We went back to visit the nice lady Veterinary specialist and she said that I am doing a lot better. She says that I have Inflammatory Bowel Disease* (IBD) of the upper and lower GI tract and Pancreatitis. Mom has been giving me B12 shots once a week for the last 6 weeks (I am not very happy about that) but they are now going to start to be once a month. They are decreasing my prednisone little by little, though I am going to be taking this for a long time. At my checkup appointment, I hid under the chair that Mom was sitting in so that the Dr would not see me (if I can’t see them, they can’t see me – right?).
Going to the Vet makes me scared and excited. I don’t like it very much. Thankfully, if I keep improving, I won’t have to go to often.
This prednisone stuff makes me super hungry. Mom finds me begging and scavenging for food, which I never did before. That was always Sofie and Charles’ deal. I have put back on some weight, which doesn’t bother me, but Mom is afraid the Dr is going to yell. And, I drink water all the time. All 3 dogs bowls and Charles’ little bowl are empty constantly. Mom is feeding me this expensive Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein (wet and dry), which the Dr says is the best for me, with an occasional hypoallergic dog treat. So far, it seems to be working.
I guess that is all for now. I am happy to be feeling better. Thank you all for the healing energy.
– Louise
*Canine Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a condition that results when cells involved in inflammation and immune response infiltrate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This makes the wall of the GI tract thick and interferes with the bowels ability to move and absorb food. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association defines IBD as an inflammatory infiltration for which no specific cause can be found. This means they try to stop the inflammation and relieve the problem without ever really knowing why it happens. Approximately 50-70% of affected dogs have good long-term outcomes from initial treatment. IBD is not curable and flare-ups can happen throughout the dog’s life. (This is just for your information. I am not a vet or any kind of doctor. I am just a DogMom.)
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤ 
Tags: Blog, dog, dog health, Dog People, dog rescue, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, ibd, inflamatory bowel disease, lorian lipton, Pet, pets, postaday, prednisone, veterinarian
From all of us at DogDaz Zoo,
we wish you the happiest of holidays and
a wonderful NEW YEAR!
We will return on Caturday January 5, 2019, and
look forward to entertaining you for another year!
(in order of age)
Noel (the Christmas cat),
Charles (the Mugwump),
Louise (aka Lulu Belle),
Sofie Bear,
Mr. Nine,
Stella,
and
Mini Cooper
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: cat blog, cats, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, lorian lipton, nature, pet blog
Sofie and Rudolph waiting for Santa Paws.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Animal, Blog, blog hop, dog, Dog People, dog rescue, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, lorian lipton, Pet, pets, Santa Paws, Wordless Wednesday
I found a Sofie and Charles this year to add to the Louise guarding the house for the holidays.
And of course, there is always Mama and baby bear in the woods.
Good thing my neighbors know we are dog crazy.
How come I never find Christmas cat decorations? I guess I may have to make some for next year.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Blog, blog hop, dog, Dog People, dog rescue, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, holiday lights, lorian lipton, Pet, pets, Wordless Wednesday
Blah blah blah blah blah!!!!
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Blog, blog hop, dog, Dog People, dog rescue, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, lorian lipton, Pet, pets, Wordless Wednesday
Tonight we celebrate the first night of the festival of Hanukkah.
When I walked out of my office, Sofie was playing dreidel all by herself. “But Sofie,” I said, “Hanukkah doesn’t start until tonight.”
I bet you it was Mini Cooper who stole the gelt (candy) and the dreidel (top) from the Hanukkah table in the living room and gave them to Sofie (to get her in trouble).
Sofie was not exactly sure what to do with these new prizes, so she brought them to me (good girl!). Dogs don’t get chocolate gelt in this house!
On the first night of Hanukkah, we like to play the dreidel game. In the case of the dogs, we use bones instead of gelt. But someone seems to always spoil the game by running away with a dreidel and try to eat it.
DogDaz Zoo is sending you light and love this holiday season.
May each day bring you closer to your dreams.
Let the holiday games begin!
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Blog, blog hop, cats, dog, Dog People, dog rescue, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, Hanukkah, lorian lipton, Pet, pets, postaday
Louise actually was hungry yesterday. That is such good news since she has been refusing food for weeks now due to pancreatitis. Maybe it was the yummy lean turkey, rice, pumpkin and mixed veggies that I made. Whatever it is, I am so glad that she is taking an interest in food. She actually was jumping up at me, which is her playful way when I am taking her bowl to the mat. Nothing can make a Parent happier (whether dog or human) than to see them eat after they have been sick.
She misses her kibble though. This mushy stuff goes down real quick. Should I try to go back to some commercial dry? And how do I make sure of all the supplements that I should put in my homemade stuff? I am no dog nutritionist and this is becoming a huge experiment (digestive enzymes, fish oil, vitamin E, coconut oil, B12, selenium, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and methionine to name just a few). For years, I have had the feeding of my 7 animals, with 8 different foods, down to a science, but this has now thrown me for a loop because it is going to be long term. Do I move all the dogs to the homemade diet once I figure out the complete mix?
Do you cook for your pup? How do you get the right stuff in the mix? Do you have multiple animals? Do they all eat the same thing?
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Blog, blog hop, dog, Dog People, dog rescue, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, home made dog food, lorian lipton, pancreatitis, Pet, pets
