Lucy - Page 6 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

dwerten · 05-29-2010, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo1

Sorry in advance . . but I did always notice that her poops were tiny and hard as a rock. Like a tiny, braided tootsie roll. Easy clean-up but I wondered if she was 'processing' food the way she should be.

I do think she might well do better on this food. There are some ingredients in there that I don't like . . . but it still might be better for her in the long run.

Thanks!

yeah every food will have something wrong with it sadly unless you homecook and know exactly what is going into it .

Yep dd has funky little pellet poops and dex has long skinny poops and demi has the perfect poop. Having three dogs you can tell alot about how the poop is. I know it sounds gross. Dex has ibd so his poops are long and skinny which tells me his intestines are inflamed. DD has little poops which tells me she is not fully processing so she will have a good poop then a small poop etc. Demi is super healthy and her poop is perfect but she is on high grains so she has large volume poop.

Dogs on raw diet as i fed it for 6 months and all three had white powdery small poops as the body absorbs alot more ingredients in raw and less waste. The higher the grains the more waste the dog will have.

probably more than you wanted to know about poop but it might help explain some things from what i have observed in different health issues and diets i have fed with the three of mine

kjc · 05-29-2010, 11:24 AM

Sorry to hear about Lucy...

I just wanted to mention that Turkey is high in purines, so chicken may be a better source for protein, but watch as many dogs can be allergic to chicken.

Also, low fat cottage cheese is an easily digested protein for LS/MVD dogs.

And Nature's Recipe makes an easily digestable vegetarian diet, canned too (mine scarfed that up).

I'm always looking for toppers for their food. Noodles/pasta is good too.

And occasionally whipped cream... also lots of fun!

Try adding some water to their food for softer poops...

Ringo1 · 05-29-2010, 02:59 PM

Oh! Noodles is a great idea! She would love those.

Ringo1 · 06-02-2010, 05:29 PM

Oh, I wasn't going to post this but I have to get it off my chest.

It happened again tonight, after we went for a walk. Not a mile walk either - but a walk around my block is a pretty good jaunt. It's very humid but not super hot.

We walked . . she was fine. I even carried her some. Got home and she was out in the backyard and she can't stand up. She laid down and raised up one of her front paws; none of her legs would work at all. She didn't appear to be in pain; she didn't lose consciousness . . she seemed very alert but her little legs wouldn't work for several seconds. She tried to get up and rolled on her side.

I brought her inside and gave her a couple of frosted cheerios . . and she's bouncing around now like nothing is wrong.

Of course I'll call my vet tomorrow; he going to want me to schedule a walk and then a blood glucose test. That's what he said last time.

But she had just eaten . . not sure how her blood sugar could be low.

It's so scary to see your little dog helpless; I'm going to have convey the seriousness of it to my vet. I don't think I walked her too far; but perhaps I shouldn't have walked her at all. We are avid walkers and maybe I don't know how much is too far for a 4lb dog. It was definitely less than a mile and very s l o w. Ringo has to pee on every blade of grass.

I'm rambling now. I'll tell you what the vet says.

Ellie May · 06-02-2010, 05:40 PM

I don't have any answers, but that does sound sound like her liver and I'd be surprised if it was her sugar. Worth a check, but that's not what it sounds like. You can talk to your vet about getting a glucometer to check at home when this happens. That said, I think I'd have her evaluated...possibly by a neurologist. It's just not something I'd be comfortable putting off.

Was she panting heavily? It does not sound like a reaction to heat in my opinion, but can't say that for sure.

Ringo1 · 06-02-2010, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I don't have any answers, but that does sound sound like her liver and I'd be surprised if it was her sugar. Worth a check, but that's not what it sounds like. You can talk to your vet about getting a glucometer to check at home when this happens. That said, I think I'd have her evaluated...possibly by a neurologist. It's just not something I'd be comfortable putting off.

Was she panting heavily? It does not sound like a reaction to heat in my opinion, but can't say that for sure.

