stopped eating new dry kibble

[goldsjewel]

My dog was diag. with cushings in Jan.   Mar. she was put on a "RAW" diet (for 3 1/2 months), didn't do well, so switched her to kibble of same company.  She ate it for 2 wks. and now won't touch it, she will eat everything else, i.e. veggies, salmon, rice, other dry kibble.  
I know that you are to transition them on to another food over a week or so, but if she won't eat the dry she's on, how do I switch her with out problems???

[Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M.]

Hi again,

There has been talk about use of the hromore melatonin for this however, the results have been equivocal to disappointing. Flaxseed oil is useful as  a source of Omega 3 fatty acids, when an imbalance in O-3/O-6 fatty acids exists. Lignin is a natural fiber and a source of no-soluable fiber useful for certain gastrointestinal diseases. I'm not sure either have a role in Cushings disease.

You should know that recent research has shown that treatment for Cushings disease, while increasing quality of life in many cases, does not necessarily increase length of life. In other words, not treating, will not shorten her life in any direct way. There may be other related things that occur, infections, skin disease, liver disease, that may impact her and your quality of life but if you cannot afford the definitive therapy (mitotane or lysodren) it may be possible to not treat the Cushings and cope with the effects as they occur. Im not advocating this necessarily, but it is an option. Good luck!
Dr G

[goldsjewel]

She will eat people food, but not this dry kibble.  I think I will just give her (like you said) anything she will eat @ this point in time, which will be salmon, rice, and veggies.
I was wondering if you have heard anything about Melatonin & Flaxseed/lignan helping out in cushings?  This last Vet. I took her to, mentioned this, due to my money situation, not to mention I don't feel she is strong enough for all the other treatments?
Thank you for your comments/suggestions.

[Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M.]

A diagnosis of Cushing's disease does not lead to a need for dietary change or therapy.

Raw meat diets risk E. coli and Salmonella infection for pets and people through handling practices in your house. Trendy, but not safe, read more on my blog on this subject.

I can't explain why your dog won't eat these human foods because I do not know the diagnosis. Typically Cushings disease dogs eat anything like slobs.

There may be another diagnosis yet to be discovered which explains the poor appetite.

In a sick 13 year old dog, eating anything may be more important than eating the right thing in the short term.

Why is she not eating? is the question to get to the bottom of. What is her diagnosis??