Now what do we eat?

[Bichonluver3]

Hi Everybody!

We are relatively new to the site but are trying to become real members of the community. :D I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the info I have I have learned.

Here's my question:
Miss Chloe is currently around 14 lbs. UT diagnosed her as having Atypical Cushings plus mild to moderate Cushing's (go figure!)

She seems to be doing somewhat better after 3 weeks on melatonin and flax oil with lignans.

BUT she was previously put on a vegetarian diet (by another vet) because her triglycerides were slightly elevated. That vet moved away and our current vet says he does not think she needs to be on that diet (she's not gung-ho over that food). Any thoughts. I want her to be on the best diet possible, of course, to maintain her health.

NOW, how about supplements? Any suggestions here? Anything to fortify the immune system or protect the organs?

Thanks for any advice you can give us.

Carrol & Chloe

[BestBuddy]

Hi Carrol,

You already are part of the community.:D As for food there are so many options and different ideas out there. All I can say about this is that it has to be a food your dog enjoys eating, the best quality ingredients you can get and it must keep them at their ideal weight. Over the years I have tried so many different things and each dog is different in his/her needs.

Jenny

[lulusmom]

Hi Carrol,

Many dogs with cushing's have elevated triglycerides but this abnormality usually normalizes once the dog is stabilized on treatment. Did your old vet know that Miss Chloe had cushing's when he recommended the vegetarian diet. If not, I would agree with your new vet and would think that a diet lower in fat with a good quality protein would be better for your baby.

Petco and Petsmart don't carry a lot of the high end foods but Petco has Core Wellness and Natural Balance which are good. Why don't you check out the dogfoodanalysis site and read some of the ratings? There's some good information there and it will help you make your decision. Just make sure you transition Miss Chloe over gradually to avoid digestive problems.

www.dogfoodanalysis.com

[Bichonluver3]

Hi Ladies!

Thanks for the quick replies.

The old vet thought Cushings was the problem and that is why the bloodwork was done - everything came back normal except the triglycerides. The vet that took over, then did low dose dex supp. etc.

The low fat, high protein was what I was thinking. Glad you confirmed. Just didn't want to overload with protein.

She is doing well on the melatonin - lignans regime although did have a lot of panting and thirst last evening but, maybe, because it is so warm here. I cranked up the A/C. Of course, this morning, she is making a liar out of me and no panting (I think she is laughing at me :D).

Do you think I need to include any dietary supplements?

Thanks, again, for the info. You guys are the best!!
Carrol & Chloe

[lulusmom]

Carrol, if you get a good quality food for Miss Chloe, you should not have to add dietary supplements.

[acushdogsmom]

I'll pretty much echo what the others have already said. I was told that the food doesn't have to contain extra high amounts of protein, but it should should contain high quality proteins (which usually come from animal sources) like meat, poultry, fish and egg, for example. Some of our members cook for their dogs, some feed raw and many others feed commercially prepared diets. As long as you are feeding a high quality food, Chloe should do just fine. :)

[apollo6]

Apollo( my 11 year old dachie was also diagnosed with cushing in May 2010) my vet gave me this diet of him , but get input from everyone and most importantly check with your vet
A.M-low fat cottage cheese, Greek nonfat yogurt, egg white
, low sodium turkey slice, supplements

NOON- long grain rice, cooked chicken, teaspoon canola oil,
Lite salt-potassium chloride
ADDED PURRED BROCOLLI,CARROT

AFTER 4P.M-cooked potatoes with skin, chicken
Nutri Deni minichew or Greenie
Halo-Live N Little skin & Coat treat with Salmon
Slice apple, sometimes blue berries, honey melon
I also give him supplements, will be meeting with specialists on what to do next.
Sonja-San Diego, Ca. New member

[Bichonluver3]

Hi Sonja!
Very interesting! What type of specialist are you seeing? We live in Rancho Mirage, CA - 2hrs from you!
Carrol

[Bichonluver3]

Started Chloe on Flax Hulls this morning (instead of flax oil with lignans. I am giving her 1/8 teaspoon (16.8 mg lignan). She weighs 14.2 lbs. Hope this is right dose as I read that Tennessee is now recommending 1 mg lignans per lb of body weight. Melatonin remains at 3mg twice daily. Vet also suggested low residue diet. Should I be giving her anything to boost the immune system?
Carrol