IBD...or something else?

[imagining_you]

My 7 year old boxer, Macie, stopped eating in october 2010. The ONLY way she will eat is if she is on prednisone...and even then she is picky. She also has chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss (20 lbs in 4 months). We have tested her for SOOO many things, but everything comes back normal. Up until last week, her CBC panel has always been normal (she is now showing some blood protein and potassium issues from the chronic diarrhea), ultrasound, x-rays, exploratory surgery, multiple other blood tests...all normal. The only idea we have is that it is IBD but we can't seem to get it under control. We have tried many different foods but since the dog is so picky, it is hard to get her to eat certain things. We had her stool mostly back to normal for a few weeks but now she won't eat that food anymore and it is diarrhea again. Can anyone please give suggestions about a good IBD diet and a better "drug" cocktail.

[imagining_you]

We are actually experimenting with food. She was on z/d but that really tore her up. So our diet is a work in progress. We have tried pumpkin but the dog won't eat it if she can tell it's in there. Our big problem is her pickiness because we can't get her to eat the things she needs to.

[Misfits4Me]

Me again....I'm curious: What are you feeding her? What have you tried in the past?

This may be the place to start....

Another question....Have you ever tried probiotics or digestive enzymes or Pumpkin?

I'm seeing that the newest strategy for digestive problems is feeding Chicken or Turkey/w canned pumpkin.....No longer rice......Just a thought....Karla

[Misfits4Me]

Hello & welcome.....I don't have the answers your looking for, but I have a few suggestions....

There are 2 previous posts, that I remember, that may help you with some ideas.

Please look at these and read them:

#1- Go to the bottom of the page on this forum....You will see a way to scroll to other pages....Go to pg. 7  Read the post that is titled: "Weak, Lethargic". It is dated Oct 15.

#2- Pg. 8  Post titled: "Coccidiosis in Adult Yorkshire Terrier" dated Nov. 2.


Post your identical question in the "Ask a Vet Forum"...It's listed in the Experts Forum under "General-Health". A Vet will answer you...It usually takes 24 hrs. to get a response.....

Another idea: Contact Dr. Carol Osborne DVM. She is one of the Vets in the expert forum & she will help you figure this out......I promise...

Please come back and let me know what happens......Karla