Well...my 3 yr old DD has IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) which was diagnosed during an exploratory surgery, being done based on what was initially thought to be stomach/intestinal blockage.
Dog is on a slew of medicines and Hills I/D diet (at $57 per 17lb bag). We are 3 days out from surgery and he's doing better. Eating and coming out the other end successfully. Plan of action at this point is to feed the prescription food for a while to confirm the problem can/can't be dealt with via diet alone. Hopefully we can.
Anyone have any experience with this and comments regarding successful outcome with an OTC feed?
Feeding a dog with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
Re: Feeding a dog with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
My 4 year old intact male brittany has inflammatory bowel disease. When he was first diagnosed, he was on that Hills z/d stuff. I was able to transition him off. I was convinced that it was actually contributing to his problems.
His current plan:
He is currently taking half an Azathioprine tablet every third day.
4 tsp metamucil with every meal
Moducare supplement once a day
Currently feeding Nature's Variety Instinct (rabbit blend) and California Natural Salmon Meal and Pea.
I am constantly fiddling with feed. Certain feeds will exacerbate the problem. Fat seems to be the biggest problem, which is the thing that the dog needs most to hunt. In the summer, I mix in the California Natural because it is low fat, but high protein. I believe I see a slight improvement in the summer. I've found that he does not do terribly well on chicken based feed. Even so, he still gets a chicken-based treat now and again.
Next summer, I plan to transition him to an all fish/salmon based feed to see how that works.
I also am considering trying to eliminate the drugs entirely. I believe it can be managed entirely with food choices.
Stools range from soft-ish to solid. Never puddles anymore.
Advice:
Work with a specialist.
Remember that every case is going to be a little different. Experiment, but realize that what works for me may not work for you.
Change one thing at a time. I weigh my dogs food, and when I change feeds, I keep his calorie count the same so as to keep change at a minimum.
My measure of success is the dog's weight. Which is why I think he does better with the summer blend: heavier dog. When I can max out his weight while on a higher fat feed, I will have arrived.
All in all, I have found it all to be manageable. I dislike the drug, as I know it is decreasing his lifespan. His energy is high and it is not unusual for him to put in 10 miles in an afternoon of hunting at the preserve.
RickB
His current plan:
He is currently taking half an Azathioprine tablet every third day.
4 tsp metamucil with every meal
Moducare supplement once a day
Currently feeding Nature's Variety Instinct (rabbit blend) and California Natural Salmon Meal and Pea.
I am constantly fiddling with feed. Certain feeds will exacerbate the problem. Fat seems to be the biggest problem, which is the thing that the dog needs most to hunt. In the summer, I mix in the California Natural because it is low fat, but high protein. I believe I see a slight improvement in the summer. I've found that he does not do terribly well on chicken based feed. Even so, he still gets a chicken-based treat now and again.
Next summer, I plan to transition him to an all fish/salmon based feed to see how that works.
I also am considering trying to eliminate the drugs entirely. I believe it can be managed entirely with food choices.
Stools range from soft-ish to solid. Never puddles anymore.
Advice:
Work with a specialist.
Remember that every case is going to be a little different. Experiment, but realize that what works for me may not work for you.
Change one thing at a time. I weigh my dogs food, and when I change feeds, I keep his calorie count the same so as to keep change at a minimum.
My measure of success is the dog's weight. Which is why I think he does better with the summer blend: heavier dog. When I can max out his weight while on a higher fat feed, I will have arrived.
All in all, I have found it all to be manageable. I dislike the drug, as I know it is decreasing his lifespan. His energy is high and it is not unusual for him to put in 10 miles in an afternoon of hunting at the preserve.
RickB
Re: Feeding a dog with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
The vets wanted to put my dog on steroids, but I said no. When he was a pup, he (also) got a disease called "steroid responsive meningitis". The treatment (as you might expect) is heavy dosages of steroids. Cleared it up, but the pup had some terrific runs during that time. So I said no to the 'roids.
The drugs will take a toll on the dog. Once things are stabilized and managed, I'd start working to reduce the drug usage.
The drugs will take a toll on the dog. Once things are stabilized and managed, I'd start working to reduce the drug usage.
Re: Feeding a dog with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
Rick...thanks for the response. Same thoughts as yours...minimal/no drugs....diet controlled.
My biggest concern is the weight issue. He lost a ton of weight this past week and not sure how successful we will be at putting weight back on with the prescription diet and keep it on thereafter.
That Natures Variety Rabbit is high test feed with 33% Protein and 20% fat....was surprised to see that your getting away with that(?)
My biggest concern is the weight issue. He lost a ton of weight this past week and not sure how successful we will be at putting weight back on with the prescription diet and keep it on thereafter.
That Natures Variety Rabbit is high test feed with 33% Protein and 20% fat....was surprised to see that your getting away with that(?)