Holly update

[Holly Doodle]

We took Holly to the new vet this morning, and he was GREAT! He looked at her long history of diarrhea and vomiting, as well as itchy skin, sneezing etc. He said it is likely there is an allergy component, as well as something else that's causing the digestive issues.  He said she has symptoms that could represent a lot different issues, and he did blood testing to try and narrow it down.  One possibility is that she has a pancreatic insufficiency so her body isn't able to break down the food like it should. He also said she's displaying symptoms of Addison's Disease although he said this is rare. He was surprised our old vet had never done blood testing to rule these things out before starting food trials for food allergies. He gave us a powder to help her digest food, and recommended we try TOTW since we have already tried California Naturals and Natural Balance with no luck. I did not hear the words Science Diet one time, yay!
I felt very good about our visit, I feel like we are a team and he really wants to help us get to the bottom of this. He said we may need to go to an allergy specialist at some point but he would like to get the diarrhea and vomiting under control so she can start eating more regularly first. We will get the results of the blood test in a week or so, I will keep you all posted. Thanks for all of the kind thoughts and support!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

That's just how Guinness was diagnosed. They did all the other tests and ruled other things out....IBS was what was left. If that's what it ends up being, it's really no big deal at all. It's very easy to control. I'll be so anxious for the blood test results.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Laci, I am so glad that you found a vet that reflects your personal philosophies. Teamwork is so important in medical care.

[Holly Doodle]

You're very right! I work at a hospital and nursing homes and I know how hard it is to get someone feeling better when the whole team isn't on the same page. I am relieved to have found a knowledgeable and supportive vet!

[Ronnie & Emma]

im glad tohear that yo have found a new vet that is willing to help Holly and your family out through this bumpy road.
Keep us updated to how she does. Hope Holly feels better very soon..

[shelly]

I'm so glad you had a positive visit. Tori took that magic 'pixie dust' powder - as I called it - too, when she had some left over digestive issues after her pancreatitis while we tried to find a food that agreed with her - but it didn't agree with her... she actually threw up with it... just like Tori to get sick on the stuff that was supposed to help her... probably WON'T happen with Holly, but don't worry if it does. At least now you have some peace of mind and you know you found a vt that will truly help Holly. I too, tend to look at the glass as half empty when it comes to matters that I worry about.. my DH is total opposite and tries to keep me positive and focused. We're going to keep that attitude for you - even if you may get down at times! Good luck!!!

[Holly Doodle]

Thanks Shelly! I didn't realize Tori had pancreatitis, is that something that she overcame? Do you know why she got it? I would love to hear more about it. I hope Holly doesn't throw up the powder, with our luck lately I wouldn't be suprised :). She's already acting more like herself tonight, she's got her spunk back! Thanks for the support!

[shelly]

Oh yeah... I KNOW how she got it.... she got in the garbage after my son threw out some Chinese boneless BBQ pork strips, or should I say the fat from it... He called me up at work crying (he was 11 at the time - last April), thinking... ah she's 'a dog' I told him not to worry - she'll be fine.. NOT... the next day she threw up... then was fine... that night she got sick a bit.. then slept, the next day Saturday... was fine ALL day - until the vet was closed - at 3:30 and got sick again... then she was fine- playing, eating, etc. On SUnday - as we were getting ready to leave for a friend's communion, she got sick again, but this time it was all liquid and streaked with blood... that was it! Off to the ER we went... while we were there she had diarrhea with blood in it. I wanted to die right there - there's that 1/2 empty mode... Dr. scared us by giving all scenarios, but very long story short... she stayed overnight - I had to pick her up in the morning, bring her to the vet where she stayed until 6:00 that night.... she was fine, the vet put her on prescription food,{ and NO more treats (my choice)}.. I wanted to keep her on a lower fat diet, just in case (there's the worrier coming out now). Thank God - she's been fine! Of course I still worry and with this last bout of 'whatever it was' I get worried that it could show it's UGLY face again, but the vet does assure me that it was caused by something she ate, and not something with her own system ,but.... still I watch her closely... after all she IS my baby! But SH! don't tell y son - LOL

SO glad to hear Holly is better. Tori too has been so much more like herself today - playing, running and greeting us at the do!or with her high jumps.

[Holly Doodle]

Wow what a story! I bet your son was so scared. At least you knew what caused it, but that was still probably so scary! I'm glad Tori is all better now :).

[Frannie & Callie]

I am so happy that Holly is on such a good path and that this vet is really on "Team Holly". Hopefully she'll only be improving from this point forward!!!!

[Holly Doodle]

I like that, "Team Holly." I may just have to use that on my page.... :).

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

That's great news! A vet like that is worth his weight in gold. Feel better soon, Holly!

[Nugget's Family]

Sounds like a good visit! Good luck and please keep us posted.

Susan