Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We've been making our pup Sadie's food for about 4 months now and the past month or more has been full of vet visits. She's had to go in for multiple ear infections and she keeps getting diarrhea. So far all her stool samples haven't been concerning, but it's worrying that it keeps coming back. She is also losing weight and we're struggling put weight back on her. Does anybody have suggestions on what to be doing differently with her food or anything that can help this problem?
This is what she is eating currently:
75% of cooked meat (chicken, ground beef, canned salmon)
5% of raw liver meat (usually just a quarter sized piece)
20% steamed veggies (zucchini, broccoli, carrots, green beans)
A spoonful of cottage cheese
We've also added some cooked rice the past month to try and add some weight on her, but originally we were trying to do a grain free diet. Any advice is appreciated, thank you!
I know I might not be popular with this thought but where you write "raw liver" is that totally raw? My quadpawd, Jasper, was just at the vet for some loose stools issues and her vet asked if she was on a raw diet. I said no and he said good - it can sometimes cause that. Just a thought (and also not a vet here). I am sure others will weigh-in.
I cooked for Shelby too when she was ill...
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Yes, the liver is raw... we buy a pack and cut up quarter sized pieces and give her one piece each meal which is twice a day. Maybe that's not settling well with her anymore. What else could I do besides that or if I cook it will that help?
birdmckenna said
...all her stool samples haven't been concerning
Is Sadie taking any NSAIDs? (Metacam, Rimadyl, etc?) Some dogs have adverse reactions to certain NSAIDs than can cause sever intestinal distress than can become dangerous if not addressed. Rimadyl tore Jerry up inside, but he did well on Metacam for 2± years.
Regarding weight losss, you might ask your vet about putting her on a Hydrolized Protein diet. Wyatt was on some premium high-protein foood for a few months before we realized he was wasting away. The prescription HP diet processes and absorbs in the body better has him looking good again.
For diarrhea, you will find many suggestions in the Tripawds Nutrition blog . Green Clay works wonders for Wyatt! Is Sadie on any probiotics?
Natural Ways to Get Fast Cat and Dog Diarrhea Help
Pumpkin Pulp Treats for Cat and Dog Weight Loss, Digestion and More!
The Scoop on Antibiotics, Probiotics and Prebiotics
Are Probiotics in Your Tripawd’s Regimen?
Use the Advanced Search above to refine your forum search results with specific phrases, and you're sure to find lots of helpful feedback. You can also search all blogs here .
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
I cook pretty much the same things with a few more additions, like sardines and such. The only other thing is that I do in fact also cook the liver instead of feeding it raw. I also feed a little more cottage cheese. We have not had any problems. However, we have less pooo than before so we now have anal gland issues, but, oh well. We also have more of a problem of keeping the weight down than losing weight but that has always been the case.
I just talked to a colleague who used to have her dog on raw. Her dog is a tiny, tiny Maltese-havanese-bolonka something. It didn't work for her and her vet said not every diet is for every dog due to physical differences, like fangs, size, and so on. Don't know if this helps at all 😳 Just my thoughts.
Tina
Guardian of Manni the Wonderdog. -Or was it the other way around?
Osteo and amputation in Dec 2015. Second, inoperable, primary osteosarcoma found in June 2017.
The end of our adventures came Dec 10, 2017. 2 years to the day.
You mentioned ear infections. Any antibiotics to treat those? They can cause soft poops and/or diarrhea. I know this because my dog was on amoxicillin and it DEFINITELY caused her to have loose stools.
For what it's worth, I've read that raw diets aren't the best for dogs with cancer. I'm no vet, so take my advice with a grain of salt. Maybe use pumpkin to get a bit more fiber in there? Maybe there's too much fiber with the veggies?
You could always ask the vet for a round of metronidazole ... it's good to heading off diarrhea and might help temporarily. But my gut instinct tells me to think about the timing of the runs compared to oral antibiotics, if any!
Momma to the world's most beautiful American Bulldog, Izzy!! Lost her front leg to OSA 9/18/15. Diagnosed w MCT in June 2016. Celebrated her 1 year ampuversary with knee surgery on 9/18/16! MCT recurrence in Dec 2016. Happy & hungry til nearly 14, earning her wings on 7/31/17.
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