Sassy (UPDATE 5/22

[Liz]

(((Hugs))) to you and Sassy. You're a good mom.

[OutandAbout]

So sorry to hear about Sassy. Also sending loads of hugs to you and Sassy. Linda

[Colliemom]

Trip to vet and blood test this morning showed that her BUN count is high. On the low side of high. Otherwise all checks out okay. So we are going to discontinue the Rimadyl, which I did yesterday after an morning episode of grass eating and what not. Figured she had an upset tummy from all the meds. Also stopping the Joint Care supplements. Going to keep her on the Proin as she's been on that a few years now and aslo the Actigall as that keeps the liver enzymes in balance and doesn't affect appetite. He gave me some special Science Diet stuff called A/C to mix in her food and see if that will entice her to eat. She has been eating cooked chicken these past few days with a little rice. Not fond of rice and veggies. I got some Science Diet Turkey entrée food today and mixed that tow together. So far no interest, but will wait till tomorrow to see what happens. Vet said her weight is good and basically she's in good shape otherwise. If we can get her to start eating regularly, then we are thinking of getting teeth taken care of. That should greatly improve things I think. We go back again on Thursday. So onward and upward.

[Bethers]

Great news.

I never had any luck getting any dog to eat science diet. But I was just thinking that if her teeth are hurting, that alone could be why she isn't eating. That happened with Moxie. Got her teeth cleaned and several pulled and she started eating like the pig she always was before.

[Irmi]

That's great news, Sue. I hope Sassy continues to improve.

[gingerK]

Sue have you tried cooked ground turkey? If Sassy doesn't like rice try cooked barley or oatmeal. Both are better than rice. And don't put any chicken broth on her food, I saw something recently about chicken broth-might have been a comment on FB. I'll try to look it up and find out what it was, but in the meantime just don't use any.

[dayspring39]

Oh Sassy please just eat a few bites for mommy... she is so worried about you...

All Shadow has ever had is Science Diet... think it is what you start them on... that is why there are so many choices... I started using this as my daughter's dog Augie eats that and I was watching him when they went away...

Sue you are doing all you can keep up the good work...

Me and My Shadow are sending you wishes for a good week...

[retiredhappy]

Please read the label on Science Diet. The last time I looked it had a lot of grains (which often upset their stomachs) and preservatives. The vets push Science Diet because they get a percentage of what they sell. I'm not a fan as you can tell. If you think about it, dogs are carnivores so grains are not "natural" to their diet if they lived in the wild. I've gone to a totally grain free, preservative free good that is actually available at Walmart in dry form cause of Sophie's allergies. If you're going to cook for them be careful of some of the hamburger - its really fatty. I would stick to turkey, chicken, fish, etc. Your best bet is whole chickens because they're not soaked in salt as is the cut up pieces. Glad you took Sassy off Rymadal.

[Redetotry]

Sue I would be very hesitant to feed ANY Science Diet product, like Karen said, it is a money maker for the vets. Read the ingredients on the label and also read the Dog Food Adviser reviews at this link;
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food- ... adult-dry/

Part of her problem may be due to medications. I would also stop the Proin as one of the side effects is loss of appetite. The original problem that caused the incontinence may have resolved by now. When one of my dogs had a small leakage as she aged the vet put her on a hormone for a short time which fixed the issue.

At this point I would give her what ever she will eat that isn't too rich. Be sure to boil the chicken, I only use the skinless breast meat, thighs seem to have more fat, if your giving rice don't give whole grain, they can't digest it. I don't give rice for too long as too much can cause constipation, plus of course there is the arsenic issue now. Plain pumpkin is always a good addition and most dogs like it. Also even though I cringe at the additives, baby food will sometimes encourage appetite, get a variety of small jars and see if she likes any. Lean hamburger might appeal to her, boil and drain off any grease.

This link will give you ideas for finding recommended food. http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/

Sure hope she eats soon, I know how upsetting this is for you. (((((HUGS)))) for you both.

[BarbaraRose]

How is Sassy doing now?

[Colliemom]

Happy to report that Sassy is pretty much her normal self now. After dropping one med and the arthritis supplements, she's perked up and is eating again, not regularly, but when she's hungry. Making some chicken recipe for her has helped as well. Going to walks and just enjoying the spring. So we shall continue on and take it a bit at a time. Am thinking a couple of small trips on the agenda down the road here and wondering if she could handle on to SD. Thanks for all your concerns everybody.