low fat absorbtion

[lesley emery]

anyone got any information on this, we've just had test results from the vet,this is why he's been smelly and has lost some weight,poor Ozzie,just wondered if any one has a doodle with this problem.

[Adina P]

With Celiac disease it IS as simple as removing 100% of all gluten from a person's diet. Harder than it sounds sometimes, but diet is THE only treatment and it is 100% effective. Not sure this is a likely disorder in dogs, though.

[Natasha]

OK - let's break this down. You need essential fatty acids as part of digestion and absorption. Ozzie isn't absorbing fats. That's a good first start as to why Ozzie is experiencing whatever symptoms he may have but it is probably not the root of the problem.

Adina is right - the only thing we, in this community, could do is speculate as to why this is happening and we don't know anything about his symptoms (except that he's not properly absorbing fats and he's taking an anti-diarrheal drug).

So the key question is: Why is Ozzie not properly absorbing fats?

If presented with the same issue, I would go back to that vet or seek the opinion of another vet to get an answer to that question THEN I would determine what to do with his food (temporarily and long-term). Of course, in the interim, if less fat is helping, then great.

But let's see if we can't get to the root cause with the assistance of a knowledgeable expert. If your vet doesn't know - find another one for this issue.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

This is excellent advice, I whole-heartedly agree.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree that proper diagnosis and treatment is essential. If proper fat absorption is not occurring then finding the basis for this is essential. You don't need fatty acids for digestion and absorption but because the body requires them. Eliminating fat from the diet entirely would not only be difficult but would lead to eventual death.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Irish Setters can apparently have celiac disease.
http://www.ehow.com/about_5117452_signs-symptoms-celiac-disease-dog...

[Adina P]

Interesting.

[F, Calla & Luca]

The intestine heals if not exposed to gluten.

[lesley emery]

At last update on Ozzie's allergy.
We changed vet's as advised and low and behold after nurmerous tests, scopes and biopsis he suffers from IBS and is allergic to all poultry, we were feeding him chicken turkey and rice, so infact making him worse,feel so guilty - now he's gained 3kg and is one happy doodle eating steak,only problem now he's not getting any carbs,we've tried supplements but these go straight through him.He used to love his veggie's but won't touch them now,he's been so ill and in turn been so spoilt it's like having a new baby.Thank goodness for pet insurance,we would have had to remortgage the house to pay his medical bills.
Just thought you'd like to know as you were all so kind when I asked for information back in September.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Lesley, I think we're talking about an intolerance to poultry here, not an allergy.
Doesn't the vet have any suggestions about what you should be feeding him? I wouldn't worry about him not getting any carbs, dogs don't really need much in the way of carbohydrates. You might try giving him some lowfat yogurt with his meals. Or you could homecook for him, using beef with potatos, rice, or vegetables, if you're worried about him not getting carbs.
I'm glad you at least got to the root of Ozzie's problem.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Is he really only eating steak....nothing else mixed with it, and no dog food?

[lesley emery]

Yes just steak - i sometimes use mince but have to make it into meatballs or he won't eat it.I have tried him with plain dog bisuits no luck - also the vet said to mix the veg with his meat but if he even smells something in the dish other than meat he wont go anyway near.
He's one big problem - When I go to the supermarket the girls on the cash desk think I live on mince as I buy 20 packets of 800g per week, and stewing steak,if I mix the stewing beef into the meatballs he's happy but he wont eat mince alone.
I think when he wasn't eating we tried tempting him with fresh meat,we hand fed him for days,even now I have to feed him the first few mouthfulls and then move closer to his bowl before he'll eat on his own.He'll need therpy soon or I will,what we do for the love of our doodles.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I think you should join the Food group and look at the homecooking discussions. You could just make sure you do not feed poultry. Jane (above) has had lots of experience with this and homecooks for her Guinness - she has been successful and it has helped her doodle greatly.