calliecritturs
Posted : 12/29/2010 3:25:10 PM
CoBuHe
The other piece to that puzzle, is that he gets a small portion (1 cup to 1.25 cups) each meal (TOTW). He has a tendancy to become overweight.
Thanks Johnny -- I didn't have time here to search.
You might also want to check his thyroid but *not* a typical lab. Either have your vet send it to Michigan State or send it to Dr. Dodds (has to be overnighted to either place)
I was having the same type of problem with Luna and that ballooned one day into a full blown attack of gastritis (pretty much no warning). Did a thyroid panel and Ms. I'm-the-Healthy-One turns up a bit low thyroid.
Minimal supplementation (the smallest pill they make) but it's really helped. She's my angsty one and I think the thyroid just pushed her over the edge. Now I give her a little slippy elm along *with* her dinner.
You can get caps easy, but if you poke around at a health store you should find "slippery elm tea" which is usually just slippery elm in bulk. http://www.leavesandroots.com will sell it bulk (and it's good quality) if you do it long term. Slippery elm coats the tummy a bit and is an anti-inflammatory for the gut.
But since you comment on how easily there's a weight gain that *could* be the only symptom you'll get of hypo thyroid. And honestly? Even if you JUST did a typical vet thyroid profile **please** try the breed specific one via Dr. Dodds or Michigan State. It can make SUCH a difference for a borderline dog.
Still will do some looking at home.