Thanks for the feedback.
Before I would switch Merlin from Canidae I would have to do A LOT of research and try to find a different better quality food than Iams etc.
Since the vet had never heard of Canidae before she suggested checking with the manufacturer regarding the acid vs. alkoline effect. Haven't heard anything from them yet.
At this point I think the vet is trying to eliminate things that might be causing Merlin pain and the weight lose.
Merlin is on the thin side. He is still almost 20 pounds heavier than when I adopted him (he looked like a skeleton dog then), but I have been trying to put some more weight on him since I think he is a bit too thin for his height. I thought that he would weigh in a bit over 100 pounds. I was very surprised that he had lost so much weight.
His appetiete is very good... if it is offered he will eat it and ask for more. I am very concerned about his weight going down. For the past 2 or 3 months I have boosted the amount of food that he gets, trying to fill him out a bit.
I will be talking to the vet in much more depth tonight when I pick Merlin up after work.
I think the vet sees three diffferent issues going on here:
1. The pain coming from the hip displasia and abnormal hip and knee movement. (Possibly treated with Rimadyl)
2. Too alkaline urine from the food (I question that one)
3. Weight loss and strange white blood results coming from some sort of infection (worms?)
I will find more out tonight.
Canesmom - I have all my 'documents' printed and ready to show her. :)
Please keep the suggestions and opinions coming! I am learning a lot and that can only help me be a better dog 'owner'.
:D