[LoveMyBriard]

I'm hoping someone can offer me some advice on how to proceed. My 8 year old Briard had gotten bloat and consequently had surgery to remove her spleen and gastroplexy to prevent future episodes. She is currently taking Denamarin to improve her liver function and Metaclopramide to help with stomach motility. She has never been a good eater, always thin, but now seems to be wasting away. I do get her to eat about 1/2 cup organic chicken and rice dry dog food, mixed in with 1/2 rice, and a little chicken with broth mixed in - but she keeps losing weight. I was supplementing with A/D diet, but she now looks at it with disgust. Is there anything else to try? Probiotics, Supplements? Please Help!

[FionaLeigh]

If she is turning her nose up at A/D then she is most likely sicker than you realize. That is a great prescription food that fuels appetite and weight gain. I would suggest you call your vet asap. At this point I would let her eat as much chicken and/or rice as she wants and possibly some PLAIN pumpkin, that seems to always settle the stomach. Another thing you can try is meat flavored baby food. It might be a bit expensive but it might quick start her appetite!

[LoveMyBriard]

Thank you for your post. I had been worrying that she was not yet on the road to recovery - after all she had been through (about 5 days in the hospital and two follow-up appts) I was hoping I could nurse her back the rest of the way at home. After getting your post, I realized I was in denial and took her to the vet this morning. She is scheduled for barium x-rays on Monday so the vet can get a clearer picture as to what is going on. In the meantime, I've given her some chicken/couscous/dog food mix this morning. She ate about 2/3 cup. I will try more later today. I will also buy the meat baby food and pumpkin you suggested. Thanks again for your post. I really appreciated it.

[LoveMyBriard]

Thank you for your reply. After all she had been through, I guess I was just hoping I could nurse her back to health on my own, but I agree, I probably have been in denial. At your prompting, I took her to the vet and she is scheduled for barium x-rays on Monday. In the meantime, I will continue with the chicken and rice and will also try the baby food and pumkin. Thank You so much for your input. I really appreciate it.