a little prayer...

silent_truth · 10-29-04, 05:52 PM

Going through some tough times right now. I do have a question, but I will explain first. My dog, who is 12 years old (bichon frise x poodle), has in the past had surgery removing calcium oxalate bladder stones. The surgery was successful and he recovered nicely. Recently, our vet discovered a different composition of bladder stone and suggested that we treat the condition with a change in diet. So, we ended up changing to Hill’s Science Diet S/D. The result was that my dog developed pancreatitis this week, only about a week after starting on this new food. His condition is now at the point where the doctors are unsure of whether or not the pancreas will be able to function at all. Knowing full well that this was a possibility, the vet failed to inform us of it prior to switching the diet. So we have gone from having a condition which is completely curable or at least able to be surgically corrected, to one that we do not know whether or not he will make it through the weekend. He is currently on IV since he cannot accept food or water orally at this point in time. My question is, in case he is able to recover, does anyone know of a food available that will address the bladder stones as well as being low in fat to help prevent a relapse of pancreatitis? I’m trying to stay positive and do as much research as possible, but it’s hard.

Thank you,
-Adam

munchy · 10-29-04, 05:56 PM

sorry i wish i could help but i hope he pulls through. that was kinda sleazy of the doctor to reccomend that type of food knowing what it may result in.

RepTylE · 10-29-04, 06:10 PM

Doctors (including vets) are notorious for withholding information.
My little dog had Cushings disease and her condition deterriorated to the point where the meds had to be pushed up periodically. There was a new drug on the market that he didn't tell me about that was cosidered more effective and consequently cheaper. She was old and her overall health was deteriorating but I can't help but wonder if maybe her last days might have been easier for her if she was on the better medication. Trust me I know what you are feeling right about now.

Ixidor · 10-29-04, 08:14 PM

Ok where to begin.......

Firstly, I would like to say I'm sorry about your dog and I'm hoping he'll get better. Now then, on the subject of a diet.....I am not a vet, however, I do know a few things that the average pet food consumer does not.

Ok that was weird it entered my post magically.

Anyway, as I was saying...Don't buy commercial petfoods!!!!! Now then, when they say they have 135% of the vitamins needed for your pet, I'll give them that sure. However, they do not analyze the source of the protein, moisture, fat, and minerals.

In truth, the "complete and balanced" diet your pet is eating consists of what the Pet food companies call meat byproducts. Sounds good enough to me right? Wrong. Fact is those meat byproducts consist of anything leftover after they've taken the good meat for human consumption. For example, cow lips, intestines, lungs, brains,stomachs, anything. You name it, its probably a byproduct.

Now this is what I really find disturbing. IF YOU ARE SQUEMISH, PLEASE DO NOT READ. In 1990 the San Francisco Chronicle wrote an article that said that parts of euthanized cats and dogs were found in tested pet foods. Though many executives in the pet company denied it (typical), the FDA did confirmed this story, The chief of the FDA's animal feed safety branch, can't remember her name though told how it provided a "viable" purpose by providing foodstuff for the animal feed chain.

Anyway, what I would suggest is making your own diet, something simple you can prepare while making dinner. Fresh is always better right ?

1/3 cup of meat (turkey, chicken,lamb, beef, eggs, fish)

2/3 cup grains, veggies, brown rice and corn millet

However this ^ I would use for a normal healthy dog, considering your dogs condition though, this might be completely wrong, like I said, not a vet.

Just thought I'd give you guys a heads up on this Corporate Conspiracy of the week

silent_truth · 10-29-04, 08:38 PM

Ixidor:
The vet prescribed Hills Science Diet S/D for Chance (my dog), to help get rid of the bladder stones, which were only moderate in size. The problem is, the high fat content in the diet may have caused sudden severe pancreatitis or at least accellerated its development if it was already present. So do you know of a food that would address both the bladder stones and be low in fat to prevent a possible relapse of pancreatitis? (this question is for anyone who may have any information about it)

Thanks very much,
-Adam

Ixidor · 10-29-04, 08:46 PM

Sorry, it posted when I pressed enter by mistake, I fixed it.

proud2bcanadian · 10-29-04, 08:47 PM

I'm so sorry!
Like munchy, I wish I could help!
Best of luck to your pup and I hope he pulls through!

If the doctor knew what could happen when you change his diet, and he didn't tell you, couldn't that be taken into a court?? (Haven't taken Law yet, so I don't know...)

Ixidor · 10-29-04, 08:59 PM

If thats to much though, try to find a nice pet food brand that has at least 2-3 meat protein sources in the first 5 ingrediants

silent_truth · 10-29-04, 09:00 PM

Thanks all for your reponses.

Ixidor: The diet you posted sounds like what I wanted to do originally before this all happened, but not sure if the content would be correct to deal with the pancreatitis now that it is present. I'll check it out though. Thanks very much for taking the time to post that.

Ixidor · 10-29-04, 09:01 PM

It's np, just thought everyone might find that interesting.

Ixidor · 10-29-04, 09:06 PM

Another one forgot to mention was CANCEROUS meat, and meat from lame, and diseased meat too, all thrown into the dog food grinder.

LISA127 · 10-29-04, 11:34 PM

I'm so sorry about your dog. I'll pray for you and the pup. That poor baby.

As far as diet, Ixidor is right about most commercial pet foods. However, there are just a couple foods you can buy that are healthier for your dog. A couple to try are Innova and California Natural. These are not sold at pets stores, however. They are only sold through specialty dealers or online.

CHRISANDBOIDS14 · 10-30-04, 12:22 AM

Sorry, I cant help with the diet part. But I sure hope he pulls through for ya! I know what your going through, I lost my 4 year old yellow lab to cancer when I was 8. Just stay strong and try to stay positive! Maybe talk to another vet? Best Wishes!

C.

justinO · 10-30-04, 10:11 PM

Adam, our hopes are with you and your dog. I hope it makes a good recovery.

Justin& jess

silent_truth · 10-30-04, 11:38 PM

Thanks again all.

Here's the update so far:

Chance is being taken off of the IV tomorrow (Sunday) and he will be started on a very small amount of medicated food. It's a roll of the dice whether or not this will work. Either the pancreas begins to work on its own again or there may be another relapse within a day, a week, a month, or even a year. I appreciate all the support guys. We're not giving up just yet.

I'll update again at a later date.

Thanks,
Adam