She was panting heavily - much more than Ringo. I just did a little 'internet research'. It appears that liver issues and glucose issues kind of go hand in hand. So maybe you are both right.

At any rate, this is the 3rd time in a two week period. Two of those times were after long walks. No matter how you slice it, it is NOT normal for your dog to fall over and be unable to stand. I hope he treats this with seriousness.

I also think she needs another BAT. Have her numbers gone up? Perhaps she should be on the prescription food; perhaps she should be on Lactulose; perhaps she does need to see a neurologist.

We'll see. My poor baby.

ladyjane · 06-02-2010, 07:02 PM

I am so sorry this keeps happening. I hope your vet gets to the bottom of it tomorrow.

Ellie May · 06-02-2010, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I don't have any answers, but that does sound sound like her liver and I'd be surprised if it was her sugar. Worth a check, but that's not what it sounds like. You can talk to your vet about getting a glucometer to check at home when this happens. That said, I think I'd have her evaluated...possibly by a neurologist. It's just not something I'd be comfortable putting off.

Was she panting heavily? It does not sound like a reaction to heat in my opinion, but can't say that for sure.

Must have been half asleep while writing this.
That should read it does NOT sound like liver.

Ringo1 · 06-03-2010, 07:35 AM

Talked to the Vet this morning; he cannot see her until Monday. He wants me to bring her in Monday morning and leave her there for the day so they can run some tests on her. They want to do a fasting glucose test; will exercise her a little bit; do another blood test and I'm not sure what all.

I asked . . well what if this is neurological? He advised to let him rule out (or in) hypoglycemia and if that bloodwork is fine . . then we will have to go down 'another avenue'. Apparently liver function impacts how dogs process protein and sugar, among many other things.

I am to keep her quiet this week-end; feed her several small meals; have Karo Syrup on hand . . . .and see him Monday.

That's it.

BonBon · 06-03-2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo1

Talked to the Vet this morning; he cannot see her until Monday. He wants me to bring her in Monday morning and leave her there for the day so they can run some tests on her. They want to do a fasting glucose test; will exercise her a little bit; do another blood test and I'm not sure what all.

I asked . . well what if this is neurological? He advised to let him rule out (or in) hypoglycemia and if that bloodwork is fine . . then we will have to go down 'another avenue'. Apparently liver function impacts how dogs process protein and sugar, among many other things.

I am to keep her quiet this week-end; feed her several small meals; have Karo Syrup on hand . . . .and see him Monday.

That's it.

I'm just seeing this thread, and I'm sorry to hear of the problems Lucy's having. It sounds like your vet has a good plan in mind to find out what's wrong. Sending prayers and hugs for little Lucy.

ally173 · 06-03-2010, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo1

Talked to the Vet this morning; he cannot see her until Monday. He wants me to bring her in Monday morning and leave her there for the day so they can run some tests on her. They want to do a fasting glucose test; will exercise her a little bit; do another blood test and I'm not sure what all.

I asked . . well what if this is neurological? He advised to let him rule out (or in) hypoglycemia and if that bloodwork is fine . . then we will have to go down 'another avenue'. Apparently liver function impacts how dogs process protein and sugar, among many other things.

I am to keep her quiet this week-end; feed her several small meals; have Karo Syrup on hand . . . .and see him Monday.

That's it.

if u feel that monday is too long to wait; is it possible to find another vet that can take a look at lucy?
best of luck and hope she gets better soon.

megansmomma · 06-03-2010, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonbon

I'm just seeing this thread, and I'm sorry to hear of the problems Lucy's having. It sounds like your vet has a good plan in mind to find out what's wrong. Sending prayers and hugs for little Lucy.

I totally agree that it sounds to me like your vet has a plan to figure out what is going on with Lucy. Just take a deep breath and follow what he has advised you to do. Diagnosis is always a process doctors do not just jump to the very worse case scenarios. Hang in there and keep an eye on her. If you trust in and have a good relationship I wouldn't go running off to start with someone new at this point

to you and Lucy.

