Hi can anyone out there help me out, I have a fifteen month old bitch who since may has been of her food. She is under the vet and had many tests done all of which have come back ok. They have even opened her up to see if anything was blocked.We have tried every type of dried dog food every tinned and fresh meat. She seems to want to eat takes one mouthful then walks away. Nothing seems to tempt her, she is just skin and bone I think the time is coming when I will have to make a descion  it is tearing me apart watching her.PLEASE CAN ANYONE HELP

You have probably already considered this but have you checked her teeth aren't causing her a problem - just a thought. Hope you get to the bottom of her problem soon.

Can you advise what tests have been done and conditions ruled out?

For example, when opened up, were biopsies done of the entire GI system & tract?

Have all food allergies, SIBO, EPI, Addisions, Pancreatitis, Cushings, IBD, dental conditions and cancer all been ruled out - separately? Have kidney & liver functions been tested?  And when did your vet last examine your dog?

If your dog has any of the above conditions (or possibly a combination of 2 or more) there may be very restricted food types and ingredients which she can be fed.   This being the case, when offered foods containing ingredients which make her feel nausea she will - quite naturally - be unlikely to eat them.   It is very important to ascertain whether there are medical reasons and even if tests have been done already for all of the above it would still be worthwhile discussing with your vet which ones should be re-done.  For eg, if your girl was on steroids for an inflammatory condition (either tested for or as a preventative measure) these drugs often negate the findings when tests - including biopsies - are carried out.

What, if any meds does she take?  Have you tried a novel protein such as venison (and, seriously, kangaroo / crocodile - basially weird & wonderful food stuffs) with her? I appreciate that finding novel ingredients can be very difficult and require the help of specialist suppliers. 

It is vital if going down a "novel" diet route that NO other foods, bulking agents, treats, tit-bits or snacks are included.

Please update when you can.  best wishes, Teri :)

Hi Teri she has had liver function test blood tests for cancer anemia,kidney tests heart pancreas ,her teeth are fine not problem with anything dental,vet last saw her saturday when she was constantly being sick and blood in diahorrea.she is on some tablets sorry no name on the packet,Merbentylsyrup,Kaogel, she is also taking steroids as well 2 every other day.She was not on any medication when they did all the first tests,and opened her up.What they did find was an enlarged spleen but have not found any cause for that.

Hi again

thanks for the info :) 

Her pancreas - was she tested only for pancreatitis or for the more serious condition EPI?  This requires a separate test. 

Also re Addisions - was she given an ATCH stim test?  This is the ONLY test for Addisons and again, done separately.  If you're not sure of either of the above, check!

Were biopsies taken when surgery performed?  This not only rules out cancers but other serious - although treatable conditions - such as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) - not to be confused with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which is relatively simple to treat.

Also - is this a regular GP vet or specialist?  If not a specialist, please ask for an immediate referral as clearly from your post time is of the essence with your girl now. 

Received:

Sandra LaVoy
It was posted on 02-10-2006

I am from the US (Michigan) and when I typed in "addisons disease" your site came up.  My 4 year old Lab has been diagnosed with this disease and I don't know that much about it.  We do not have insurance and I the shots that she receives are $90. every seven weeks, plus she takes a pill everyday.  Right before this last shot she stopped eating and it has been a week now since she has eaten anything.  Our Vet put her on an IV today and they are watching her the next 24 hours.  My family is so attached to her that it makes it hard to even think about putting her to sleep.  Does anyone know if I can give Tanner these shots at home, at a lesser cost?  The expence of the shots are too much for me to handle.  Thank you for any information.

Sincerely,
Sandy LaVoy

Hi Sandy

I'm very sorry to read about your girl and hope that she has stabilised at your vets. 

Here is a link to a dedicated support group for Addison dogs Addison Support Group from which you can also get some more detailed info on the disease itself and management.  Membership is world wide - please join the Group and introduce yourself, your dog, and provide as much background information as you can with the current prognosis for your girl :)  The more details you can provide, pleae God, the more help you will speedily receive.

Such sites are invaluable for exchanging information and often long standing contributors will pass on their own veterinary reports, test results and successful treatment regimes to vets attending new cases.   You may also be able to establish if there is a possibility of financial support.   I wish you much success. 

Please let us know how you get on.
best wishes, Teri :)

I'm no help at all I'm afraid as to what the medical reason could be, I trust a vet to take all the test etc and yours seems to have done just that, including opening her up.

All I can think of is if she is basically wasting away for what ever reason can your vet not take the last action of tube feeding her, and showing you how to tube her, is she a placid dog?  Would she allow you to lie her down with help to hold her and tube her and then put a liquid food into her.

I am thinking of her as an anorexic person, who wants food but can not face it, a medical reason does not seem to be found for your dog, as her stomach shrinks she will not be able to take much more than a couple of mouthfulls, she needs help to expand her stomach again and tube feeding may be a way.

It will take a lot of effort, but is it a possibility to keep her alive?

There are canine convalescence diets, such as Walthams, in powdered form with a measured amount of warm water to be added and so designed to be tube fed if necessary - generally after invasive procedures on a severely weak patients.  

The possibilities re tube feeding at home are generally inappropriate no matter how good natured the dog and so dogs are more often than not admitted for intensive care.  They have a tube in their side (rather than down the throat) passing the liquid diet directly into the stomach.  At home it may be possible to encourage the dog to lap the liquid substance (think tomato soup texture) from a bowl or even syringe directly into the mouth.

However, without determining whether or not the dog's system can tolerate the food being given, unfortunately this method could make matters significantly worse.

Hopefully the OP will clarify what other medical matters have been addressed - this sounds to be a very sad and urgent situation but not necessarily one which cannot be overcome.

Any news on your girl?

Hoping things are improving.  Please update when you can.  Teri x