Pom not eating

[scott]

Our 8yo Pom has stopped eating her food over the last week or so. She has lost about .5 lb as well. Her coat has lost it's shine and she looks sad all the time. However, her energy level remains the same, as does her lust for people food, which we have been giving her (turkey, grapes, etc...) to get her to eat and drink. She has been to the vet twice and we are currently waiting on bloodwork to comeback. She goes to the bathroom regulary. Not really sure what to think, but something is not right. No vomitting or diahreah either. She does seem to move a bit slower. Any opinoins welcome.

[sambucca/whiskey]

Well first of all, grapes are poisonous, and she may jus be testing you out for human food, you may want to stick to her food maybe with broth, or gravy.

[weimlover0816]

Have you been feeding her grapes a lot over the time she has not eaten? Just an FYI for everyone that grapes (and raisins) are toxic to dogs, so are raw onions and, of course chocolate....

Is she still drinking her normal amount of water, or has this drastically increased or decreased?

My opinion would be to wait for the bloodwork to come back before panicing, but to keep a close eye on her...

[scott]

Yes, we have been feeding both of them grapes. We had no idea they are toxic to dogs. the test came back elevated bilirubin, and her liver may be enlarged, and she is having an ultrasound later this afternoon. drinking has DECREASED. not exactly sure about the rest of the tests. I have only gotten some info from wife. What about turkey as a treat. What exactly is Bilirubin anyway?

[weimlover0816]

Scott, here is some info I looked up on the internet for you.... hope all is well and that your baby is okay Keep us updated.

bilirubin

Bilirubin is the waste product that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin molecules from worn out red blood cells. Ordinarily, it is excreted from the body as the chief component of bile. Excessive levels of bilirubin stain the fatty tissues in the skin yellow; this condition is called jaundice. Very high levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream can cause permanent damage to certain areas of the brain of newborn infants - kernicterus. This can cause a characteristic form of crippling known as athetoid cerebral palsy. To prevent this from happening, bilirubin levels are monitored in newborns, and excessive levels of bilirubin are treated by either phototherapy ("bilirubin lights") or exchange transfusion.

Oh, and turkey should be fine, just remember, NO BONES!!

[scott]

Thanks for the info. We won't know anything else until later today. I had my wife call the vet and tell her about the grapes. Please just tell me this is treatable

Oh, they only get fresh deli turkey breast

[HeartSong]

Meats are okay as long as they don't have spices or perservatives in them, oh, and no bones, and they shouldn't be deep fried or greasy (that's even bad for us but many of us eat it anyway.) Carrots are good and many dogs like them. But the best food is dog food, I hope everything works out and your dog gets back on her food.

BTW, welcome to the forum. Feel free to make yourself at home and post in other areas as well.

[Moo]

Generally, you shouldn't stress yourself over the grapes too much, if they've only been eating a few. Grapes in quantity can cause damage, a couple every now and then won't hurt them. I do admit to feeding my dog grapes every now and then, especially to administer his pills because it's the only thing that he won't find the pills in and spit them out. People are usually warned of giving their dogs more than a dozen grapes at a time, but of course, smaller dogs, smaller quantities can cause harm.

[scott]

they may get a few a day. 3-4 at most. but, this is over a period of a month or so, whenever my wife buys them from the store. we are on pins and needles over this. Don't be afraid to be straight up with me and tell me to expect the worse. My wife is actually doing well, staying positive that I found great info on this forum that her condition may be treatable. thanks for everything!

[Moo]

If they never eat more than 4 at a time, they should be fine. They've been eating them regularly for a while, and since they aren't already vomitting and having diarreah (which would lead to other symptoms from toxins), then they should be ok. If you didn't see any problems a month ago when they started eating them, there most likely won't be any problems now. If they like grapes, don't leave th bowl on the table though, then we might have an overdose problem . Most grape cases that end up causing severe harm to dogs are when the dogs get into an entire bowl of grapes, or a whole jar of raisins.