Multiple complex Schnauzer health issues

by Sonia
(Connecticut)

Hello Dr. Schonbeck. I enjoyed reading your web site; it is very informative and helpful. But I have a complex issue with 4 out of five of my mini Schnauzers who range from 7 1/2 years to 12 years. I have one, 8 years old, with pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. She is presently on Chinese herbs that help the lungs function better by helping to loosen up the phlegm and being less constrictive. She is also a bit overweight. Her mate is nearly 12 years old and showing signs of painful arthritis in the hind legs and some visual impairment.

My two latest victims of serious health issues are the siblings, 7 1/2 year old females. One lost about 4 to 5 pounds quickly and last month diagnosed with diabetes. She is now on 9 units of insulin twice daily and her glucose has not gone less than 1,000 on the keto diastix reading but her ketones have been negative.

Her sister suffered an attack of acute pancreatitis just last week with very high lipase and amylase levels. She was hospitalized for three days on IV drip, pain patches and other medications. Unfortunately, she will have nothing to do with the prescribed Hills I/D or W/D foods but much prefers commercial canned or home cooked foods like boiled chicken or turkey breasts. She has a very good appetite now. The diabetic sister has gone from being a very good eater (she was overweight) to very finicky.

These two diseases, pancreatitis and diabetes, as you know, have opposite dietary restrictions and it is very difficult for me now to find the proper commercial dog food that will be safe for them both. One requires high protein, low carbs, grain free while the other requires lower protein and low fat. I am also having to use low salt/low fat turkey sandwich meats as in between snacks for the diabetic dog as she will not eat on command prior to her insulin injection. I have spoken to conventional and naturalist vets who have conflicting suggestions and ideas and have truly confused me even more. What is the ideal food for Schnauzers who are so prone to these diseases? Is there a palatable canned food that will make them all happy, help reduce weight as well as satisfy their health needs without further complications? I would appreciate your advice!!! I am so confused and frustrated. Thank you!

Reply:

Hi Sonia

Thank you for your question and sorry again for my late response.

This is not easy.

I have been seeking some authorities, and been waiting for their response.

But unfortunately they have not been able to give any help.

I have looked upon Royal Canin and Hills diets as well, to do comparisons.

In my opinion the pancreatitis is more important to take into account in this situation.

But the carbohydrate amount in these type of foods is high.

You could adjust the insulin dose, I am not really happy with this.

No - I am sorry.

One dog food being able to deal with both situations, is hard to find.

The best would be to give the best food for the individual dogs and problems.

Perhaps others......



I would like to see any comments form readers of this if you have any experience dealing with this.

Please come forward and post a comment.

This could help Sonia and her dogs!



I will try to have this on my mind and if i find a possible solution i'll let you know

Thank you for your kind words regarding this site.

DVM Per Schonbeck