Not Cushing's Disease, but....

[JD102175]

The vet still is unsure of what is going on with Misha. After the tests they ran on Wednesday they now know that it is not Cushing's Disease, but that's all they know. So, next Misha Misha must again go to the vet for an ultrasound. The vet originally thought that something might be wrong with her liver, but when the original bloodwork was drawn it was within the normal range. He wants to check her liver just to be on the safe side though. If it is her liver I know that the vet is going to recommend that she go on a special diet, which means they will most likely suggest that she be fed one of Science's Diets prescription formula's. If she is having problems with her liver and they suggest the SD, what other brands of food have a formula that would be similar? I don't want her to be fed Science Diet, afterall we switched Brodie and the cats from SD to Nutro Natural just a couple months ago, although the SD would be better than what she is fed now which is Kibble's and Bits. Is there anyone that has/had a dog with liver disease and can suggest some other brands of food??


Thanks in advance


Jaime

[Rottlva]

Purina has a line of veterinary diets... I couldn't tell you the name of the liver diet though...

I am also sure there are home cookers and Raw feeders out there who could whip Misha up a recipe.... Possibly put this question there to flag those who are pro's on nutrition!!!

Good Luck and thanks for the update! Jessica

[spidey]

I believe that Hill's Prescription Diet line is manufactured separately from their Science Diet line. You're probably safe to use it. Otherwise, I know Waltham's makes specialty diets, as do Purina (but I'm leery of Purina on principle, even though I've heard good things about them). I don't know where you're located but if you're in Canada (or can order from Canada), Medi-Cal make excellent specialty diets...ah..now that I look at their website, it's Medi-Cal in Canada and Select-Care in the US.
http://www.medi-cal.ca/consumers/FAQ...AE%20products?

I used Medi-Cal reduced protein for my kidney cat, it was the only low-protein diet he'd even consider eating, so I have had good experiences with their diets.

[WorkinDogz]

If the diagnosis is liver then the Hill's (Science Diet) formula would be L/D. It's relatively new on the market but seems (from my limited experience with it) to provide assistance to dogs with liver disease or disorders.

Eukanuba also has a line of Rx diets.

Personally, if I had a dog requiring an Rx diet, I would absolutely choose Hill's vs. the others.

[moondog]

Hi Jaime, how old is Misha?

I don't think you can beat a home-cooked diet for a dog that has a problem with the digestive organs. Choosing a food that provides essential nutrients in foods that are easily assimilated gives the body what it needs and reduces stress on the organs. This is especially important for a dog that has a disease process ongoing and can do wonders for their long-term outlook. All commercial foods, including prescription foods, contain additives and preservatives by necessity that can interfere with the digestive process and make those organs work harder.

If it does turn out to be a problem with Misha's liver, and you would entertain the idea of preparing a home-cooked diet for liver disease, the book to get is "Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets" by Donald Strombeck. It can be found at isupress.com or amazon.com. If you'd like to see a couple of the diets, I've posted some diets formulated for dogs with liver disease in baroness' thread about her sick puppy that are from this book.

I hope it all turns out well. Please let us know how her ultrasound goes! :)

[WorkinDogz]

I absolutely agree with you, Moondog. The best diet minus any preservatives and yucky'ness..... could be found following a home cooked recipe specifically designed to meet the needs for a dog suffering liver disorders.

However, that is assuming that the person doing the cooking is willing to do it, has the time to do it and follows it to the letter.

Some have the dedication to do just that and I applaud them! Others don't for a variety of reasons and they should not feel the LEAST BIT sorry that they don't.

Many things need to be taken into consideration.

(Ok JD, cover your eyes for this next part..... ;) )

We aren't talking about a young dog in this case. It's a 14 yr old Husky. That in and of itself says great things..... not a lot of dogs of that breed live to be 14! (ON KIBBLES AND BITS NO LESS!!!!)

Somehow I think "corn and preservatives" in the diet now aren't going to be a real issue considering the dogs LIFE diet....and age.

[Carina43]

Hi JD - I answered at some legnth in the nutrition forum where you asked the same question...glad to see one of our resident vet experts (WD) agrees & isn't on the same "You must feed a proper diet designed by people in white lab coats who know exactly what your dogs need" bandwagon. :D

Not to say rx diets don't always work...in your case (as in any) I would do whatever works best for your dog, be it home cooking, raw, Hills, whatever...I think you're smart to do some research, though.

I had no idea your dog was so elderly. FWIW, the old dog with kidney issues I referenced in the nutrition thread is now 14 or 15 and going strong, she's a GSDx. We figure she's just too mean to die. :)

[JD102175]

Thank you all very much for your advice. If it is her liver, I'd have to speak to my mom about the home-cooked meal thing, cuz she'd be the one doing all the cooking!! Misha, unfortunately, does not live with me. She will not tolerate Brodie 24/7. She's fine when we visit, but after 2 days she's had enough of him and all she does is growl and posture at him. Luckily, he just turns and walks the other way. He's a non-confrontational kind of dog but will defend himself if necessary. She's going to have her Ultrasound next Wednesday, so we will find out more then. I'll post the results when my mom calls me next week.



Jaime


P.S.- WD, Misha is not 14 yet, she's still got 2 years to get to that point. I think she'd be very insulted that you're spreading the rumor that she's older than she is.....No woman likes that!!! :D

[WorkinDogz]

Originally posted by JD102175
WD, Misha is not 14 yet, she's still got 2 years to get to that point. I think she'd be very insulted that you're spreading the rumor that she's older than she is.....No woman likes that!!! :D

My most sincere apologies to the "young" girl...LOL :D