I just read it (I've never used any type of "group" like that before, so I didn't understand how to see replies, but now I think I've got it, we'll see :rolleyes:)....and I understand why you wouldn't want to retype all that! I just sent a reply, so hopefully you (or someone else) can help with dosages of supplements, etc... I am soooo GRATEFUL for all this help! All this has shown me how clueless I really am, and I could never do this without ALL of you! I now have many more reasons to be Thankful this year!! :thumbs up

Okay, so commercial treats aren't going to work for me....it's never that easy is it!?....sooo bring on any treat recipes anyone is willing to share!

Just wanted to say Hi, and I am going thru almost the exact thing with my Tiki. Alerted by abnormal pre-spay blood work, and now trying to diagnose probable liver disease.

Stressful isn't it? Thank God for the YT Angels that are here providing wonderful support and information. I finally did my yahoo group info too, so I'll probably see you there too. I've had a hard time figuring out that site too, but will try again.

Hang in there, we're going to get thru this.

Yes the Yahoo Groups are kinda different to figure out. The best way to respond to posts is via emails (in your Yahoo mail). You can go to the group site and look thru the files to get important and helpful information as well. ;)

I am just now seeing your thread and do have a suggestion for commercial treats. Cloud Star Itty Bitty Buddy Biscuits have two flavors that work well for Lady, Veggie Madness and Sweet Potato madness. The size is great, just a little bite for a good potty!

http://www.cloudstar.com//8B85D0640D...F4A63CD2FE24B3

Hey, I have yet another question :rolleyes:.....

I read in another thread that you (Yorkieluv) said that Vetri DMG could be substituted for Denosyl (I think I have that righ??).... I went online to see pricing on the 2, and I may be looking at the wrong thing (I was looking at the liquid), but it talks about its use at helping the immune system, whereas the Denosyl's description talked about its use in repairing liver cell and supporting the liver. Did they just not include the its liver support function in the description??

I can't give you the answer why :confused: but YES the Vetri is the precursor to Denosyl and the Vetri (IMO) is easier to administer. ;)

Vetri-DMG is basically the precursor to Denosyl.

HomeVet Online Store

The methyl groups produced from DMG can be used to form the essential amino acid, methionine, from homocysteine. Methionine in turn is used to produce S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the active transmethylating agent in the body. This process of transmethylation is essential for the synthesis of vitamins, hormones, and enzymes. DMG therefor can act as an indirect methyl donor and function as an efficient“methionine pump” by converting excess homocysteine molecules to methionine. This process keeps the cells of the body in a high state of transmethylation potential.

You can actually call and talk to his office and ask any questions you may have about the product.

Like I said, it is a precursor to S-adenosylmethionine which is what Denosyl is :)

I gotcha now....Thanks!! So it says 0.5 ml twice a day for 2 weeks, then once per day. Is that what you do?

Those recommendations are for dogs 25 lbs and under.

Since Bella is 4 lbs, I would actually do .25 mL twice a day or even a little less than that to start out.

I've heard a lot about using VSL#3, so now my question is, should I use that INSTEAD of Azodyl or IN ADDITION to it? (Her ALT was 347 and her BUN was 25.)

Also, I found this as far as fish oil goes: Omega Mint (150 chewable softgels)

That would be much better than squirting fish oil on her food if that would work. She chews meds up really well, so I'm not worried about that. I don't know what the dosing on fish oil is, though, so how much should I give her (if that product is ok, that is)??

Thank you for all your help! I was just getting ready to order from entirelypets, so everything will be on its way as soon as I find out!! Thanks!

I just typed up the fish oil dose that Ellie's nutritionist recommends. Was it on a different thread maybe? If you search her nutritionist's last name (Remillard), I think it will bring the thread up. Most people just give whatever they think is right though.

Why the Azodyl if her kidneys and bladder aren't problematic? The high BUN?

Yes, because of the BUN. I'm told 25 is really too high....last night I took her up to my work to scan her bladder to look for stones, just in case (I am a "people" sonographer, so ultrasounds are no big deal to me!) Her bladder, unfortunately had very little in it at that point, so I'll have to recheck when it's full (I'll try again tonight!), but I went ahead and looked at her kidneys and liver while I was there. I'll have to check a canine anatomy text before I attempt to look for a shunt, so I really was only familiarizing myself with it this time. BUT her kidneys look like they have at the very least a little pelviectasis and probably more like mild-moderate hydronephrosis. :( I talked to my vet about that today, and he said that kidney issues go hand in hand with liver issues, which I already know. I told him that I will repeat the ultrasound and that I'd like him to do a urinalysis, which he said he can do tomorrow, just to bring in at least a first pee of the morning since it will be more concentrated than the ones throughout the day. (Should I try to get a sample tonight and have him test that too??) He also wanted to know whay I wanted him to check in the urinalysis because I asked if that was something he did in his office or had to send out. I told him that I want the pH, to look for any crystals, and to know what kind of crystals they were if there were any. He said they can do all that right there, so that's good. Is there anything else I'm missing that needs to be checked on a urinalysis???

Oh, yeah....her urine has been a pretty pale yellow, but in the last few days it has been a darker yellow...I guess that could be a symptom of kidney problems.....?

Duh!! I just searched it, and it was on this thread....man, my brain is getting sooo full! :confuse8:

Ok, so that one has 2250mg per softgel and Bella only needs 90 mg per day, I'm thinking we'll have to find something else!!! (I doubt I'm going to be able to split that into 25ths!) Great to know the dose, though, so I can find something that will work...

That is the problem I'm having with fish oil but really any kind given every other day shouldn't hurt I would guess because people give it all the time... I hate the thought of overdosing too though.

The vet can look for protein in the urine also.
Since you want a very good look and want your monies worth, I think it is a good idea for them to take the urine instead of doing free catch because of the bacteria aspect.

The BUN was 25 on the recheck?
Isn't referenc ?-27? So it looks high normal. I guess Azodyl wouldn't hurt. I know it is specific to the kidneys but is it a probiotic?

Yes, the reference is ?-27, but I've been told 25 is really too close to high and that I should give Azodyl (it is a probiotic) to help support her kidneys and bring the BUN down a bit. What do you think about that?? I obviously don't know enough about it, so I'm just trying to filter through all the things I'm being told. I guess the urinalysis will tell me more.

I just got off the phone with the vet, and they said that they prefer to do a free catch first (so there isn't a chance of the results being skewed as far as blood content, since doing a cysto would introduce blood into the sample). They said they will be checking for blood, protein, bilirubin, etc... too, and then will get a specific gravity and look for crystals...they'll also get pH. THEN, if it seems like there is just an overabundance of bacteria, they will ask me to bring her in for a cysto to check for UTI, but if it's just a small amount of bacteria, they "don't worry about it". I'm not sure how this "free-catch" thing is going to go...Bella has a tendency to cut off an not go all the way if she's disrupted by sound/movement/etc... We'll see I guess. Maybe I'll try it a couple of times tonight so she is more used to it.... *sigh