Ringo1 · 06-03-2010, 10:37 AM

Well, I can tell you that I'm not going to find a neurologist or internist in my immediate area. It's just not going to happen; no matter how much I wish it might.

I feel the only person in Lucy's corner besides myself . . is her Vet. He's been Ringo's vet; took care of my maltese all his life; I have to trust in him to test and refer. Of course, if something were to occur this week-end I could take her to an emergency clinic but that's about all we have around here.

I will have a lengthy discussion w/my Vet on Monday. We are in the process of moving to Columbus; so a referral to OSU would be easy to work in my schedule; going up on week-ends to look at houses, etc.

Yes, I am worried about her; I won't lie. But he seemed ready to refer her to OSU for her liver; I would think he would do so if he feels necessary for any possible neuro issues.

I just do not know how to treat her myself other than to do what he says.

ladyjane · 06-03-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ringo1

Well, I can tell you that I'm not going to find a neurologist or internist in my immediate area. It's just not going to happen; no matter how much I wish it might.

I feel the only person in Lucy's corner besides myself . . is her Vet. He's been Ringo's vet; took care of my maltese all his life; I have to trust in him to test and refer. Of course, if something were to occur this week-end I could take her to an emergency clinic but that's about all we have around here.

I will have a lengthy discussion w/my Vet on Monday. We are in the process of moving to Columbus; so a referral to OSU would be easy to work in my schedule; going up on week-ends to look at houses, etc.

Yes, I am worried about her; I won't lie. But he seemed ready to refer her to OSU for her liver; I would think he would do so if he feels necessary for any possible neuro issues.

I just do not know how to treat her myself other than to do what he says.

Did you speak with him directly or to someone in the office? Did you express your concerns to him about what you think this might be? ..and if so, did he give you a reasonable explanation as to why he thinks it is not what you fear?? I honestly would think that if he felt the things you are describing were an emergency, he would work her in.

I know that sometimes I get very worried and my vet is able to wade through my fears and give me very logical explanations about what is going on. I recently was very upset that one of my pups might have cancer.....and was afraid my vet was missing something. Even though I trust her, I still do question. Anyway..she listened and she explained in great detail why she thought it was not the case...and further explained what the next steps would be. Bottom line: She was right! I guess what I am trying to say is that a vet and owner have a partnership in caring for the owner's pups. I hope you are expressing to him just HOW upset you are! That is important...he needs to know that.

Ringo1 · 06-03-2010, 11:02 AM

Well, I spoke with Lisa who works there. But she's not just any old front office person and I'm not just any old customer. Our kids go to school together; we know each other outside of that office. Yes, I told her how upset I was and she said . . . let me go talk to him.

She came back and explained his thought process . . .liver dogs often have hypoglycemia. Liver can't process protein; and often cannot process sugars properly. Two events occurred after a walk - expenditure of energy resulting in low blood sugar . . which presents as I described. Weakness, wobbly; not specifically a seizure; ability to bounce back quickly.

It sounds reasonable. I could take her somewhere else - but it's just going to be another country vet; that is all we have.

I'll be back; have to go work a little or I won't be able to pay for this full day at the vet's office!

I wish I was already in Columbus.

05-29-2010, 11:24 AM	#77
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,872	Sorry to hear about Lucy... I just wanted to mention that Turkey is high in purines, so chicken may be a better source for protein, but watch as many dogs can be allergic to chicken. Also, low fat cottage cheese is an easily digested protein for LS/MVD dogs. And Nature's Recipe makes an easily digestable vegetarian diet, canned too (mine scarfed that up). I'm always looking for toppers for their food. Noodles/pasta is good too. And occasionally whipped cream... also lots of fun! Try adding some water to their food for softer poops... __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity Last edited by kjc; 05-29-2010 at 11:25 AM.

