Loved one will not eat

LoveWarrior

14 years ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to rescue a little Daschund mix puppy from the local Humane Society. Today, she is experiencing some major health challenges and I turn to you for help.

She is experiencing her second bladder infection within the past 6 months. The first time, Baytrill (an anti-biotic), took care of the infection.

The current ordeal started about two weeks ago. The vet first prescribed the anti-biotic Simplicef. There was a slight uptick in her health, but a few days later, she got sicker.

We then changed to Baytrill, but she still did not improve.

Two days ago, the vet took x-rays, did a blood panel, and took another sample of urine.

The blood analysis was quite good, only showing a very high white count, which was expected as we already knew she has an infection.

The x-rays did not show anything out of the ordinary.

He sent the urine out for culturing to get an analysis of what kind of bacteria is present so we can make sure that the anti-biotics are the correct ones. Results are due tomorrow.

At that time, our vet also added Clavamox, another broad spectrum antibiotic, in addition to the Baytrill.

Yesterday, the vet had a radiologist do an ultrasound in hopes of finding out where the infection was coming from. It did not show anything out of the ordinary except for some "structuring" inside of the gall bladder, which was not of any great immediate concern.

Our next step is to have an internist look at all the data our vet has obtained. However, our vet is quite well known and very skilled and I am not sure what an internist is going to tell us that our vet has not already told us.

Throughout this whole ordeal, our cherished pet has eaten very, very little. We usually feed her dry Eukanuba. We've tried feeding her wet dog food, cooked chicken, and cooked beef, but she still does not eat.

And that is where we are now.

I ask the following questions:

1) Do you have a recommendation of what to feed a dog with an upset tummy?

2) Do you have any recommendations on what to do other than what we've already done?

3) What do you usually feed your dogs? I've heard recently that, like most dog foods, Eukanuba has corn filler in it which, apparently, is not good. We have another dog and I'm considering switching to Blue Buffalo, Drs. Foster & Smith, or Orijen. Although, my vet says those are a waste of money and to buy Science Diet. Do you have a recommendation?

I appreciate any and all responses.

Dog5

Try feeding her some plain boiled white meat chicken and rice. Very bland but they usually like it.


I don't think that those high end foods are a waste of money at all. A lot of vets tell you to use science diet because they sell it in their hospitals...right now I'm using solid gold and eagle pack.

Renoman

Sometimes baby food works. Gerbers Second Stage chicken w/gravy, turkey w/gravy, beef w/gravy.

A plain scrambled egg is sometimes very inticing - even plain oatmeal sometimes works. Cottage Cheese is another one to try.

Whatever you offer, if you find something that works, I'd make it small amounts, frequently.

The boiled chicken and rice is always a good first choice. I've found that ground chicken or turkey is always a favorite.

pkrjenkins

My dog recently went through a period of not eating. We took him to a neurologist vet in Memphis. He recommended giving him 2 Pepcid AC tablets a day to help his stomach get settled. Before you do this I would definitely run it by your vet and see if he thinks it's okay for your little dog. Bubba is eating better and his stomach is not as upset. I have been feeding him dry food mixed with canned.

ChrissyBz

Some dogs when not feeling well will voluntarily fast to allow their insides to heal. Your dog sounds small so hypoglycemia can be an issue but on the whole, going without food for 24 hours would not normally cause undue harm. Has she lost any weight? Is she underweight? Is she still drinking a normal quantity of water?

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ACampbell

My vet recommends Eukanuba (and no they don't sell it in their office, they are a military vet and are not allowed to really endorse brands)
It does have cornmeal in it (I'm currently feeding IAMS and they are pretty close in the ingredients, also made by the same company)
I agree with others though, if she's not really eating, boiled chicken and rice is good, turkey too...I have no idea what the right amount for her to eat is (not used to small dogs at all, mine eat a ton!)
As for Science Diet...its crappy, Eukanuba is actually a better food than SD - but vets like to push for SD because they sell it (some also sell Iams but not too many) thats why I got to military vets in lieu of others because they can't be as biased.

Blue Buffalo seems like a good choice...it would be my choice except for the lack of availability here in Arizona (I can't find anywhere outside of Canada that sells it so if you know please inform me, I'm moving to upstate NY next week!) I did get a sample bag from the company and my dogs wolfed it down in seconds...it really went over well.

Once this bladder infection is gone, maybe ask your vet about supplimenting with cranberry - it really helps in keeping the bladder and kidney infections down, or maybe try to get in touch with a holistic vet and ask them if it would be something that might help.
Good wishes to you and your Dachshund!

LoveWarrior

Thanks for all the responses. I do appreciate everyones kindness.

We have begun force-feeding her some baby food. That is the only thing that seems to stay down her.

We're just trying to make it through the night so we can see our vet again tomorrow morning.

However, I'm not sure she's going to make it.

She is breathing very rapidly, which from my research, I understand to be either lack of oxegen or a response from pain. Since her gums are still pink, I believe she is in pain.

The pain must be coming from the infection. But, we have no idea what is causing the infection.

We have her on Deramax and Tramadol. I seem to be out of solutions.

God help us.

LoveWarrior

We took her to ER last night. The staff there was quite impressive. But, after many more tests and x-rays, it was obvous we had to let her go.

It was one of the most painful decisions I've ever made.

Again, thanks for your responses. The Pet Smarts around Austin, TX stock Blue Buffalo so we will be making the switch for our little Chiquahua.

Love & Light to all fellow pet lovers ....

Renoman

Sorry for your loss

ChrissyBz

Ditto. You did the best thing and saved her from further pain and suffering. Bless you for having the strength.

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