Persistent diarrhea in young ALD (7 mos) in PNW

[Megan + Willow & Hazel doodles]

First post but have had our older Goldendoodle girl for over 11 years. This is about our new girl- 7 month old Australian Labradoodle Hazel. She's had a touchy stomach since an initial giardia diagnosis in January (a few weeks after we got her). We are in the PNW and while she is not from the breeder with the antiobitic-resistant giardia we were in a puppy group with a puppy from that breeder and that is very likely the giardia she got. Positive giardia in January and  a round of antibiotics (Panacur and Metronidazole) and her next fecal was clear. She's had ongoing bouts with diarrhea however and I thought it was bully sticks or food and we've tried raw, and a few different kibbles. She was spayed mid-May and a week later horrible diarrhea (uncontrollable) and giardia fecal came back positive. Another round of Panacur and Metronidazole. Her fecal in early June came back clear and another last week came back clear (under microscope) but her stool has never firmed up. Conflicting suggestions from our vet and her breeder. Vet is recommending an "exotic" protein like kangaroo. Breeder suggests not switching food right now and using "Firm it Up" (we started today) and a probitoic. We started the vet-recommended probiotic-- Proviable-- five days ago. Current food is Farmina Natural and Delicious codfish (she's been on that approx 2 months).

The diarrhea is continuing and I am open to ANY suggestions. Does she still have giardia and it's just not showing up? Do we need to change food or try a different probiotic? I am incredibly grateful for the expertise of this group.

[Carol and Truffle]

HOORAY!

[Megan + Willow & Hazel doodles]

Just another update that the combo of the  VSL #3 and Wellness Simple Solutions food has made all the difference in the world. Hazel is absolutely 100% and her GI and overall health are better than they have ever been. I'm incredibly grateful!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad! Thanks for letting us know! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We found this to be true for Charlie also.  We need to keep him on the VSL#3 and LID kibble longer than you might with a dog who has an illness  and meds then gets over it - these guys with sensitive tummies, need special handling.  :-}

[Megan + Willow & Hazel doodles]

Hazel is still doing amazingly and we've backed off the VSL #3 to every other day and kept her on the Wellness food. Her holistic vet wants me to change her food to something that has less sugars (carbs), and is suggesting Ziwi Peaks. I am not convinced as she seems to be doing very well. Her vet is concerned the food over the long term will contribute to "inflammation" as she feels it's too high carb. Any ideas on this? I am open to any views.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Well, I guess it depends on whether or not you believe in science, lol. "Inflammation" is a term related to an immune response; carbohydrates (sugars) don't cause an immune response nor do they cause inflammation. 

Ziwi Peak is a good brand, and the foods are very low in carbs: that much is true. They are almost entirely composed of animal proteins, and with that comes very high fat percentages. The fat content of most of the formulas is above 30%. They are also very very low in fiber. That's a guaranteed way to cause loose stools even in a dog who doesn't already have them, lol. 

I would strongly urge you to stick with the Wellness food. 

[Megan + Willow & Hazel doodles]

Thank you Karen. This confirms how I felt and that is what we'll do. Very grateful to you!