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Boo is 19, and had a history of treatment for intestinal inflammation. Currently, inflammation is controlled with 2.5 mg of Prednisone,every other day, and a B12 tablet, 3 times a week. Often IBD dogs have low B12, which can decrease appetite among other things. It is a simple blood test but not every veterinarian does it.

Boo eats a prescription home cooked diet from a company called JustFoodForDogs. The protein source is lamb. Boo is a picky eater but will usually eat this food. His weight fluctuates between 11.8 to 12.3 pounds. Blood panels from last month were completely normal.

Prednisone has worked for him. However, it was carefully titrated to find the lowest effective dose. He has been taking it for more than two years.

Ellie is in a similar situation. She has Cushings, IBD (endoscopy) AND lymphangiectasia (clogging of the lymphatic ducts which absorb fats). She goes on strike regularly and refuses to eat the various prescription diets. For now, we're still in the early stages, she too eats JustFoodforDogs. But she wants variety!!! So for the moment she gets JFFD venison, chicken and rice and fish and sweet potato. Is Boo willing to eat only the lamb? Is there a reason you've limited him to this?

 

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Hi-our just 12 year old Hav was dx about 2 years ago with Cushing's. He has taken Vetoryl and done well. Over the past 9 nine months his appetite has been decreasing and he has lost significant weight. About a month ago he had an endoscopy and they found a lot of inflammation. Everything else is normal. Vet started him on Atopica and very little improvement. Now as a last ditch effort trying Prednisone but still he really won't eat. Eats very small amounts every day. Have offered him every dog food imaginable as well as chop meat, steak, chicken. Anyone have any suggestions or experience with this? thank you.

When they did the endoscopy did they check for lymphangiectasia (clogging of the lymphatic ducts which absorb fats). If he has this, it prevents proper nutrient absorption which could make him lose weight. He could also feel nauseous or have acid reflux, all of which would reduce his interest in food.