We have taken in him 2x and values have been 389 and 600 something. The vet wants to do a bile analysis check. Could his values be from a virus or diet issues? He eats the cat food a little and is currently eating IAMS small breed puppy food. The odd thing is he shows NO signs whatsoever and has no family histry of this type of problem. We don't want to have more $$ tests and surgury as the vet is suggesting. ANY information at all would be very helpful.
2007-02-19 08:46:40 · 5 answers · asked by Rob T 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He is a 9 month old 3lb 10oz Yorkshire Terrier. We had the bood work done as a precaution to him getting neudered (a few weeks back). He has absolutly 0 symptons and all signs are normal with his behavior. The breeder also has not had any problem with either of his parents or the pups.
2007-02-19 09:10:24 · update #1
Well, I don't really know what to tell you other than meat does produce ammonia and you want to reduce ammonia but also give him a good supply of protein. I would consider putting him on cottage cheese and dairy products for a while and see if anything improves, but liver failure is a big issue if you want to keep him alive.
2007-02-19 08:58:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Work with your Vet on this and ask if he wants to recommend a prescription diet. It's a bit more expensive but sometimes can make all the difference. Cat food has a lot of fat and protein, way more than dogs need. Puppy food has more fat and protein but not as much as cat food.
I agree with switching to a high quality though some premium brands aren't what they are cracked up to be and some have recently changed their formula.
I'd say first line would be to ask the Vet if this liver problem can be addressed with diet change and be sure to tell the Vet about the dog eating the cat food.
A friend of mine had a cat and two dogs and she would feed her cat on top of a table to keep the dogs out of the cat food.
2007-02-19 08:57:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well first of all what is the breed of dog? Depending on the breed some tend to have problems with liver enzymes. Did they run an amylase test as well to see if it was pancreatitis. Little dogs seem to have more problems with this, but all dogs can have the same problems, especially if they eat cat food or human foods. What surgery are they suggesting? did they hospitalize the dog and put it on IV fluids? I would guess it is a mixture of the dog food and the cat food. Make sure and put the cat food on the counter or take it up when the cat is done eating. Make sure you do not feed any tables scraps period until you figure out what is wrong. If he isnt showing any signs then why did they run bloodwork in the first place? Well sorry I seem to have more questions than answers but if you could tell me the answers to my questions that will give me a better idea of what is going on. I would be more than happy to help the best I can. Good luck and email me if you have any other questions or have more info for me.
2007-02-19 08:59:20 · answer #3 · answered by Ryne's proud mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Iams is a pretty poor choice for food. I'm surprised your vet hasn't reccomended changing it. Iams is full of fat, by products and preservatives.
The first thing you could do is switch him to a high quality puppy chow. Royal Canin is pricey but the best on the market (it can be purchased at your vet's office). Neutro is another good choice.
2007-02-19 08:51:55 · answer #4 · answered by allyalexmch 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dogs should not eat cat food. It can do serious organ damage!
2007-02-19 08:50:42 · answer #5 · answered by Nichole D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