dancing cloud Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 (edited) I know the more-usual problem is keeping food away from them, but our eldest dog Kia has been a poorly girl for about three weeks now and is not eating much at all - not even scrounging from us . I'm therefore seeking ideas as to what I can try to tempt her with? I've tried dog food, cat food, tuna, salmon, chicken, pork, my food from my plate, the cat's food from the cat's bowl, and the vet has given her Hills a/d, all of which she barely looks at before she walks away. It began with bad teeth, which Kia had removed under full sedation, and she has been unwell ever since. She wheezes sometimes and throws her head back and yodels, and is a long way from her usual bouncy self. Most worryingly, she barely touches her food and she is usually such a greedy thing. It's a good job she was somewhat tubby at the start of this, as she's now rather svelte. The vet has freely admitted she doesn't know what's wrong after x-rays and a scan of her chest and stomach, and Kia's going back for a barium meal on Monday to see if that shows anything, but I am desperate for ideas to get her eating. At the moment, she could have caviar drenched in white truffle oil, if it would make a difference! Any ideas for what else can I try, please? Edited April 11, 2016 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 Oh poor Kia What about a small amount of grated cheese or some live yoghurt? Just thinking that they might be easy to eat? I'm sure that your vet has discounted this but she couldn't have something stuck in her throat could she? Poor girl... I hope that you get to the bottom of the problem and that she's back to her old self soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 Hi, have come across this before with an elderly yorkie, apparently they start to lose their sense of smell as they get older and the advice was to warm the food up to increase the smell, it worked with that little dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted April 7, 2016 Author Share Posted April 7, 2016 The x-rays found nothing in her throat - we wondered about that, but nothing so obvious or easily cured The Hills a/d can be smelled all round the house and the other two dogs and Loki-cat all go mad for it. It's basically a high-calorie mush that's excellent for recovering pets, but Kia just gives it the face . I can certainly try warming it - will try anything! She's already refused cheese and I'll have a go with live yoghurt. At least I can eat that if she won't! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 I have fussy Schnauzer who goes off food for days,she likes scrambled eggs. Also would she drink milky things? Would she drink Ensure,or is there a doggy equivalent. How long since her teeth removal,could her gums be sore? Have you tried painkillers and then food an hour later. That might show discomfort the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 Was also going to suggest scrambled egg, add a bit of cheese for more protein/fat. Mine also love raw egg. My old collie had a lot of problems with his teeth, I got him to eat warm soggy wetabix with quite a bit of sugar. I've heard of people giving their dogs rice pudding and frozen bananas. Hope she starts eating soon. If she used to be a bit of a scrounger would she prefer to steal food? The only way I could get worming tablets down our last rottie was to be cooking in the kitchen and "accidentally" knock a cheese covered wormer off the worktop and then tell him to leave it. Just because he thought he couldn't have it he would wolf them down before he knew what it was. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 Sorry to hear your dog is not feeling well. When our Daisy was feeling poorly we used to get her the hot sausages from the meat counter in Morrisons. I hope she gets better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted April 7, 2016 Share Posted April 7, 2016 My vet prescribed my previous cat some liquid painkillers for a tumour. It did wonders to her energy, activity and also to her appetite! I almost felt we had a kitten for a while! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted April 8, 2016 Author Share Posted April 8, 2016 Thank you everyone. Me and my dad sat with Kia for much of the night, as she was very wheezy and clearly not a happy dog . He's taking her to the vets again this morning and we are both not optimistic about her coming home - a difficult conversation and lots of tears, the very worst part of pet-owning . There is still a chance the vet might identify why she's so ill and be able to cure her, but realistically we have explored so many options and I feel the time has come to call a halt, especially as the vet has already said she does not know what's wrong. We will still have Kia's son and daughter, and a Loki-cat and two hens to keep us company, but she will be much missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 it really is the worst part of pet owning. Thinking of you xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 Oh I'm so sorry Thinking of you and sending big hugs xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 I am so sorry, definitely the worst part of our pets, she is obviously very well loved but its still really hard to make that decision. Thinking of you. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted April 8, 2016 Author Share Posted April 8, 2016 Thank you for all your support, it's very much appreciated. After all that, slightly better news - Kia's home at least until Monday Having kept us up most of the night with her wheezing and looking very sad, my dad took her as soon as the surgery opened, not expecting to bring her back. Apparently by the time the vet got to see her, Kia was looking round at all the other patients, bright-eyed and interested, and never wheezed once Little monkey! Good job we've known that vet a long time and she knows we don't go unless there really is something wrong. The vet has given her a steroid injection to try to assist with her breathing and she's due to go back on Monday. Breathing a big sigh of relief, for now at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groovychook Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 That's good news, I wasn't expecting that I hope the steroid helps her and keeps the wheezing at bay. Keeping everything crossed for you, please give Kia a soothing stroke from me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 So glad there is slightly better news. Hope the steroid injection works and fingers crossed for a more relaxed weekend xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted April 8, 2016 Author Share Posted April 8, 2016 There'll be lots of cuddling and probably a few more tears when I get home, considering I'd said my goodbyes to her before I left this morning. Remains to be seen whether she'll eat or not - little wotsit! Gorgeous gentle cuddly little wotsit ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loumabel Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 I am so sorry to hear about Kia, they do break your heart don't they. I really hope she improves soon. Just a crazy thought but has your vet ruled out lungworm? My brothers dog had it a year ago and had very similar symptoms. I am sure they have thought about this but just wanted to mention it to you. I hope you don't mind praying for a happy outcome for you. X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 That sounds like more positive news, hope she does well over the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 Fingers crossed here too xxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clucker1 Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 My fingers crossed for you, dogs are such a special part of our lives xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted April 8, 2016 Share Posted April 8, 2016 Hope the steroids give her a boost,they might restore her appetite which will make her feel better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinsk Posted April 9, 2016 Share Posted April 9, 2016 Just had a thought, would she take condensed milk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted April 10, 2016 Author Share Posted April 10, 2016 Yesterday she ate some yoghurt - would lick it off my fingers but would not take it from a spoon . Today she won't even look at yoghurt . Probably our last day with her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted April 10, 2016 Share Posted April 10, 2016 Oh I feel your pain. Enjoy her while she's here and you will know when the time is right. xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
