Maddie's Sick Again

[maddiesmom]

On Sunday I noticed Miss Maddie wasn't eating her kibble. Since she is such a chow hound I know she is sick when she won't touch the kibble or toast snacks when offered. Monday off the the vet we went. They did xrays and she has in addition to her enlarged heart (which we knew about) she has an enlarged kidney and spleen, plus the vet said a touch of pneumonia. She is now on an antibiotic. She will eat canned dog food and I cooked her some chicken and rice which she gobbled right up. She weights 23 lbs and my question is how much should I feed her at one time?

The vet suggested an ultrasound. Thoughts anyone.

I also am wondering if she would benefit from milk thistle? Any thoughts and what is the dosage.

[maddiesmom]

Came home from work and she appears to be feeling alittle better but still won't have anything to do with the dry food.

[mellie]

I would feed her whatever she is willing to eat- small meals 2-3 times a day and i would definately get the ultrasound and check with your vet to see if the milk thistle is recommended- usually the dose is on the bottle. How old is Maddie -has she always had an enlarged heart ? Sorry she isn't feeling well...

[maddiesmom]

Originally Posted by mellie

I would feed her whatever she is willing to eat- small meals 2-3 times a day and i would definately get the ultrasound and check with your vet to see if the milk thistle is recommended- usually the dose is on the bottle. How old is Maddie -has she always had an enlarged heart ? Sorry she isn't feeling well...

We have been feeding her around a cup of food, at each sitting, 3 times aday. Was just wondering if that is enough. We plan on getting the ultra sound as soon as we can afford it and I will ask the vet about the milk thistle.

[Mally's Mom]

Keeping Maddie in my prayers.

ps Mally only eats twice a day, one third cup each time. Three times a day, one cup, each time our Mally would be in heaven! (our Mally is overweight, though)

pps I would check with your vet if 3 cups of food each day is too much.

Also, I would give her the wet food, or cooked chicken and rice, whatever she will eat.

[dawns2shelties]

I would do the Ultra sound as soon as you can afford it and as Mally's Mom said check on the amount of food you are feeding her with your vet, that does seem like alot for a Sheltie. I am surprised she is also only 23 lbs. with that amount of food so that would be a concern for me as well. Of course you don't want her any heavier but I am surprised she hasn't gained more weight with 3 cups a day.

I hope she feels better soon, please keep us updated.

[Tagg]

Has your vet done any bloodwork to see what her BUN and creatinine are doing. If the kidneys are failing the toxins build up in the bloodstream and the dog will feel sick. Left too long they will seizure. If there hasn't been bloodwork yet, please have one done immediately.

[maddiesmom]

Originally Posted by Tagg

Has your vet done any bloodwork to see what her BUN and creatinine are doing. If the kidneys are failing the toxins build up in the bloodstream and the dog will feel sick. Left too long they will seizure. If there hasn't been bloodwork yet, please have one done immediately.

Thanks, Maddie has had two blood draws in the last three months. I will call the vet and ask about the items you mentioned.

[BarbV]

Originally Posted by Tagg

Has your vet done any bloodwork to see what her BUN and creatinine are doing. If the kidneys are failing the toxins build up in the bloodstream and the dog will feel sick. Left too long they will seizure. If there hasn't been bloodwork yet, please have one done immediately.

Read my mind.....and a full bloodwork....Please ask to test for full 5 panel for Hypo, protein levels, ALT, ALS

What your looking for is hypothyroidism and possible liver/kidney disfunction.

Hugs to you! This is my life.