The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

Hi Everyone...I have not been on the forum for awhile, so thought someone out there might have some ideas about this one(or experienced the same thing). My cocker was diagnosed with Cushings a few years ago and unfortunately has had a few secondary diseases result from the cushings disease. She has been on Trilostane which has worked great for her with no obvious side effects, but just within the last month she has had a bout with mild pancreatitis(chronic) and has also been diagnosed with kidney problems. The vet of course, recommended a prescription renal diet of canned and/or dry renal diet dog food. This in itself was difficult to switch to, because I have always fed our dogs wholesome grain free food, but of course because she can no longer tolerate those other foods because of the renal and pancreatitis problems, I have had to switch her to the prescription diet. The big problem comes in because she lost alot of weight due to vomitng and the vet put her on some anti-nausea meds for a few days, along with antibiotics and we are also giving her subdural fluids to help flush out her kidneys for awhile. She started eating the canned Science Diet k/d pretty well for a few days and also some of the dry Science Diet dry, but she is a naturally picky eater to begin with and all of a sudden either is eating very little or totally refusing to eat the prescription diet. I'm not sure if the anti-nausea meds could be causing her to loose her appetite.(she's almost done with these) It sounds strange, but I tasted some of the canned and dry food (without eating it!) and it has absolutely NO flavor or taste to it! No wonder she's sick of the stuff! My question is: Has anyone had this problem and is there any way of making the food taste better without adding additional protein, phosphorus, sodium, etc. or anything that a dog with pancreas or kidney problems cannot have? I know this is a tough question, but thought there might be someone out there who may know. I really need her to eat enough to try and get a few pounds back on her! Thank you so much! (Sorry, I meant this to go in the "Caring for your Cocker" forum).

Rusty:

I moved your post.

I'm sorry your little one is having health problems. I'm sure someone will be on shortly to give you some advice.

I agree with Juanita. Try the broth (low salt). Also - ask the vet about adding things like schredded chicken or ground beef and things like that that fit into the special needs of your pup. If you can add just a little of something tasty it may make it go down better.

My Tucker had a near fatal bout of pancreatitis last February but now does well on Wellness Simple (not simple 5) lamb and brown rice. No bowel or belly issues since but that is of course all he gets along with Soloxine for thyroid issues stemming from the pancreatitis.

I am sorry you are going through so much with the pup. I have no experience with the prescription diet but you might add some flavor with chicken broth maybe homemade with low sodium and from chicken breast with no fat(due to the pancreatitis) what about the other way around with some sweet flavor. My friend had a poodle with problems with kidney stone that went on prescription diet and also the vet recommended distilled water as it has less minerals. Have you asked about the water?
Today my Holly who is a foody and will eat at all times if you let her did not want her food at all. I have been putting some garlic and vitamins due to her severe arthritis and she is on some heavy medication that I think I messed up so I had to boil chicken and mix it up. She ate but she scared me a lot thinking that she was sick. As a puppy she had so many issues with food and will not eat for days.

First of all...Thank you so much Tina for moving my post...much appreciated. And thank you everyone else for the great ideas also! I will check with my vet to see if he thinks they're ok to try. You know, I never thought about the water. I know that when we go up by my in-laws, they have well water. I wonder if well water has alot of extra minerals in it that may not be very healthy for certain dogs? That's something I'll have to look into. Thank you again all and hope you have a nice evening! :)

Science Diet has done a wonderful marketing job at coming up with perscription foods and vets seem to buy into it. When you look at what is in those foods, it is really poor quality. I know of a few people whose pets refused to it also. There is a safe additive that dog food companies use to heighten taste and smell, and therefore, entice the dog to eat the food. You can buy it and sprinkle it on the food. I can't for the life of me remember the name of it but if you google the subject you will probably come across it. Someone else mentioned a particular Wellness brand, which might be a good idea or home cooked meals. I imagine this is very frustrating for you!