ROUGH COLLIE WITH PROBLEMS.

[MELINEEREINHARD]

HI, I ADOPTED A ROUGH COLLIE IN A VERY BAD CONDITION, SHE IS REAL THIN, AND HER HAIR IS FALLING , SHE LOOKS KIND OF NERVOUS, AND I FEED HER DRY FORMULA AND HUMAN FOOD TO MAKE HER GAIN WEIGHT, SHE IS SPAYED , AND I AM GIVING HER SHOTS OF VITAMIN B12 AND LIVER EVERY WEEK, WILL YOU PLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT THIS KIND OF PROBLEMS, COULD IT BE STRESS FROM CHANGING HOME, I HAVE HER THREE MONTHS AGO, AND SHE WAS ABUSED, SO IT HAS BEEN REALLY HARD TO GET HER TRUST. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE HER GAIN WEIGHT, AND TO MAKE HER HAIR GROW BACK AGAIN.  THANKS SO MUCH

[Ghilly]

You have been given some EXCELLENT information by Margot49 and SwanSong.  To reiterate what Margot said, it's never a good idea to feed your dog human food.  There are other, safer ways to put weight on them.  Human food is not designed for a dog's digestive system and can lead to pancreatitis.  SwanSong's suggestion to have her tested for EPI (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) is a great one!  This disease is caused by the body's inability to produce the correct enzymes and it is fatal if not diagnosed and managed.  I lost my beloved rough collie Katie to EPI almost two years ago because the vet didn't diagnose it in time to be able to manage it.  Had we found it when she first started showing symptoms she might still be here.  

Please let us know how things go.  Collies are my heart breed.  There's just nothing else like them.  

Ghilly

[SwanSong]

Make sure your test for EPI. epi 4 dogs has more information on their website. This condition can cause rapid weight loss and difficulty gaining weight.

[Margot49]

Sorry, meant to add a couple of things. Have had a number of Rescues here over the years and it often helps to give them one special toy or a soft blanket they can nest in.  
Had a Greyhound here once that would just not settle down at night and she was in my room with two other dogs, each had their own beds.  I went and got one of the small fleece blankets I have and put it on her bed.  She went right to her bed, nestled in that blanket and was fine.  Sometimes it is just trial and error

[Margot49]

Totally agree.  If it wasn't done, the first things that should have been done was a complete blood panel, at least 3 stool specimens for parasites, Heartworm test and possibly a tick panel and a good oral and possible dental cleaning.  Did you adopt her from a Rescue or Shelter? At least here, most Rescues do these tests before the dog is put up for adoption. Yes, those tests can add up financially. Are you giving these shots yourself or did a Vet order them?
  You probably don't know the history on the dog but, yes, you can assume she is under a lot of stress.  I would not be feeding her human food but a good quality dog food with possibly a little canned food, boiled chicken and rice added and maybe some Omega3 supplement.  After 3 months, you should be noticing some improvement.  How old is the dog?  Agree that it just might be a parasite problem she needs meds for.  Giving her regular brushings should help the cost condition.  As for her being nervous, it just might take some time and patience for her to feel secure.  It will benefit you and her if you start a routine/schedule and stick to it. Does she have a spot to call her own where she can retreat to and where her food is?  I would not force her too soon into unfamiliar situations.  Start some simple training commands like Sit and Diwn and reward. This will help her learn to interact with you and learn positive reinforcement.
Good for you to adopt this girl.  Time and patience.
Please keep us posted.

[Misfits4Me]

All Shelter pets need a Health check up by a Vet...Most rescues provide this service before an animal is adopted....However, City shelters or such do not.....

I'm leaning towards parasites as skydnsr mentioned....These are very common & is one of the first things we treat at our Rescue.....A Vet visit is a must for any new dog......Call & make an appointment with your Vet & your girl will be on her way to better health...Also, THANK YOU for adopting.......Karla

[skydnsr]

If you've had her three months, and you've been feeding her a diet that should be adequate for her to gain weight, and she is still very thin, then something is wrong.  She needs a vet's attention.  It could be anything -- thyroid, heartworms, intestinal parasites, anything.  She needs a thorough exam.  Hope you didn't suffer too much with the hurricane.  Good luck with everything.

[aheart]

Congrats on adopting, thank you for that. In my communtiy they send you home with your dog a complimentary first vet visit. Please take advantage of that if you have it, other wise pay for a vet to make sure it is just nutritional problems making that hair fall out, yes stress can do it but you need to make certain she doesn't have any bacteria in her/his bloodstream, as it can make them very ill or even be fatal. I think thst when she gets use to the house and her/his new family may come around. Just assume that the abuse was bad, that's what I do with Rusty my adoptee. Try to be real patient with her/him and you will have a very grateful pet. If you have kids please instruct they to be patient also.As far as getting her weight up, I would feed her a little third meal midday. Good Luck do you have a pic?