Advice for Spartan

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JUDY S
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Re: Advice for Spartan

Post by JUDY S »

I didn't buy Iams, it's Acana. The lady from the rescue suggested I stay away from Iams as she had found that a lot of dog seemed to be allergic to Iams. We can't get Hill's here.

He's a rescue, but their guess puts him at about 2 years.

The vomit was on the inside of the e-collar, and I was there when he threw up his supper.

He is eating tree bark and frozen dog poop, yuck, from the back yard. Not sure how to make him stop doing that.
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Traci
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Re: Advice for Spartan

Post by Traci »

Looking at the ingredients, I'm surprised most dogs don't vomit on it :roll:

Iams is a perfectly fine pet food, many rescue people tell you not to feed it or Hill's, because they either want to propogate hype from the net, or want to presuade you into feeding/buying only what they do.

Supervise when he is outdoors, take the time to teach him not to eat tree bark, and scoop dog poop every day.
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JUDY S
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Re: Advice for Spartan

Post by JUDY S »

Well, I went home for lunch and he seems fine. No throwing up as far as I could tell and he was happy and playing. Can dogs get a 24 hr flu?
mamabear
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Re: Advice for Spartan

Post by mamabear »

JUDY S wrote:He is eating tree bark and frozen dog poop, yuck, from the back yard. Not sure how to make him stop doing that.
Judy, is he hungry and just looking for what ever he can get in his mouth?

As far as the stopping him, a simple command of Phooey(Fooey) or No would be good train him to stop eating what he shouldn't be. Let me know if you need help.
Almost 7 years in remission from Graves disease and no meds!
JUDY S
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Re: Advice for Spartan

Post by JUDY S »

I don't think he's hungry, and they all do it. I feed them twice a day and go by what the dog food recommends. None of them are skinny, the vet says that they are a good wieght.

As for help, I would love a magic word to make him listen to me. He is doing much better when we are in an enclosed area. He will stop when he is going for the cats and comes when I call him. However, get him outside off leash and he will come when he is good and ready! I keep telling myself that it's a work in progress and to have patience. It's a good thing that I love him so much already. :)
JUDY S
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Re: Advice for Spartan

Post by JUDY S »

Well the skin samples came back and there was nothing to report. The skin lady questioned whether he might have been subjected to a parasite that he hasn't fully kicked yet and of course we don't know. My vet prescribed Vanectyl-P for him to see if that will clear it up. He is to get 3 tablets twice a day for 4 days and then one pill a day for 90 days! That scares me. I have had bad experienced with pets on meds for long periods of time. Does this sound safe?
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Traci
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Re: Advice for Spartan

Post by Traci »

For what exactly is she prescribing this? Your first complaint was a bald spot, then some time later, vomiting. You're vet is now suggesting possible parasite. So, what exactly is she prescribing the vanectyl-P for?

In my honest opinion, it's overkill and certainly not without side effects. A cheaper and probably more effective way is to change the diet to one that is only one novel source of protein, one Spartan has never been exposed to, wait at least 4-6 weeks if possible in order to note any significant benefits (or re-evaluate with vet if new lesions appear, vomiting continues, etc)

And, in my opinion, she may as well have given Spartan a cortisone shot, it sounds like she's trying to bandaid this.
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JUDY S
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Re: Advice for Spartan

Post by JUDY S »

Sorry, I have obviously missed giving you some information. He has been scratching like crazy. He is now up to two bald spots and he had sores on his nipples from chewing on them. He can't be without his e-collar now as he chews on himself too much. She did mention atopy as well, but suggested we try this first. His vomitting has stopped, so we are dealing with crazy scratching and chewing. I would like to give him some relief. Is it safe to put him on the meds and keep a close eye on him?
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Traci
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Post by Traci »

Even with this info, I still believe her treatment is overkill. A topical might have even been better, combined with: e-collar, new food.

Does he have fleas? Have you used any flea applications on him that he may be developing a reaction to? Do you bathe him, and if so, with what? Do you use carpet powders or other cleaners in the home he is sensitive to? Are the other dogs doing anything similar? (itching) Sorry if I've asked before, has he had bloodwork done? Is he acting like he's in pain? The two problems may or may not be connected. He may be chewing/licking because he's uncomfortable or in pain (internal problem etc), vomiting due to pain or stress (or even food allergy)
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JUDY S
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Re: Advice for Spartan

Post by JUDY S »

He shouldn't have fleas, the vet has treated him twice, I think with revolution. He does not get bathed. I bought a new blanket for them and washed it without detergent. The rug I put in there I vaccumed with baking soda. I don't bathe him. The other dogs are fine. His bloodwork came back fine. He does not act like he's in pain, just itchy.

If there are internal problems my vet said they should have shown up in the bloodwork. He has been on the Acana lamb and rice for two weeks, I changed it in case he had a food allergy. I know that if it's an allergy it could take a long time to figure out.

She did have him on meds for two weeks. An allergy type one and a penicillan or something, and he stopped scratching during that time, but started again a week later.

Thanks for your advice.
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