diarrhea

Our dog Tank (7 year old fixed male) has been having diarrhea for the past month and a half. We have been to the vet 3 times and 1 emergency call. We are on our second set of pills and they just did a blood test. The blood test came back saying the protien in the liver is low. Now on Saturday we are going in for Ex Rays. Tank seems like he is just fine until he needs to go to the bathroom. It is breaking our hearts to watch him struggle and we are doing everything the vets have been telling us. Has anyone had any of these same problems. It is very hard not to think the worst.

Thank you in advance.

 

A month and a half is a long time, get a second opinion.
Here's an article I read on your topic, good luck with Tank.



Low Protein Diet for Dogs With Liver
By Moira Clune, eHow Contributor <O:p></O:p>
Your dog's liver is her largest internal organ. While its primary function is to remove toxins from the blood, the liver is involved in many biochemical reactions in her body and any damage to this organ can cause widespread and varied symptoms. For decades, a low protein diet was thought to slow the progression of liver disease, but new research is casting doubt on that approach. According to the Journal of Nutrition, "malnutrition can develop when protein-restricted diets are inappropriately recommended." <O:p></O:p>
1. Causes and Symptoms<O:p></O:p>
o Internal injuries associated with car accidents, liver inflammation due to hepatitis or pancreatitis, liver infections and toxic reactions to prescription medications or poisons can damage the liver. The most common symptoms of liver disease vomiting and diarrhea; frequent urination; anemia and bleeding disorders; jaundice and weight loss. There may be abnormalities in the stool or urine. Bile production disruptions may cause stool to appear very light colored and jaundice can result in orange-colored urine.<O:p></O:p>
Low Protein Vs. High Value Protein<O:p></O:p>
o Protein-restricted diets reduce the amount of ammonia produced during protein digestion. A compromised liver may not be able to adequately filter this additional ammonia, resulting in a toxic condition. But for most types of liver disease, eliminating protein is not the answer.
Proteins are needed for support and maintenance of liver function and repair. Restricting proteins can, according to the Journal of Nutrition, "complicate a patient's condition, impairing tissue regeneration and recovery from disease." In most cases, a diet of easily digestible protein combined with high quality carbohydrates provides the best solution for dogs with liver problems. Dairy- and soy-based proteins can be substituted for meat-based proteins.<O:p></O:p>
Hepatic Encephalopathy<O:p></O:p>
o There is one exception to this: low protein diets are always recommended if your dog has been diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy. This condition is the result of advanced liver disease or a congenital defect known as a portosystemic shunt. Hepatic encephalopathy impairs brain function because the liver cannot detoxify blood.<O:p></O:p>
The Role of Carbohydrates<O:p></O:p>
o Carbohydrates provide energy. Rice and potatoes provide high quality simple carbohydrates and vegetables are a source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Poor quality carbohydrates found in some commercial dog foods are not easily digested by dogs and increase bacterial fermentation in the colon and may produce excess ammonia. Adding vegetables to your dog's rations provide vitamins and fiber; fiber promotes more frequent bowel movements, which helps to flush toxins from the body.<O:p></O:p>
Supplements<O:p></O:p>
o Susan Eddlestone, DVM, recommends the antioxidant vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) to protect and improve liver cells. Along with other holistic veterinary practitioners, Dr. Eddlestone also recommends milk thistle, an herbal supplement. Silymarin, the active ingredient in milk thistle, protects the liver against toxins and stimulates the production of new liver cells.<O:p></O:p>

 

Did the vet say what could be causing the low protein levels? What food is your dog eating?

 

The vet said it could be a number of things. One would be cancer, or some form of liver disease. This morning is the first morning he has not wanted to eat. About a year ago we switched him to the "better" food, but his body never really got used to it. The Vet at first thought that maybe putting him back on the super market food, I believe Purina, cause he never had stomach problems before. Then in the middle part of June he started to have diarrhea issues and I mean gushers. WE took him in and they thought maybe he got into something. We did the rice and boiled hamberger and gave him antibiotics. after the 10 days were up on the meds he had a bad case of the diarrhea again, so I called the vet again. She then told me to switch back to the food he used to have and watch him. I watched and waited hoping it would firm up but it didn't. Then took him in again and they checked him for worms or anything like that, but there was nothing. The Vet then gave me another antibiotics and told me to come back for a blood test to check his thyroid. we just got those in and that is how we know the protien levels in his liver are low. Now we go in tomorrow for Ex Rays. I just feel completely lost and feel like there is no way I can help.

 

I agree. You need to get a 2nd opinion. 1.5 months is way too long to still have no idea what's going on.

 

run away from that vet as quickly as possible. they are trying to string you along and bleed you dry.

 

Follow the instructions that I sent you in PM and you should see a rapid improvment, if you don't then there is an underlying problem that is probably not correctable.

NGK

 

it is really hard situation. Consulting with a good vet would be good idea.