MissPennyLue
New member
- Jun 20, 2011
- 534
- 39
- Bulldog(s) Names
- Penelope Lue (Penny)
Hi friends,
It's been awhile since I've posted on here....and each time it's with problems!
Quick back story - Penny had recurrent UTI's since last Jan (2014). We switched vets last May. She's been on antibiotic after antibiotic. Our vet tried some supplements (DL Methionine) to not mess with her food (Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast). The supplements didn't help. Long story short after the last round of antibiotics in Jan her follow up urine analysis showed trace blood in her urine & persistent struvite crystals. This was after x-rays & a bladder ultrasound. The vet recommended prescription food (Hills Science Diet Urinary c/d). Against my better judgement, but at my wits end with the UTI's we did a trial of the Hills in Feb. She's been on it since with NO UTI's which is amazing.
Fast forward to now. We made it through Spring on benadryl with no major allergy issues...she's not been great, but ok. We usually end up with a breakout of hives. The last few weeks, she is not feeling good. VERY itchy. Lethargic. She has a spot on her neck that the vet doesn't know what it is. We went back today to have it rechecked bc the cream he gave us didn't work to clear it up & her allergies are really flared. He did a scraping on her neck for demodex which was clear. Her head/face is inflamed, especially one eye. Her folds are red and irritated, she is shedding a ton. We have been doing everything preventative we know to do....wiping & drying her folds, benadryl, etc. etc. etc. He have her a steroid shot & oral prednisone for the next ten days, a shampoo, and omega three supplements. HOWEVER, he doesn't want us to switch her food from the Hills bc it's maintaining the UTI issue.
I have done a lot of research & I don't know what to do with her! Tomorrow I am calling another vet who is known to be more "holistic" to see if we can get in for a consultation with her. My husband & I both agree that we need to do something with her food, but don't know what.
I have looked into Honest Kitchen based on some recommendations here. They recommended Keen (I believe) for dogs w urinary issues, but not necessarily for skin issues. BUT, I am wondering if the overall improvement in quality of food wouldn't help her skin indirectly while hopefully maintaining her urinary status. Keen is not grain free and turkey based...I Know many bullies don't do well w poultry. They also have a grain free beef & fish, but the lady I spoke with specifically said Keen for dogs w urinary issues.
Also, I am looking at supplements for her. Seems like NuVet is the way to go? Does anyone do NuVet AND a probiotic both?
I am SO overwhelmed! I'm 35 weeks pregnant & NEED to have her on a new plan in the next few weeks before this baby comes, plus I feel incredibly bad for her. I don't know where to start. I was thinking maybe getting her on the supplements first & then trying the food switch? I don't know. SOS!
It's been awhile since I've posted on here....and each time it's with problems!
Quick back story - Penny had recurrent UTI's since last Jan (2014). We switched vets last May. She's been on antibiotic after antibiotic. Our vet tried some supplements (DL Methionine) to not mess with her food (Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast). The supplements didn't help. Long story short after the last round of antibiotics in Jan her follow up urine analysis showed trace blood in her urine & persistent struvite crystals. This was after x-rays & a bladder ultrasound. The vet recommended prescription food (Hills Science Diet Urinary c/d). Against my better judgement, but at my wits end with the UTI's we did a trial of the Hills in Feb. She's been on it since with NO UTI's which is amazing.
Fast forward to now. We made it through Spring on benadryl with no major allergy issues...she's not been great, but ok. We usually end up with a breakout of hives. The last few weeks, she is not feeling good. VERY itchy. Lethargic. She has a spot on her neck that the vet doesn't know what it is. We went back today to have it rechecked bc the cream he gave us didn't work to clear it up & her allergies are really flared. He did a scraping on her neck for demodex which was clear. Her head/face is inflamed, especially one eye. Her folds are red and irritated, she is shedding a ton. We have been doing everything preventative we know to do....wiping & drying her folds, benadryl, etc. etc. etc. He have her a steroid shot & oral prednisone for the next ten days, a shampoo, and omega three supplements. HOWEVER, he doesn't want us to switch her food from the Hills bc it's maintaining the UTI issue.
I have done a lot of research & I don't know what to do with her! Tomorrow I am calling another vet who is known to be more "holistic" to see if we can get in for a consultation with her. My husband & I both agree that we need to do something with her food, but don't know what.
I have looked into Honest Kitchen based on some recommendations here. They recommended Keen (I believe) for dogs w urinary issues, but not necessarily for skin issues. BUT, I am wondering if the overall improvement in quality of food wouldn't help her skin indirectly while hopefully maintaining her urinary status. Keen is not grain free and turkey based...I Know many bullies don't do well w poultry. They also have a grain free beef & fish, but the lady I spoke with specifically said Keen for dogs w urinary issues.
Also, I am looking at supplements for her. Seems like NuVet is the way to go? Does anyone do NuVet AND a probiotic both?
I am SO overwhelmed! I'm 35 weeks pregnant & NEED to have her on a new plan in the next few weeks before this baby comes, plus I feel incredibly bad for her. I don't know where to start. I was thinking maybe getting her on the supplements first & then trying the food switch? I don't know. SOS!