Concerned about my dog.

[~Astral~]

hi everyone,

i'm concerned about my 3 year old minature poodle. hes been to the vet several times in the last year for unexplainable weight loss but all the vet gave me was antibiotics, so i took him to another vet who performed blood tests (cost me a bomb) and said he has very high enzyme levels and then a bile acid test was performed to check his liver which thankfully came out normal.

he gained weight after the above but not much. but now hes lost so much. i cannot believe how much he eats. he eats 3 bowls full of dog food, then pinches biscuits (humans or dogs he isn't fussy which) and then pinches the cats and other dogs food. you would think this would be more than enough food for him but after this, if someone doesn't eat there dinner (pies, mash,roast, peas with gravy etc) little coco will go and wolf that down to and lick the plate clean!

its strange. he drinks a lot and eats SO much but he isn't putting any weight on. i think hes now lost more weight than he did before. i can feel his spine (like little diamonds) and his ribs distinctively and when i put my hands around his waist and cup my hands around it, it makes it very obvious how small his waist is. i've changed his diet so many times and hes been on a high in fat and protein diet the last 2 months but hes losing more weight. it doesn't make sense.

he runs around like a crazy puppy and has a lot of energy. but the only symptoms i've noticed are weight loss, drinking frequently and he seems to feel the cold a lot and shakes sometimes. he is such a lovely little dog and i hate to see him this way and i dont know what to do for him. i've tried everything.

i even thought he might be diabetic and asked the vet to check him but all she did was take a blood sample from his leg and put this on a glucose monitor and his levels were very normal. but this isn't the proper way of diagnosis diabetes so i'll get this re-done if possible but when he had blood tests previously im sure he was checked for diabetes and all the other general things.

does anyone know what could be wrong with him? what causes high enzyme levels and his symptoms?

thank you.

[Bosley Slave]

If it were me (I sure there are those that are grateful there is only one of me! )....I'd park my butt at the vet's and wouldn't leave until I had a diagnosis. I don't know what city you live in or what state, but there must be a good vet there. Good luck, I know how difficult it can be when you can't seem to find the answers! Stay assertive until you find them!

[Dax]

Sorry Astral... I haven't read or heard anything that resembles like what you are describing. Have you thought about getting a second opinion from another vet?

What kind of food do you have him on?

[jazzysmom]

Wow I have never heard of anything like you are describing but, I would take him to another vet.

[~Astral~]

hiya everyone,

his symptoms are so vague and can mean anything but my biggest worry is his weight loss.

hes on pedigree tinned food, dry dog food mixed with it and everything else he can get his gob around lol. just picture what you eat for dinner and you can bet coco has eat this at least twice this week lol.

i think i might try the parking my butt thing at the vet. im taking my other dog next week for his CHF so i'll take coco and get his sorted out too and meanwhile i'll keep a close eye on him and write down any symptoms or anything that worrys me so i can show it to the vet

thanks x

[SalemWitchChild]

Pedigree is made with low grade fillers. Try a better food. http://www.dogfoodanalysis.com/ has some great suggestions.

I had a dog that was similar. However her problem was our neighbors were slowly poisoning her. I don't think that's your problem though. Try switching to a higher grade food listed on this site.

[dustynduke]

Sorry, I've have no knowledge about this. Best of luck to you & your puppy. Please keep us posted.

[~Astral~]

Hi everyone,

I've tried switching his foods to all of the availble foods possible. I even purchased food from the Vet and noticed no improvement. I've been thinking about his condition a lot and I think the best thing I can do is get a whole load of blood tests performed and also have his metabolism checked incase hes one of them rare dogs who needs special dietry requirements due to his fast metabolism and checking for Diabetes is a must.

Thank you again & I'll look at the site now. I'm hoping to take him to the Vet tomorrow after I've popped down to the bank and drawn out £100. Hopefully that will cover the injections.

[lemonie]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about all you and your boy have been through. From what you had described, I would say possible diabetes too, but I'm only starting my vet schooling and do not know much about all that. I wouldn't rule out another food change yet though. Its sad how many very poorly balanced foods are sold through your vet. I mean, Science Diet alone is just awful and has tons of fillers. Please check the food analysis site and look into a higher protein food with lower allergens. Even if you think your current food is fine and not causing the issues, there are plenty of foods that will support your pups system much better while you're working through this. Are there any vets around you that specialize in homeopathic or naturalistic practices or even a vet school? They usually have a much wider range of experience and options available to you and might be able to diagnose even something very rare. I know at a vet school, they will continue researching even after you leave because it is good practicum. I will continue racking my brain and sending lots of hope your way and pray that you will find an answer and remedy very soon!

[EmmaGirl]

I would have a complete blood panel done including thyroid, glucose levels etc. Is he having loose stools? Has he been tested for parasites? I tried to find a Canine site that addressed Chron's disease but had no luck. Giardia may be another cause. There could be many causes of his symptoms but I'm sure a savvy vet would be able to come to a diagnosis.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
EG.