Labradoodle with chronic hepatitis

[Barbara Dudas]

I am hoping someone out there will have some experience with this. Over the last three weeks my husband and I noticed some changes in our 8 year old doggie. First we noticed he seemed to have smaller than usual stools and he seemed to be straining. Second he started not wanting to get in the car. He goes to the office everyday with us and jaunt in the last two weeks he was hesitant getting in the car and we had to coax him. On Tuesday we thought his stomach looked a little larger so without hesitation we took him to the vet. An X-ray showed fluid in his abdomen which they drained to make him more comfortable. Blood work showed all his liver numbers were abnormal. They suggested we see a specialist for an ultrasound. We had that done yesterday and it showed what they believe is chronic hepatitis and pretty significant liver damage. At this point they would like to do a biopsy of his liver. The normal outpatient method of doing that is not possible since they are afraid he would bleed too much. They either want to do it in surgery or laparoscopically so we have to consult back with our vet to determine which method is the best for our guy. We have so many questions and are trying to wrap our heads around this. This seemed to come out of nowhere. The symptoms we were seeing seemed pretty minor. We were thinking we'd leave the vet on Monday with some meds or suggestions to relieve constipation and maybe some meds for arthritis. If anyone has any experience with this I would very much appreciate hearing what your experience has been. The big immediate question I have is regarding diet. The last few days I had been feeding him some chicken breasts mixed with broccoli and carrots to try to get him some relief from constipation. Generally he's been eating a mix of a high quality lamb canned food and dry food. He had gotten picky six months or so ago and we started mixing in the canned food (probably a sign of what was happening). Also any idea concerning the method for the biopsy? While I know the laparoscopic procedure is less invasive without specifying it the specialist indicated its an expensive procedure. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. The vet said they see chronic hep more frequently in the lab breed than in other breeds for what it's worth. Thank you!

[Andrea, Belle and Honey]

Karen,
Do you think Vivonex, a low fat supplement for humans which canine nutritionists sometimes recommend for IBD dogs who desperately need to gain weight, might work for Chase? It helped My IBD terrier who went from 7 lbs to 3 lbs regain some much-needed weight without any discernible side effects. Do you know anything negative about it?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I haven't researched it, but a lot of the critically ill dogs in my IBD support group are on it, and it's often recommended by a canine nutritionist who works with some of the members. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'd also add that it's too low in protein and amino acids to be the sole diet for a dog, and should only be used to supplement.

[Barbara Dudas]

Sadly I can see Chase going downhill day by day.  He is really not wanting to eat much at all and he is so very skinny.  I have even taken to trying to hand feed him and he will take some then but not all that he should be taking in.  I've tempted him with everything I can think of - ground meet cooked and mixed in with the food, fresh fish mixed in.  This morning out of desperation I added hot dogs and he ate one piece and walked away.  I'm hoping he eats more during the day.  I was going home at lunch time and trying to feed him then to get a third meal into him.  But I'm thinking that may have been counter productive because it seems he wouldn't eat at dinner time then.  The vet just said to feed him whatever we could to get him to eat - basically whatever it takes.  I'm just starting to feel how hard this is to watch him slowly fade away.  We have a very sad house right now, I'm sorry to say.  On the other hand he seems to be in no discomfort that I can see and still wants to go out and be with us.  I walked him this morning but it was the slowest walk in the history of walks as he doesn't seem to have much energy.  I know that this is probably not going to end well, but it's just so hard watching it happen....

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so sorry to hear this. Having gone through it I know how hard it is. But as long as he is now t suffering....

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I'm so sorry...he's so lucky to have you taking such great care of him.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Barbara I am so sorry to hear this news. I too have been there and know how difficult it can be. I'm so glad your sweet boy has a family that loves him so much and is with him during this time. Thoughts and prayers with you all. 

[charlotte bednarsh]

I am at a loss for words,other than to say I hope you can feel all the love and support from your doodlekisses family.  You and Chase are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Barbara, I am so sorry. I know you are storing up every minute in memories to hold dear later.

[BG and Gavin]

Such a difficult time. I feel your sadness. Hugs to you and Chase.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I haven't been on DK much recently so I'm just reading through the thread and my heart  and my heart breaks for you.  There's nothing I can add to what's been said but you and your sweet boy Chase are in our thoughts  and prayers.

[Barbara Dudas]

With a heavy heart I wanted to tell you all that we put Chase down last night.  I cannot express enough my gratitude for all of your kind words, prayers and suggestions over the last six weeks or so.  You have all been so very kind and I appreciate it more than you will ever know.  Chase was a wonderful dog right until the end.  He deteriorated a lot over the weekend.  From about last Thursday on, he wasn't eating anything at all and from Saturday on he wouldn't take any of his medicine. It was as if he was telling us he had had enough. He was already so very thin and he was losing weight rapidly.  In addition he was retaining fluid again in his abdomen. My two adult children (in their mid 20's) and my husband and I were all with him at the end and I think and hope he could understand everything we were telling him.  We so very much wanted him to know that he had just been the best dog for our family and we all loved him so much.  While I know we made the right decision for Chase because he was starting to really suffer, now we are left with just missing him so much.  It's funny how we can still hear his footsteps in the house.  I think he was the most photographed dog in history so we have a ton of pictures and video to remember him by.  Taking a picture of a black dog isn't easy so we were always trying to get the right one of him :).  Anyway, thank you all again.  One other question - I now have an entire package of Denamarin liver supplement left which I paid about $75 for.  I doubt my vet would take it back since once it is dispensed, even though it is in a blister package, I don't believe it can be taken back.  I wondered if you think there is any place I donate this medication to.  I hate to just discard it. Thank you again.