cowanbree Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 I have a 13yr old sheltie who for the past 18mths has had bowel issues. He had had every test under the moon and they are all negative so the vet has decided he simply has an irritable bowel which is incurable but can be controlled to a certain degree via food and steroids. Through a lot of trial and error I have found a food which he is markedly better on but he still goes to the toilet about 10 plus times a day if not more which must be miserable for him. I was wondering if anyone has any homeopathic suggestions which may help settle his bowel. As far as I can tell every time there is something in his bowel it irritates and he gets the urge to toilet. I don't want to trial any different foods as we have tried so many and they just make things worse but I wondered if there was an alternative to conventional medicine which isn't working for him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 (edited) Slippery Elm Bark powder as a food supplement is often used by people and/or their dogs in cases of irritable bowel. I have found Coconut Oil (UNrefined, virgin, cold pressed, organic) has also been helpful. This latter one simply something I've added into my own dog's diet and whether it is a coincidence or not, I have over time noticed an improvement. There have been times when my dog was off his food (he has digestive issues) yet a short(ish) time after eating Coconut Oil, would return to a meal and consume it. I don't think these are "homeopathic" remedies, but are "natural" remedies. I'm not a Vet. I'm not a Canine Nutritionist. ETA: I'm a bit frustrated at the diagnosis of "Irritable Bowel". It's a bit like "Chronic Fatigue". IE A set of symptoms but don't know why. Not blaming the Vets, but there has to be a cause, surely? Edited March 18, 2012 by Erny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanbree Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 That is exactly how I feel. Instead of just saying I don't know irritable bowel covers just about everything, very frustrating. I really feel for the poor dog and often consider having him pts but I keep thinking there must be a solution to this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mason_Gibbs Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 Hmm my dog has something similar but we worked out it was food allergies, as well as making him itch some foods like chicken actually make him have diarrhea and poop blood - not pleasant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
german_shep_fan Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 I would also love to know if there is anything that can fix this problem My 7yr old GSD TroyBoy has had bad cases of IBD on and off for the last 10mnths since my old sheppy died We ended up putting him on canine ZD dry ect as this is the only food his poor tummy can handle. He has had it in the past but one round of antibiotics always cleared it up again. But ever since my beautiful Tara passed we have only been able to control it and nothing more. I understand how you are feeling CB, its very frustrating. Vet says they don't really have a cure, they only know how to control it Trouble is, the ZD food is SO expensive I love him to death and don't mind paying it, but would love to know if there are alternate remedies that people have had success with as at this point it seems like he may be on ZD for a while longer too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 i would ask another opinion. Unfortunately, it may be that ,at his age , his body is wearing down ....and his muscle tone has changed ..or there may well be another cause. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nowstarin Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 You could try using cornflour. Mixed into a paste and syringed down gob or sprinkled in with food. For a sheltie i would use a level desertspoon full per day. It has a natural binding effect and replaces irritated gut linings. I have used this remedy for years with huge success. ALSO Being a sufferer of Crohnes disease myself I get great relief from this treatment at times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mason_Gibbs Posted March 18, 2012 Share Posted March 18, 2012 I would also love to know if there is anything that can fix this problem My 7yr old GSD TroyBoy has had bad cases of IBD on and off for the last 10mnths since my old sheppy died We ended up putting him on canine ZD dry ect as this is the only food his poor tummy can handle. He has had it in the past but one round of antibiotics always cleared it up again. But ever since my beautiful Tara passed we have only been able to control it and nothing more. I understand how you are feeling CB, its very frustrating. Vet says they don't really have a cure, they only know how to control it Trouble is, the ZD food is SO expensive I love him to death and don't mind paying it, but would love to know if there are alternate remedies that people have had success with as at this point it seems like he may be on ZD for a while longer too. Now my dog cannot tolerate any kibble, ZD was actually one that made him the worst he has ever been - he does best on raw with VAN, I have worked out what suits him and I won't be changing anytime soon!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanbree Posted March 18, 2012 Author Share Posted March 18, 2012 Mac can't have any kibble or raw, tried so many and they all set him off. A friend of mine suggested I try him on a simple dog roll from the supermarket. Not something I have ever fed before or want to again but he is the best he has been for years on it so I have to get over myself and accept that for Mac it is the right food. I am going to try the Slippery Elm Powder, very slowly as he just can't tolerate any changes to this diet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
