. I am no longer going to feed him the Nature's Variety until I find out what is going on. I don't know what to feed him now, he also has allergies, any suggestions??

[mscat]

Ask the vet for advice. I am sorry Charlie is not well.

[Charlie Roo]

Can someone help me out with what food to give him now! Can I still feed him NV Raw and just stop the kibble?

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by Charlie Roo

I just wanted to let you know I am going to take Charlie to the vet and have him tested. He vomitted yesterday and this morning (it looked like his food), but today he through up twice and it was yellow on the bottom and foamy on the top. I am no longer going to feed him the Nature's Variety until I find out what is going on. I don't know what to feed him now, he also has allergies, any suggestions??

You can continue feeding it until you test if you want.
If the test is positive, stop.
If the test is negative you could continue.
That would be okay if you are going to test soon.
If you are going to wait then I would switch foods.

Natural Balance Vegetarian would probably be fine for awhile.
Something like Canidae chicken (no lamb) would be fair.
If a liver problem is diagnosed the food will have to be changed.

[Charlie Roo]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

You can continue feeding it until you test if you want.
If the test is positive, stop.
If the test is negative you could continue.
That would be okay if you are going to test soon.
If you are going to wait then I would switch foods.

Natural Balance Vegetarian would probably be fine for awhile.
Something like Canidae chicken (no lamb) would be fair.
If a liver problem is diagnosed the food will have to be changed.

Thanks for all your help