More Health Issues with Nellie

[MunasG]

Hey all,

I'm sure most of you know about my struggles with Nellie's health issues specifically her chronic vomiting and regurgitation problems. After 4 surgeries two weeks ago (Stenoic Nares, Succles removed, palate surgery, gastropexy, spaying and an intestinal biopsy). We came home and the vomiting did not change and became a bit worst i might add. I got a call a week ago to say that they have results of the biopsy but it wasn't cancer or anything but to come in and discuss with the internal medicine specialist when we come to take her surgery staple out.

So we went in today and they confirmed that she has severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), i don't remember the particular type anymore. There is no cure for it but just management through diet and medication. SO they said she can go on a diet of hydrolyzed proteins more specicallt hill Z/D diet! So no more raw. She is also on budesonide, metoclopramide and panacur (for deworming just to be on the safe side). Now Nellie has been on Hill I/D before when the issue sorted at 3 months and she hated it! She wouldn't touch it and she has the worst farts on it. I am assuming that the Z/D will be the same. She is not allowed to have any thing else - not treats, peanut butter, pumpkin or coconut oil. So giving her all these meds will be a nightmare.

Hs anyone on here felt with IBD in their pup before? Are there any options for diet and food aside from hills prescription diet? Not to mention it is quite pricey at almost $5 for the little can. Looking at the ingredients, it contains basically ingredients that she's had before so am wondering if it will really help? I'm a bit in denial but i guess i should just resign myself to accepting that i have a sick dog and she will always be this way.

Any tips and comments are welcomed!

 

[Honeys Owners]

Wouldn't hurt to try the Hill Z/D diet since it has the hydrolyzed proteins. I saw someone on a different group post they tried Instinct Salmon Kibble ( doesn't have hydrolyzed proteins ) , and it worked well. Metoclopramide won't help with the IBD but will help if she still has vomiting and regurgitation. You can also try to prevent nausea and vomiting witih the standard techniques like elevating her food bowl , small frequent meals, and trying different textures of her kibble by adding different amounts of water.

 

[MunasG]

Wouldn't hurt to try the Hill Z/D diet since it has the hydrolyzed proteins. I saw someone on a different group post they tried Instinct Salmon Kibble ( doesn't have hydrolyzed proteins ) , and it worked well. Metoclopramide won't help with the IBD but will help if she still has vomiting and regurgitation. You can also try to prevent nausea and vomiting witih the standard techniques like elevating her food bowl , small frequent meals, and trying different textures of her kibble by adding different amounts of water.

I've been thinking of giving the Z/D a try. I've read comments on another forum with owners of IBD frenchies and most said that the ZD worked and helped their dogs get off meds. The steroids and metrocloprimide is to help with the vomiting and inflammation. As far as I've been told there is no cure for IBD it's about management and control. I have been through the standard things to reduce the vomiting already. She is fed elevated, hand fed so it's slower, has a slow feeder and it takes 15-20 mins for her to finish each meal. We have been on several anti motility drugs and tried most proteins -well feathered proteins and beef. She had been on metrocloprimide before and it didn't help. So am hoping the diet change makes a difference. She has eaten cooked salmon and sardines but vomited those as well but they were treats not meals

 

[Honeys Owners]

Sorry to hear about all your problems,sounds like you are doing all the right things. Diet changes such as switching to Z/D can take up to several months to work, and it's quicker to use use the Z/D than to start fiddling with single proteins that your dog has never tried before. If the metoclopramide didn't help before I wouldn't use it now since it won't help the inflammatory bowel disease at all, it's strictly for nausea and vomiting. The only holistic therapy I think you can add on, and you may already be doing this, is a good dog probiotic. If your dog is still having loose stools then Pro Pectalin gel is a good one to try since it contains enterococcus faecium bacteria to repopulate the bowel, and kaolin and pectin to thicken the stool.
Getting into the mainstay of therapy for the IBD:
Budesonide is a powerful corticosteroid but is more poorly absorbed than prednisone,which is a good thing, so it is a great therapy to use on your dog. After a few months you may be able to eliminate it or step down to an anti inflammatory drug such as mesalamine, which is like aspirin for the intestine, but safer for long term use than corticosteroids.

 

[MunasG]

Sorry to hear about all your problems,sounds like you are doing all the right things. Diet changes such as switching to Z/D can take up to several months to work, and it's quicker to use use the Z/D than to start fiddling with single proteins that your dog has never tried before. If the metoclopramide didn't help before I wouldn't use it now since it won't help the inflammatory bowel disease at all, it's strictly for nausea and vomiting. The only holistic therapy I think you can add on, and you may already be doing this, is a good dog probiotic. If your dog is still having loose stools then Pro Pectalin gel is a good one to try since it contains enterococcus faecium bacteria to repopulate the bowel, and kaolin and pectin to thicken the stool.
Getting into the mainstay of therapy for the IBD:
Budesonide is a powerful corticosteroid but is more poorly absorbed than prednisone,which is a good thing, so it is a great therapy to use on your dog. After a few months you may be able to eliminate it or step down to an anti inflammatory drug such as mesalamine, which is like aspirin for the intestine, but safer for long term use than corticosteroids.

Thanks, i want to do whats best for her. We started on the Z/D this morning and she refuses to touch it. Not sure what to do now. I was also told that during the one month trial of the Z/D, not to give her even probiotics. I find this strange but i'm trying to listen to the vet. She had lost albs since going in for the surgery to now. I'm worried about her not eating. She was 18lbs before the surgery and now down to 16lbs. She is 8 months old today

 

[Honeys Owners]

I think your vet is worried about giving probiotics while dog is on an immunosupressant, possibly causing more problems since it's a live bacteria. I guess you have to go with what your vet says, since that is a valid concern, although it's not likely. There's another brand of hydrolyzed protein dog food called Purina HA. Not sure if your dog will like that better.

 

[Mavis]

Good luck, [MENTION=1917]MunasG[/MENTION]; I'm so sorry for both of you. I am no expert and can't offer any tips. I hope her condition improves as she gets older.

 

[2bullymama]

So wish i had some advice but i have no experience.... send lots of prayers


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[Napoleon]

Hugs to you and Nellie. Hope she will get better soon.

 

[Joeturbo26]

How's Nellie doing? I've been thinking about you and her!

 

[davidh]

So sorry your baby is so sick, and hope the new diet works. Hoping for the best for you and your baby.