Gallbladder inflammation

JMG · Feb 18, 2015

My four year old French Bulldog has been to the vet twice lately! Normally, Nikko is very healthy, so this was surprising. He was yelping in pain for a few seconds at different intervals, sometimes hours apart and then standing hunched over, which nearly scared me to death. He was eating great, no vomiting, and no loose bowels. He would be fine and then have an attack which would leave him quiet and miserable for hours! The vet, after lots of blood work, sonogram, etc. told me yesterday Nikko's gallbladder is inflamed and he may need possible surgery! He is currently on antibiotic, steroids and pain pills. I just hate that he has to have all of these medicines, but the little guy needs to get better. I feed Nikko Acana grain free kibble and Merrick grain free canned dog food with a squirt of salmon oil for his coat, Great Life enzymes and probiotic daily, cottage cheese which he loves and some plain yogurt for his gas! Other than that, I am strict with his diet, not to say he sneaks a few small bites of peanut butter cookie or small bites of cheese from Momma! The only thing I can think of is that he shared some Sonic vanilla ice cream with me, but he has had small bites of ice cream many, many times and not only loves it, but has never had a problem. But something set the little guy off! I need to get to the bottom of what made him sick. If I need to change his diet, I certainly will and I need to ask I anyone knows great enzyme support supplements. I know Great Life enzymes are good, but maybe Nikko needs something different from supplement support and diet changes! Man, these little guys can have sensitive systems! I will appreciate any help! Thanks!

2bullymama · Feb 18, 2015

I have no experience with this, btu wanted to send you lots of positive thoughts and prayers that he heals up quick and he doesn't need surgery. It might just be a diet change, but hopefully your vet won't push a prescription diet

JMG · Feb 18, 2015

Thanks! I will not switch his food to prescription from the vet! Horrible stuff! I researched food for a long time and Acana regionals work really well for him with a little Merrick canned on the side. I know vets like to push their Science Diet prescription, but I will stand firm on his food. I want the best for him! I also switch to Fromm's from time to time and Nikko likes it to!

2bullymama · Feb 18, 2015

JMG said:
Thanks! I will not switch his food to prescription from the vet! Horrible stuff! I researched food for a long time and Acana regionals work really well for him with a little Merrick canned on the side. I know vets like to push their Science Diet prescription, but I will stand firm on his food. I want the best for him! I also switch to Fromm's from time to time and Nikko likes it to!

I tagged a member that feeds raw.... she may have some suggestions if a diet change is needed.

keep us posted

JMG · Feb 18, 2015

2bullymama said:
I tagged a member that feeds raw.... she may have some suggestions if a diet change is needed.

keep us posted

Thanks so much!

Alice Kable · Feb 18, 2015

I have no experience with this condition. We are sending good vibes your way for a speedy recovery!

davidh · Feb 18, 2015

Hope your baby gets better soon. I can't think of anything you are feeding him that would cause this, but I am not expert on nutrition.

MaplesMommy · Feb 18, 2015

The gallbladder is deeply connected to the liver. From a nutriotional point of view ,anything thas has been processed and dehydrated (aka kibble) is putting a lot of stress on liver and kidney. Infact I see so many cats with kidney stones,its a really sad fact

. (Since cat derive 70% of moisture through their food,kibble feeding a cat can cause severe health issues).

The liver is also exposed to tons of toxins. By that I mean flea/worm treatments,vaccinations but also pollution and the common toxins we all can't escape from.
This is why its important to detox the liver. Especially now that he is also taking all that medication. A great liver detoxifier is Milk Thistle. It also helps to rebuild new liver cells.
I'd recommend to feed something lean to avoid too much bile production. Lean proteins are turkey and chicken.
From my experience,I can say that a lot of gastrointestinal issues can be resolved by switching to a species-appropriate diet. That said it could also have other roots such as bacteria or genetics in which case a more conventional method such as surgery may be needed.

As for the digestive enzymes, Id look at Dr. Mercola's digestive enzymes. Heard only really good things about them.

JMG · Feb 18, 2015

MaplesMommy: Thanks so much for your reply. I have tried to switch Nikko to raw several times, even fasting him beforehand. Not good results! He sniffs it and walks away most of the time no matter how hungry he is. He also threw up after I did get him to eat a little. Unfortunately, Nikko's breeder raised him on kibble only until I got him. I do have him on five star rated food, but raw has not been the answer for him. I wish I could make him a convert, but so far, no luck. I do have him on a great probiotic & enzyme, Great Life and it has milk thistle in it. My mom owned a health food store twice so I was raised on natural supplements and I think Nikko needs the extra supplement support. Poor little guy! He is doing better but I worry SO much about the medicine he is on. I will check Dr. Mercola's enzymes!