Winston liver problems update

[bnwebm]

He's at the vet since early this morning, getting a bilirubin (sp?) test. They did bloodwork again and now, his ALP is slightly higher but his ALT is slightly lower. He's lost two pounds but the vet still feels his liver is enlarged. She's going to wait for the results of the bilirubin test and then maybe go for an ultrasound.

I'm hoping after a month of using natural liver detoxifier (has milk thistle in it) this is at least a somewhat positive sign with at least one value decreasing. I do however, want to switch both dogs to a homemade diet because I don't trust dog food companies foods for nutrient value. Has anyone had any experience similar to mine? Advice? Suggestions?

Oh, and as far as using ground turkey (I would be following "Sunny's Miracle Diet), I have a lot of trouble finding ground turkey that doesn't have spices added. Suggestions?

ALSO: I'd be willing to at least switch him to a better quality canned food. He is on Iams canned now and I know thats crap. Suggestions?

[ZoeZoesmom]

No advice, but please know I am keeping your little guy in my thoughts and prayers.

Have you asked any of the butchers at the grocery if they can grind turkey for you?

[bnwebm]

Not yet, but am about to. I was waiting to see if all his levels went down in this month. I think the milk thistle is helping but i'm pretty sure the Iams isn't! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

No advice, but please know I am keeping your little guy in my thoughts and prayers.

Have you asked any of the butchers at the grocery if they can grind turkey for you?

[shaynapug]

I have Kelev on SAM-E. You can get it at Walmart or any drug store.

He seems to be doing well on it!

You're in my thoughts!!!

[bnwebm]

I'll get it, it is in the book on healing canine liver disease. Thank you!

I have Kelev on SAM-E. You can get it at Walmart or any drug store.

He seems to be doing well on it!

You're in my thoughts!!!

[MuShu Mom]

Try an actual butcher shop. I was referred to a local butcher by the vet (holistic) . They do an entire line of ground organic meats just for pets. But any good butcher could grind up turkey necks, with the bones and heart added. I pay about $3 a pound but I get six meals out of it for MuShu.

[Wonka & Nilla]

I have a lot of trouble finding ground turkey that doesn't have spices added. Suggestions?.

We can get ground turkey (without anything added) right in the meat aisle near the ground beef. However, if you have access to a butcher that can grind it, that would be the best route.

ALSO: I'd be willing to at least switch him to a better quality canned food.

There are MANY canned foods that I would consider to be a huge improvement over Iams. You can check something like Whole Dog Journal's food guide for some suggestions or search here on PugVillage.
Sometimes we use a canned meat in place of ground fresh meat in homemade food for our pugs... you can find 90-100% meats in a can from
Wysong: Wysong Au Jus™ Diets ? Natural Dog, Cat, Ferret Food
Evangers: Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Company
Merrick: (this one is not *just* meat, it has other stuff in it too): Merrick Pet Foods - Dry Dog Food
....and probably available from other companies that I'm not aware of.

[bnwebm]

Thank you so much for your help! I think i'll order Wysong, as it's easier than having to go to the store. I did however, get Blue Buffalo today, to give it a try and mix it in with his current food while i'm waiting for the Wysong. From what i've read, he shouldn't be on a high protein diet, because of his compromised liver function. Blue Buffalo has nearly the same ingredients as Sunny's Diet, which I was going to make from scratch.

We can get ground turkey (without anything added) right in the meat aisle near the ground beef. However, if you have access to a butcher that can grind it, that would be the best route.
There are MANY canned foods that I would consider to be a huge improvement over Iams. You can check something like Whole Dog Journal's food guide for some suggestions or search here on PugVillage.
Sometimes we use a canned meat in place of ground fresh meat in homemade food for our pugs... you can find 90-100% meats in a can from
Wysong: Wysong Au Jus™ Diets ? Natural Dog, Cat, Ferret Food
Evangers: Evanger's Dog and Cat Food Company
Merrick: (this one is not *just* meat, it has other stuff in it too): Merrick Pet Foods - Dry Dog Food
....and probably available from other companies that I'm not aware of.

[dmoya]

Hi,
FYI...milk thistle causes frequent urination. No one told me this when our Bowag was on it. He was going about 26x's a day.

[bnwebm]

Really? Winston isn't going any more than usual so far. Did it help your dog?

Hi,
FYI...milk thistle causes frequent urination. No one told me this when our Bowag was on it. He was going about 26x's a day.