Very Thin Standard Poodle

by Carole
(Ontario Canada)

I ahev a 13 year standard poodle. He has always had digestive problem. At age 7 years he had bloat, we saved him, he had the surgery. Then pancreatisis x 2.
I have gone through most good dog foods, have home cooked for him, now he is on canned food, the best I can find, no grains. He acts like a 2year old. Seems healthy, BUT HE IS SO VERY THIN, it breaks my heart. I have spent thousands of dollars, and years surfing the net, looking for some help or suggestion to put some weight on him. His only menications now is Viokonase 16.
I would be very greateful for any help you can offer.
thank you. C.Wilson

My Comment:

Hi Carole

I would really like to be able to see how his is build – so, I don't know how thin he is. With all respect, I often have owners that think there dog is thin but in fact, its all OK.

But unless he is really thin (can see the rib's or the spine) then it is important to realize he is not loosing weight all the time.

As I understand your letter/mail this is not the case, and I see this as very positive.

You do not mention if there is any diarrhea or vomiting neither. I take this as being positive and a sign that these symptoms not being present.

This is positive to.

Have you measured the B-vitamins? - As a first step I would recommend you to do this as this can sometimes show if there is any intestinal malfunction.

In my opinion, with the history of pancreatitis, you are better of to give a special pancreas diet. Now, I don't know how long time has passed since the attacks, or if there is any special cause of the pancreatitis (pizza meal for example) But, so far it tends to be low fat food being the best food for such patients in preventing new pancreas episodes.

Even if its not gain free or high protein dog food, I recommend Royal Canin Intestinal Low Fat in pancreatitis patients.

If no absorption or other intestinal malfunction can be diagnosed, I would suggest to feed bigger meals and see if this.

I have the feeling that you might have done this – and also have the feeling that I might be able to help you solve this problem.

This is only a gut feeling. I hope I am wrong.

If you are able to take a picture and mail to me (as a comment to this post) then I can help you judge if he is too thin or not.

Regards

Per Schonbeck