german_shep_fan Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 I would also love to know if there is anything that can fix this problem My 7yr old GSD TroyBoy has had bad cases of IBD on and off for the last 10mnths since my old sheppy died We ended up putting him on canine ZD dry ect as this is the only food his poor tummy can handle. He has had it in the past but one round of antibiotics always cleared it up again. But ever since my beautiful Tara passed we have only been able to control it and nothing more. I understand how you are feeling CB, its very frustrating. Vet says they don't really have a cure, they only know how to control it Trouble is, the ZD food is SO expensive I love him to death and don't mind paying it, but would love to know if there are alternate remedies that people have had success with as at this point it seems like he may be on ZD for a while longer too. Now my dog cannot tolerate any kibble, ZD was actually one that made him the worst he has ever been - he does best on raw with VAN, I have worked out what suits him and I won't be changing anytime soon!!! Was your boy diagnosed with IBD also? So strange how some things work well for some dogs who have it but not others I am glad you have found something that your boy does well on :) I think i remember seeing you post that Gibbs had to have an operation? I hope he is mending well :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mason_Gibbs Posted March 19, 2012 Share Posted March 19, 2012 (edited) No they diagnosed him with food allergies but his symptoms are / were very similar to IBD Yes Gibbs had surgery on thursdsy he is doing well Edited March 19, 2012 by Mason_Gibbs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanbree Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 I wanted to do an update on this post. Thought I would try the slippery Elm first and preserved with it for a fortnight without any real change and then gradually he started improving. For the last mth he has had normal stools for the first time in nearly 3 years. He is a lot happier and no longer walks round all hunched up so I am delighted. Long may it last, touch wood Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lavendergirl Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 This is a really interesting thread - so pleased the Slippery Elm seems to be helping What a pity more vets don't suggest these natural remedies - how many dogs have been PTS when something simple like this could have helped them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormie Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 (edited) I'm pretty sure true Inflammatory Bowel disease (which is commonly treated with steroids) can be diagnosed by a biopsy of the bowel. But glad to hear the Slippery Elm has worked. eta quote How Is IBD Diagnosed? Your veterinarian may suspect IBD after evaluating your dog's symptoms, but the only definitive way to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease is through a biopsy. This is usually is performed only after other conditions that might be causing the dog's symptoms, like parasites or organ diseases, are ruled out. The biopsy can reveal the quantity and type of inflammatory cells in the intestinal wall. Blood work, radiographs, ultrasound and microscopic fecal examination are often recommended prior to performing a gastrointestinal biopsy. Edited May 1, 2012 by stormie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Mary Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I wanted to do an update on this post. Thought I would try the slippery Elm first and preserved with it for a fortnight without any real change and then gradually he started improving. For the last mth he has had normal stools for the first time in nearly 3 years. He is a lot happier and no longer walks round all hunched up so I am delighted. Long may it last, touch wood I am another who uses Slippery Elm with success for a dog with who seems to have food allergy to chicken and chicken by products. He also has Hills ZD but can also tolerate RC Hypoallergenic which he is fine on most of the time but occasionally, if there has been dietary indiscretion, or even sometimes it appears seasonal change affects him, I mix a small amount of slippery elm in with his food twice a day. His poo firms up after a few days and there is much less straining to complete the bowel motion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mason_Gibbs Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 Im going to give one of mine slippery elm he has a very sensitive tummy, will give it a go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanbree Posted May 2, 2012 Author Share Posted May 2, 2012 I added water and put it over his meal twice a day as my theory was that it provides a coating to the lining and it would have to be liquid to do that. Google did tell me to be careful to give meds prior to Slippery Elm as it could prevent absorption Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trifecta Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I am a great believer in Slippery Elm, have used it with much success in foals for scouring. I usually use the tincture, just 5-10 drops does the trick. I have been reviewing the diet for one of my dogs as he has been diagnosed with cancer & I would like to nutritionally support his immune system. After a discussion with a holistic vet I have been reading up on Chinese Traditional Medicine. I simply hadn't realised the heating & cooling effects of different foods on the body. I will include a couple of links for anyone that is interested; it is well worth considering, the body, afterall, is a delicate balance of yin/yan. http://www.acreaturecomfort.com/yinyanbalance.htm http://www.herbsmithinc.com/Home/Education/FoodCharts/default.asp#coolingfoods Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trifecta Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 IBS has just come up on another forum I frequent. Loose stools & bowel problems can be caused by thyroid deficiency. As this condition is quite common & easy to treat it could be worthwhile getting a blood test done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanbree Posted May 4, 2012 Author Share Posted May 4, 2012 In my case Mac is already on thyroid meds and his levels have been steady for a number of years. I have run every test under the moon except anything requiring a anaesthetic as although he is only 13yrs he is a very frail dog and the risk just isn't worth it. He has been a sick dog with immune system issues for many years now and I am just pleased that finally something is helping him. Long may it last. Your links do make fascinating reading Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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