Yellow Stool/Diarrhea with Chicken & Rice

[Britster]

After experiencing pancreatitis with Jackson more than once, your story is reminiscent of Jackson's symptoms. I would insist on bloodwork - at the very least it can rule out pancreatitis, especially with a breed like Yorkies predisposed to it. They can run a PSL precision or CPL test to test specifically for pancreatitis as well. I have found some vets aren't super knowledgable on the disease; some are.

For what it's worth, Jackson does not do well on chicken and rice. The rice also caused yellow type stools and rice went right through him.... he does better on a whitefish and potato type diet. Either plain potato or sweet potatoes. We usually do cod. Or boiled 99% fat free ground turkey. Chicken and rice isn't always the best for tummy issues even though so many people think it is. For some dogs it's fine, of course, but for many I see dogs that rice can actually cause more inflammation.

The Metronidazole is pretty standard, as said above, but I am wondering about the prednisone. Our internal medicine specialist was hesitant to give Jackson a steroid even after dealing with 2 months of diarrhea from him in 2018. It was going to be our very last resort. A lot of dogs with IBD do end up on a steroid but doesn't sound like you guys are there yet at all....

[JuneBugs Momma]

Originally Posted by Britster

After experiencing pancreatitis with Jackson more than once, your story is reminiscent of Jackson's symptoms. I would insist on bloodwork - at the very least it can rule out pancreatitis, especially with a breed like Yorkies predisposed to it. They can run a PSL precision or CPL test to test specifically for pancreatitis as well. I have found some vets aren't super knowledgable on the disease; some are.

For what it's worth, Jackson does not do well on chicken and rice. The rice also caused yellow type stools and rice went right through him.... he does better on a whitefish and potato type diet. Either plain potato or sweet potatoes. We usually do cod. Or boiled 99% fat free ground turkey. Chicken and rice isn't always the best for tummy issues even though so many people think it is. For some dogs it's fine, of course, but for many I see dogs that rice can actually cause more inflammation.

The Metronidazole is pretty standard, as said above, but I am wondering about the prednisone. Our internal medicine specialist was hesitant to give Jackson a steroid even after dealing with 2 months of diarrhea from him in 2018. It was going to be our very last resort. A lot of dogs with IBD do end up on a steroid but doesn't sound like you guys are there yet at all....

Me and my vet went over symptoms and he has shown none (abrupt vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, loss of appetite, lethargy and constant diarrhea). JB never had diarrhea where he was constantly going. He had intermittent soft stool (pudding-like and never watery) in-between normal stools over a period of 2-3 days, not hours, that were of normal brown color. As soon as he started the chicken & rice diet it turned the yellow color. The vet said if his diarrhea/soft stool was not of proper color from the onset then it would be questioned, but, it started after the bland diet and the color change happens often with these diets. Also with him having some mucous discharge in his last stool, he suspects some sort of infection or IBS (hence why the use of the steroid and his inflamed bum area). Impaction of anal glands was ruled out. Also, intermittent soft stool in-between normal stool is a possible sign on GI upset.

In general, he is acting his normal self and loving the chicken and rice, for unlike your Jackson, he has been tolerating the diet well. I stopped by the vet office yesterday after the rabies clinic and mentioned that JB's last soft stool was Tuesday morning (4 days). The vet said he was not worried and that is actually a good sign, for he was totally empty and now the digestion has to start all over again. It is a slow process on bland diets plus he is on the medication. Any changes for the worse will be promptly investigated.

[JuneBugs Momma]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Whenever my pups have funky stools for more than 24 hours I take them to the vet. No ifs, ands, or buts. I don't call...I go. I also "most of the time" have blood work done...unless my vet says it is not necessary.
There are SO many things that these pups can have. If your pup has not had recent blood work I suggest you speak with your vet to see what he/she thinks.
As for the Metronidazole....it is the medication of choice for GI stuff. It is like a miracle drug! Why did the vet prescribe prednisone?

Hi Ladyjane, I answered the question about the steroid in my last post to Britster. Basically it is because he had mucous the size of a nickel in his last stool and his bum area was also a little sore. Also him having the soft stool in-between normal stool could be a sign of IBS or some sort of GI upset. He is also a senior dog and bathroom habits have their way of changing.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by JuneBugs Momma

Me and my vet went over symptoms and he has shown none (abrupt vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration, loss of appetite, lethargy and constant diarrhea). JB never had diarrhea where he was constantly going. He had intermittent soft stool (pudding-like and never watery) in-between normal stools over a period of 2-3 days, not hours, that were of normal brown color. As soon as he started the chicken & rice diet it turned the yellow color. The vet said if his diarrhea/soft stool was not of proper color from the onset then it would be questioned, but, it started after the bland diet and the color change happens often with these diets. Also with him having some mucous discharge in his last stool, he suspects some sort of infection or IBS (hence why the use of the steroid and his inflamed bum area). Impaction of anal glands was ruled out. Also, intermittent soft stool in-between normal stool is a possible sign on GI upset.

In general, he is acting his normal self and loving the chicken and rice, for unlike your Jackson, he has been tolerating the diet well. I stopped by the vet office yesterday after the rabies clinic and mentioned that JB's last soft stool was Tuesday morning (4 days). The vet said he was not worried and that is actually a good sign, for he was totally empty and now the digestion has to start all over again. It is a slow process on bland diets plus he is on the medication. Any changes for the worse will be promptly investigated.

If there is a concern for IBS I would urge you to speak with your vet about a novel protein diet.

I also don't see mention of bloodwork and without it your vet is left guessing. There are some conditions that would come to light based on lab values.

[JuneBugs Momma]

Called the vet yesterday and told him that JB still has not had a stool. He was still not concerned but asked if I started adding his regular food in yet. I told him no because he has not produced a stool yet. He said that I should start converting a small amount within the bland diet to see if that helps it move along. I fed him chicken & rice with some of his kibble last night. This afternoon he had a well formed stool, no mucous but still a dark mustard color with some brown as well. It was not hard and dry which is a good sign so there is no chance of constipation or straining. The vet said the color will go back to normal in time.

The vet said to slowly continue converting him over to his normal food. He also told me that if I would like to continue giving him a small about of boiled white rice along with his regular kibble on an ongoing basis it might be beneficial with future stools and his comfort level.

Hopefully his recovery will be a positive one. When I called the vet's office to tell them he finally went, the vet's sister cheered on the other end of the phone! So all looks good..keeping fingers crossed!

[mercythechef]

I would rather prefer to visit a veterinary doctor. Because I can't risk my "Viru" health at any cost.