Having to take Jack off Orijen or at least mixing it

[Jennifer and Jack]

This has been such a long ongoing process for me. When it was just Jack that had the inflamed bowel loops and constipation/loose stool I was thinking for sure that it was just because of issues going on here.

Molly was at the vet yesterday, I didn't post on here because it was just for dehydration/diarrhea and so many of you have such bigger issues. The did some testing on Molly and Molly also has inflamed bowels.  Thickened loops etc. They actually were not totally sure she did not ingest something since she was so inflamed.

This was Molly's vet in Hilton Head and while I am less then impressed with the foods she recommended, she agreed Orijen is a good food, a great food but that some dogs, especially little ones with sensitive stomachs can not handle the richness and that she has seen more and more dogs come in with inflamed bowels.

My mom who is 70 years old and still lives by the idea that doctor is right no matter what, was ready to put Molly on Royal Canine or whatever it is called. 

I had started cutting Jack's Orijen a while back and mixing it with Fromm grains and it seems like that has helped a bit with Jack, however, we are going back to Dick Van Pattens Natural Balance. It is an okay enough dog food, it is the dog food both Molly and Jack came to us on, Jack loved it, ate well on it and his poops were perfect.

I will update you in a few months after Jack and Molly have been on it, to let you know how their poops are, and I will be getting another test of Jack's intestines to see if the swelling went down.

You know it was a hard decision because I know Orijen is so good, however, if I can get the inflammation down in Jack and now Molly's intestines, I will be thrilled. Sometimes good enough has to be good enough...and Jack and Molly  eating and pooping appropriately is going to have to be good enough. 

I am glad DVP is at least an acceptable form of dog food, though not the best.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

JD is also on Natural Balance now. He's getting one cup of cooked chicken breast for every cup of kibble, to boost the protein levels. Without it, the high carb percentages result in a huge volume of stool, and it's soft. His new specialist confirmed that too much carbohydrate will increase stool volume for most dogs, and can also result in softer stools. I'm glad that's not the case for your dogs.

It just goes to show that every dog really is different and what works for one doesn't always work the same way for others.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Actually my mom said that Molly has had an increase in her stools but they are still very good, Jack finally can have a normal Bowel Movement without straining.....

I like the idea of adding chicken breast in the mix. For now we are leaving well enough alone but I may do that in the future.

I want you to know I don't ask because I am sure you are tired of talking about it, sort of like how I can get myself sometimes, but I think and pray for you and JD all the time and hope he is doing well.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

He's in a "stable condition". His weight is up and his B12 levels are back in the normal range. He's not in remission yet, and still on prednisone daily, but he is absorbing nutrients, so that's positive. Just saying that much scares me, I'm superstitious. I'm still trying to come to terms with the fact that he has another incurable illness which hit us from out of the blue, and the whole thing just makes me terribly sad and worried for the future. So I haven't been talking about it. But we do appreciate your thoughts. :)

[Jennifer and Jack]

Karen, I know exactly what you are saying I am not superstitious at all, but I swear every time I say Jack or I are progressing, stable, or moving forward, one of us gets our rear ends beat, usually me. I am glad that things are what you said, I will knock wood for you just because I understand so much.

I also appreciate the full effects of an incurable disease as you well know and I understand the waves of emotion that come and go with that. I honestly believe with my whole heart it is harder on the loved ones then it is on the one who is sick.. I know that sounds silly but it is true. 

I don't ask you because I know that it is hard, but as long as you know, I and I am sure everyone on here is thinking about you and JD all the time... I sure do that is for sure..

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks Jen.

 

[Deborah DeRose]

I am new to this, and just learning - but Colleen Ewart has told me that if you add a couple of tablespoons of pure canned pumpkin on his food - it will relieve his loose stools. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Fiber can help, but it depends on what is causing the loose stools in the first place.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

One nice thing about the Natural Balance LID line is that they make biscuits in all of the formulas, in two different sizes, so if your dog has to be on a restricted diet, he can at least still have "treats." This has really been a big help for me with JD, it was very hard for me and confusing for him when he couldn't have the "rewards" he was accustomed to getting for specific behaviors.

[Jennifer and Jack]

I know and my Jack will not touch those treats from NB LID though, He smells it and snubs his nose at it... Picky picky picky!!!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

NB also carries some food rolls that come in LID (I know there is a Duck and a Lamb).  I use those for training.  I cut them up into small little chunks and store them in a baggie.  They are like puppy crack.  I have even used some of those rolls in the past as a food topper by grating it over the kibble.  They are pretty cheap too which is a definate plus!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

And they make canned versions of the LID formulas, too, which is nice if you need a topper or soft food to hide meds.

In his former life, JD would never in a million years have eaten the biscuits. But he's so hungry now from the pred and the drastic weight loss, he will eat anything. Yesterday, he actually did refuse a biscuit...he was holding out for something better. It made me feel good that his picky ways are returning!

[Jennifer and Jack]

Well that was short lived Jack is back to straining and loose poop! The only thing I can think of is he is getting too much topper, which is Evangers duck. He only gets one tablespoon. I can't imagine what else it is!!!! I do have the cans of limited ingredient, I will try that !!! I hate to have to give him plain dry kibble..

I have seen those rolls as well, I may try them if I can't get him to eat.

Karen I have to say I feel,Jackdoodles pain on being starving from the steroids, and unfortunately I do not have anyone givingme portion control!