Dear All,

About 2 years ago our shetland sheepdog then age 3 was put on a weight reducing diet by the vet (Mr. Hills weight reducing dog food).  He was according to the vet approx 25% over his desired weight.  The dog lost the target weight on the recommended food, however since that time he has developed frequent intermittent diarrhoea.

We have been told by our vet that he has developed "ulcerative colitis" and the dog is now frequently taking salazopyrin tablets any time he gets a dose of diarrhoea.  Since the first dose of diarrhoea approx 1.5years ago we have been prescribed various types of dry dog food, for example Mr. Hills Sensitive stomach, Royal Canine sensitive stomach and so on.  We are really at our wits end now as we appear to have gone through all of the various recommended dog food, and the poor dog is still getting diarrhoea.

We do not feed him any other type of food except the dry food, and he does not get any treats.  In addition, he does appear at times to have a lot of very dry skin, which is sometimes resolved by giving him a bath with malaseb shampoo.

On the odd occasion he does appear to vomit a mucous bubbly type of vomit.  I am almost convinced that the weight reducing dog food which is was first put on by the vet has compromised his intestines, and I am thinking that I should put him back on his original food?

I would greatly appreciate, any help or advice you may have on how to resolve this issue.

With best regards,

Siobhan

hi,a lot of people on here reccomend chappie for sensitive tums,it helps my elderly collie,too.another option might be to look at feeding raw(Less additives?)or if you dont like the idea,how about fresh cooked chicken and fish,at least while he has the trots.However,I know nothing about ulcerative colitis,so maybe someone more knowledgeble will be along soon,I wish you and your little dog all the best.

sorry not much help here but my sheltie suffered from colitis at the age of 6. we sadly had her put to sleep as she was horrendous from it. looking back i wish we had perhaps tried a change of food as that may have mad a big difference. personally, it sounds like your dog isnt doing too well on the current food-i would go back to your original food but at a lower amount so your dog doesnt put weight on again?

Hi - do a search in this forum for Bedlington Terrier with Colitis - there is lots on there about my 12 / 13 yr old Bedlington who developed Colitis after his 2009 booster injections !!

He was a real mess but is now on a low dose steroid once a day which keeps him fit as a fiddle -

have a read of our thread and come back and chat more if you need to.

I know what you are going through - its horrid isnt it, 

AJ and Barney the 13 yr old puppy !!!

I have had a dog with intestinal damage and terrible diarrhoea.  I tried every "sensitive" I could find.  Eventually I found the dry complete that suited his tum, but he has tinned Chappie with his dry food.

It was wonderful to have normal poos, but I didn't realise what amazing results tinned Chappie would have on coat and skin.

I would definitely try your sheltie with it.