Sorry, this is a long post...lots of information to relay...
Our 3 GSD dogs are having a bad diarrhea problem and we’re hoping
someone here can help figure out what’s going on. Vets cant.
It’s been happening (off and on) for about 3 months and we feel so sorry
for them - their stools are normal – then diarrhea – then normal – then
diarrhea, etc., etc., changing almost once a week or so.
Dogs just don't get diarrhea once a week (had dogs for 37 years) without
something being wrong - let alone THREE dogs.
There have been no diet changes here in over a year as we’ve
consistently fed Iams (based on the dogs weight) and provided filtered
water and never had a problem before. We only give an occasional treat
or snack during training, which doesn’t coincide with the diarrhea
periods.
When this all started we began taking stool samples up to our regular
vet, but he was unable to find any problems to account for the problem
(parasites, worms, excessive hair, etc.). Since the problem persisted,
we started taking samples for EACH dog up to TWO different vets every
week or so. STILL no one can find a problem. Meanwhile our dogs
continue to alternate between regular stools and diarrhea.
We’ve even had blood work done on all 3 dogs with no results.
Our 2 vets can offer no suggestions as to how all three dogs are having
the same problem during the same time period without SOMETHING showing
up in blood work, stools, or even diet changes. They’re 'reluctant' to
(wont) offer medications as they don’t know the cause of the problem.
They suggested Imodium D, pumpkin, rice, etc. the standard remedies -
all of which we do, and it helps a bit, but doesn't cure the problem for
good...
2 weeks ago we changed their food over to Nutro Max and put them on
standard tap water. just to see if things would change -- It made no
difference (although they like the Nutro better cause it's 'new').
This is terrible for the dogs. Has anyone run into something like this
before? Any ideas? I’m familiar with most home remedies for doggy
diarrhea, but they simply (tem****ally) alleviate the problem (which is a
good thing by itself), but I’d really like to find and cure the source
of the problem, so it stops for good.
When your vets can't help, what do you do...?
Open to suggestions.
Thanks.
john _ stlmo at yahoo dot com -- the _ is underscore
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