Poor Gingerbread!

I'm glad he is feeling better too,,,and tomorrow will be even better.

Thanks guys for checking on Gingerbread! I think I worded the Rimadyl thing wrong. They only gave him the injectable Rimadyl at the office; I just meant that I don't want him to ever be given Rimadyl again in the future. They gave him the second injection today because he was still in a lot of pain....
 
He's doing so much better now and I'm definitely looking forward to him being even better tomorrow! []

and I don't want him put under general anesthesia again unless it's a life threatening emergency.

There *is* safe anesthesia for liver dogs! Emma has been under, lightly and heavily, four times, since she was diagnosed with liver shunts. Lightly, we use Dormitor, and wake her up with a different drug (I can't remember). This is what happens when she needs to be sedated for exam and x rays. She's a quite muscular dog, and you can't tell what joint is causing a problem when she tenses on exam. For deep sedations, I don't remember what he used, but she woke up just fine, with IV fluids. Of course, we did extra liver support before and after. Some drugs are metabolised more through the kidneys, and we try to stick to these, with Emma.

BTW, you DON'T need low protein for liver disease. The liver is the only organ that regenerates. It *needs* protein. Unless he's having Hepatic Encephalopathy, I wouldn't go with too low protein (a normal kibble is probably fine, though).

I'd go ahead and get some digestive enzymes, too. Seems common that liver dogs can't keep weight on. I have a heck of a time keeping Emma where ONLY three ribs show.

ETA: I'm glad that Gingerbread is doing better, and I hope that your soon coming bloodwork is perfect!

Em's bloodwork has been perfect for over a year.

Thanks for replying Jennie c_d! I was hoping that you would see this thread because I remembered that Emma has liver issues and that you use milk thistle.
 
That's really good to know that there are certain anesthetics that are better for the liver! I'm going to do some research on that now, that way we'll be prepared if he ever needs anesthesia in the future.
 
As far as the weight issue- I was thinking the same things about digestive enzymes. The main reason I'm switching over to Eagle Pack holistic is that it has the supplements like probiotics added AFTER the extrusion process. I also really like the beet pulp since that encourages growth of the good bacteria... I think the whole food is pretty digestible. I'm hopint that and the combination of neutering will help him to put on a little bit of weight. I guess it's a moderate protein diet... It has 23% protein and 13% fat....
 
That's awesome that Emma's bloodwork has been perfect for a whole year! That definitely gives me a lot of hope in the case that he really does have liver disease. And I guess it just goes to show how much holistic treatments can really help!!

Great to hear the snugglebug is doing better!!  [sm=clapping%20hands%20smiley.gif]We're all pullin' for him!
 
 
Missy, Gracie & Trixie

Thank you for checking on him! [] He's finally 100% better and I'm sooo relieved!