IBD and Probiotics
 

I have written several times about Buddy (and Dixie too but for different reasons) and his IBD and how my heart was and is breaking. I have sent several private messages and have also received some wonderful suggestions. I have read so much about IBD now that I am quite familiar with much of what should be tried with dogs who have this depressing (for me) and painful (for them) malady.

Anyway, I asked my vetS about that Tylan powder and they did know about it. I have opted to not use it, however since it is just another antibiotic and I am trying to get Buddy OFF those things. This is going to be a slow process, I can see that now.

Anyhow, even though Buddy is still on Reglan and pepsid daily (tiny dose) and is still eating his i/d prescription food diet I have new hope for him. I am SURE that some of you suggested probiotics because of his antibiotic use but to be honest I don't quite remember. I do know that I, when on an antibiotic, eat yogurt so I have know the wonders of friendly bacteria. Buddy, however, is lactose intolerant as I found out when I tried to give him a little yogurt. I never considered trying it again in a different form--until now.

Last week I went to the most wonderful health food store in VT and came across a wonderful nutritionist who works there. I got lucky. She and I discussed Buddy and everything mentioned on this site. She then pointed me to a powdered probiotic , non-dairy that she said I had nothing to lose by trying with him. I did. It is now NINE DAYS, COUNT 'EM, NINE DAYS since Buddy has been sick and I am doing cartwheels. This probiotic has obviously restored some balance to this poor little guy's digestive system but I know I have a way to go with him. I know that I cannot count on just this to keep him in remission. I am going back to this nutritionist on Tues to report the wonderful news and I think she is then going to suggest an enzyme formula for him too. Eventually, I HOPE to have him off the meds totally and if I am really lucky onto a more nutritious feeding regime. For now, though, just adding this probiotic powder SEEMS to be really helping him. I pray to God that it isn't just luck that he is feeling and eating so well. OMG, what a difference in him.

Now I had best shut up lest I jinx myself and Buddy. Would love to hear about all of your experiences with probiotics and enzymes if anyone would care to share. Bye now, YorkieSue

I'm so glad you found something that really works. Isn't amazing how you just meet certain people at the right time.

what is the name of this probitotic powder??? sounds good to me ...

I am glad sto hear something good for the kids ....

Good luck, I hope it continues to work.

Yes, there are many wonderful probiotic powders and such out there, and I'm so glad that it's working for your baby!!! Wonderful news :)

YorkieSue again
 

Hi and thanks for everyone's good wishes and upbeat comments!!! I have a long way to go with Buddy, of that I am aware. I don't for a second think that just adding this probiotic, non-dairy powder by NewChapter.com (All-Flora) will solve all of his digestive problems, but it's a start. Now, this Tuesday, I need to meet with the nutritionist I met last week and see what she has to say about his large intestine imbalance and poor absorption of food I think I am going to have to add something enzymatic to his diet along with the probiotics. But for now this powder seems to have def. made a difference.

On the down-side of this good news is the fact that just today I saw that his stool is starting to look loose and mucousy again--not horrible like it usually looks but this tells me that I may have to go back to the damned antibiotic which I REALLY, REALLY, do not want to do. But I am not far enough along in MY EDUCATION FOR him to know what to do next. I am so hoping that he isn't going into another flare-up--it is so sad to see and I know that he is cramping and that he hurts when this happens.

Again, I was happy to read all of your comments and hope I see more along the way. Yorkies have to be the cutest warm blooded species on the planet, don't they????? LOL Bye now, YorkieSue

So glad to hear that you've found something that seems to be helping Buddy. Hopefully, adding the enzymes will help his absorption and with time he will be a much healthier little guy. Keep up the great work!!!!!!

http://www.uaslabs.com/sections/products/dds_plus.php this is a great probiotic found at whole foods and lassens and has worked great for my dd as it has acidopholus, biffidus and fos

you have to give goat yogurt as easier for them to digest but the dds plus is really good as well. I/D by hill's has pork in it and is high in fat and ibd can lead to pancreatitis and vice versa so I would be careful of that food. dexter is on purina ha which is a soy based diet and easier on the stomach to digest - he has not vomitted in 4 months. Ibd can be in large intestine (diarhea) or small intestine (vomitting). Dexter's is small intestine and he either had ibd and it led to severe pancreatitis or his bought of severe pancreatitis caused his ibd. He gets nothing but his kibble now.

Doniasea@aol.com is a great nutritionalist. You can consult with her for free. She does sell great blue green algae enzymes to help them digest their food. She is big on home cooking.

When i went to hospital to internal medicine doctors they said dexter got the severe pancreatitis from the i/d food that vet gave him from the mild case he had to begin with. They said they wish hills would take off the list as more dogs get sick on that food as it has pork in it and that is a high fat meat and pancreatitis and ibd dogs need to be on a low fat diet.

Dexter was on pepcid as well but since he is on purina ha he does not take anything.

yes always when you take an antibiotic you need to take a probiotic - dds plus or goat yogurt as when you take an antibiotic it kills all the good and bad bacteria in your body so you need to put the good bacteria back in or you can get candida fungus in your body causing blackening of skin as this happened to my dd

GREAT news, YorkieSue!! I know we've PMd a lot about this, and I'm thrilled you've found something that may help. I know exactly how painful it is for him and you.

As I'm knocking on wood, I'll tell you that Marcel has been doing really good for about 5 days now...I'm having mini-excitement. His poops are nothing short of gorgeous, it's a thrill - as you know. I have taken him off of ALL Bully Sticks - I located all the "buried" ones and he hasn't had one for about 1 week now. So, I'm thinking those contributed a lot to his soft stools. I'll keep you posted via PM on whether this good spell continues.....

SO HAPPY TO HEAR GOOD NEWS!

I know that feeling of "Episode Free" - I hope it continues and keep us posted!

Great news. This is what the vet in Texas gave us we when were vacationing there and Rocco and Sissy had flare ups .Works great and good to keep on hand. Is it bascially the same as the other?http://revivalanimal.com/product.asp...cd2=1188139022

Probotics are wonderful, however, I would advise you to see an internist. The I/D food should only be a temporary fix because the protein is minimal, just a lot of filler which does not add the necessary components of his daily requirements. This is a difficult disease and the normal vet doesn't have the time to research the subject. The internist -- that is their speciality.

Good luck, Deborah

Hi
 

I have a question, my puppy is a 1.5 old and my Vet is suspecting an IBD. I am new to all of this but I want the best for my little Bella.My heart is breaking seeing her all sick. I'd like to ask you what exactly medication is your doggie taking or took and what kind of a diet is he on?
I am picking my Bella tomorrow and I am very nervous that she won't eat.She has been on fluids only for 3 days now. She is refusing any food.:(
Please if you could give me some advice I would appreciated .
Thank you