06-02-2010, 05:40 PM	#80
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	I don't have any answers, but that does sound sound like her liver and I'd be surprised if it was her sugar. Worth a check, but that's not what it sounds like. You can talk to your vet about getting a glucometer to check at home when this happens. That said, I think I'd have her evaluated...possibly by a neurologist. It's just not something I'd be comfortable putting off. Was she panting heavily? It does not sound like a reaction to heat in my opinion, but can't say that for sure. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

06-02-2010, 07:02 PM	#82
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,490	I am so sorry this keeps happening. I hope your vet gets to the bottom of it tomorrow. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

05-29-2010, 02:59 PM	#78
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Oh! Noodles is a great idea! She would love those.

06-02-2010, 05:29 PM	#79
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Oh, I wasn't going to post this but I have to get it off my chest. It happened again tonight, after we went for a walk. Not a mile walk either - but a walk around my block is a pretty good jaunt. It's very humid but not super hot. We walked . . she was fine. I even carried her some. Got home and she was out in the backyard and she can't stand up. She laid down and raised up one of her front paws; none of her legs would work at all. She didn't appear to be in pain; she didn't lose consciousness . . she seemed very alert but her little legs wouldn't work for several seconds. She tried to get up and rolled on her side. I brought her inside and gave her a couple of frosted cheerios . . and she's bouncing around now like nothing is wrong. Of course I'll call my vet tomorrow; he going to want me to schedule a walk and then a blood glucose test. That's what he said last time. But she had just eaten . . not sure how her blood sugar could be low. It's so scary to see your little dog helpless; I'm going to have convey the seriousness of it to my vet. I don't think I walked her too far; but perhaps I shouldn't have walked her at all. We are avid walkers and maybe I don't know how much is too far for a 4lb dog. It was definitely less than a mile and very s l o w. Ringo has to pee on every blade of grass. I'm rambling now. I'll tell you what the vet says.

06-03-2010, 07:35 AM	#84
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Talked to the Vet this morning; he cannot see her until Monday. He wants me to bring her in Monday morning and leave her there for the day so they can run some tests on her. They want to do a fasting glucose test; will exercise her a little bit; do another blood test and I'm not sure what all. I asked . . well what if this is neurological? He advised to let him rule out (or in) hypoglycemia and if that bloodwork is fine . . then we will have to go down 'another avenue'. Apparently liver function impacts how dogs process protein and sugar, among many other things. I am to keep her quiet this week-end; feed her several small meals; have Karo Syrup on hand . . . .and see him Monday. That's it.

06-03-2010, 10:37 AM	#88
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Well, I can tell you that I'm not going to find a neurologist or internist in my immediate area. It's just not going to happen; no matter how much I wish it might. I feel the only person in Lucy's corner besides myself . . is her Vet. He's been Ringo's vet; took care of my maltese all his life; I have to trust in him to test and refer. Of course, if something were to occur this week-end I could take her to an emergency clinic but that's about all we have around here. I will have a lengthy discussion w/my Vet on Monday. We are in the process of moving to Columbus; so a referral to OSU would be easy to work in my schedule; going up on week-ends to look at houses, etc. Yes, I am worried about her; I won't lie. But he seemed ready to refer her to OSU for her liver; I would think he would do so if he feels necessary for any possible neuro issues. I just do not know how to treat her myself other than to do what he says.

06-03-2010, 11:02 AM	#90
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	Well, I spoke with Lisa who works there. But she's not just any old front office person and I'm not just any old customer. Our kids go to school together; we know each other outside of that office. Yes, I told her how upset I was and she said . . . let me go talk to him. She came back and explained his thought process . . .liver dogs often have hypoglycemia. Liver can't process protein; and often cannot process sugars properly. Two events occurred after a walk - expenditure of energy resulting in low blood sugar . . which presents as I described. Weakness, wobbly; not specifically a seizure; ability to bounce back quickly. It sounds reasonable. I could take her somewhere else - but it's just going to be another country vet; that is all we have. I'll be back; have to go work a little or I won't be able to pay for this full day at the vet's office! I wish I was already in Columbus.