WafflesMom
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- Nov 12, 2024
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Hello, Frenchie lovers. Iām reaching out in hopes that someone has experienced what Iām going through and can offer some guidance.
Apologies for the length of this post, but I want to share all the details since Iām not sure what might be important. My girl has had a rough history with her diet. When I got her at 4 months, she was being fed chicken kibble, which she was severely allergic to. I switched her to lamb, which helped somewhat, but her stool was still inconsistent, and she continued to have skin allergies. We then transitioned to pork. Over the past two years, itās been a whirlwind of vet recommendations and trial-and-error diets. She takes probiotics daily.
Her most recent diet consisted of home-cooked pork and vegetables alongside Zignature Limited Ingredient Pork kibble. Her stool improved, and her allergies seemed under control, but I must have mismanaged her portions because she developed struvite crystals. I had resisted prescription diets due to concerns about their ingredients, but I decided to try it this time, planning to eventually return to raw or home-cooked food. Thatās when things started to go downhill.
I began transitioning her to Royal Canin S/O Urinary formula. Her stool became mushy, but I persisted. One day, after increasing the portion of the S/O kibble, she threw up all her food and became very lethargic. That night, I withheld food, gave her Pepcid, and slept on the floor with her. By morning, she seemed better, but by mid-morning, she was vomiting bright orange bile and acting off.
I rushed her to the ER, where they performed X-rays and blood work. Nothing significant showed upājust some gut inflammation and no obstructions. They gave her subcutaneous fluids and prescribed omeprazole, sucralfate, and Cerenia, advising me to switch her to Royal Caninās low-fat gastrointestinal formula.
That night, I followed their instructions, but after taking sucralfate, she started leaking clear water from her mouth and experiencing mild urinary incontinence. It wasnāt droolāshe was making puddles of clear liquid on her bed and the floor. I called the ER, but they didnāt have an explanation and suggested bringing her back in. After spending $1,600 on the previous visit without resolution, I was hesitant. Eventually, she ate the new food and seemed slightly better.
The next day, I took her to her regular vet, where another urine test showed the crystals were gone, but her pH levels were still not ideal. I discussed exploring home-cooked or raw food options, and the vet agreed, suggesting I consult a certified pet nutritionist to transition her to a diet that wouldnāt cause more crystals. Iām currently waiting for that appointment.
Itās now been three days since the ER visit, and sheās still gagging after meals. I suspect the anti-nausea medication is preventing her from regurgitating. Additionally, two to three times a day, sheās leaving watery spots on her bed from her vulva. Iām also wondering if stress from a new puppy in the house might be affecting her.
Iām at a crossroads. Should I stop the prescription food, try bland pork and rice, and risk the crystals returning? Should I look for an internist or a veterinary gastroenterologist (if such specialists exist)?
So far, Iāve spent over $2,000 on food and vet visits. While Iād do anything for my girl, Iām feeling lost and heartbroken seeing her like this. If anyone has suggestions, advice, or similar experiences to share, Iād be incredibly grateful. My girl is my world, and I just want to see her happy and healthy again.
Apologies for the length of this post, but I want to share all the details since Iām not sure what might be important. My girl has had a rough history with her diet. When I got her at 4 months, she was being fed chicken kibble, which she was severely allergic to. I switched her to lamb, which helped somewhat, but her stool was still inconsistent, and she continued to have skin allergies. We then transitioned to pork. Over the past two years, itās been a whirlwind of vet recommendations and trial-and-error diets. She takes probiotics daily.
Her most recent diet consisted of home-cooked pork and vegetables alongside Zignature Limited Ingredient Pork kibble. Her stool improved, and her allergies seemed under control, but I must have mismanaged her portions because she developed struvite crystals. I had resisted prescription diets due to concerns about their ingredients, but I decided to try it this time, planning to eventually return to raw or home-cooked food. Thatās when things started to go downhill.
I began transitioning her to Royal Canin S/O Urinary formula. Her stool became mushy, but I persisted. One day, after increasing the portion of the S/O kibble, she threw up all her food and became very lethargic. That night, I withheld food, gave her Pepcid, and slept on the floor with her. By morning, she seemed better, but by mid-morning, she was vomiting bright orange bile and acting off.
I rushed her to the ER, where they performed X-rays and blood work. Nothing significant showed upājust some gut inflammation and no obstructions. They gave her subcutaneous fluids and prescribed omeprazole, sucralfate, and Cerenia, advising me to switch her to Royal Caninās low-fat gastrointestinal formula.
That night, I followed their instructions, but after taking sucralfate, she started leaking clear water from her mouth and experiencing mild urinary incontinence. It wasnāt droolāshe was making puddles of clear liquid on her bed and the floor. I called the ER, but they didnāt have an explanation and suggested bringing her back in. After spending $1,600 on the previous visit without resolution, I was hesitant. Eventually, she ate the new food and seemed slightly better.
The next day, I took her to her regular vet, where another urine test showed the crystals were gone, but her pH levels were still not ideal. I discussed exploring home-cooked or raw food options, and the vet agreed, suggesting I consult a certified pet nutritionist to transition her to a diet that wouldnāt cause more crystals. Iām currently waiting for that appointment.
Itās now been three days since the ER visit, and sheās still gagging after meals. I suspect the anti-nausea medication is preventing her from regurgitating. Additionally, two to three times a day, sheās leaving watery spots on her bed from her vulva. Iām also wondering if stress from a new puppy in the house might be affecting her.
Iām at a crossroads. Should I stop the prescription food, try bland pork and rice, and risk the crystals returning? Should I look for an internist or a veterinary gastroenterologist (if such specialists exist)?
So far, Iāve spent over $2,000 on food and vet visits. While Iād do anything for my girl, Iām feeling lost and heartbroken seeing her like this. If anyone has suggestions, advice, or similar experiences to share, Iād be incredibly grateful. My girl is my world, and I just want to see her happy and healthy again.
