IBD in dogs frustration

[Summa]

Hi All

I have just joined the site mainly out of frustration as I am trying to deal with my dogs IBD which has been recently diagnosed and I am at my wits end as I feel like it's a lost cause, reason being, my vet has told me plain and simple, it's going to always be trial and error in what to feed my dog with IBD.....WTH I didn't sign up for this trial and error for the next 15 years, my dog has just turned 2 and not to mention that trial and error with emphasis on error is not good for his system, because while we have these errors he passes blood and goes back to vomiting blood and diarrhea, THERE HAS TO BE A BETTER WAY TO FIND A FOOD THAT WILL FIT MY DOG, this is becoming costly for me on a pension, with all the vet bills and medications and expensive prescription food purchases that I end up throwing out because it upsets him, OMG...I am reaching out here people, someone.....anyone......I can't find anything useful at all online on what I can feed my dog with IBD...home cooking is my preferred method and all the websites I have come across are directing me to buy the commercial wet and dry food, well we have already tried 2 EXPENSIVE prescription diets already and they BOTH have FAILED to help his system, he is losing weight and looking really sick and I feel sick myself as I feel he may be suffering in silence because he is a good boy and won't ever complain, I cry most nights out of frustration on not being able to help my fur baby and even though we touch base with my vet on a regular basis, she still doesn't have a lot of info for me except to mention just keep trying and  STEROIDS and MEDICATIONS...steroids...no thank you, I know what they do to a dog, they shut down the immune system leaving them open to infections etc and good god my dog is already sick enough, SO I would really appreciate ANY info on IBD in dogs for those who have dogs with the condition, I would like to know your success's on the food front with home cooked meals and veggie/fruit's use and what protein you found the best and supplements to help them gain weight and I know that what food helps your dog with IBD may not suit my dog but hey it's all trial and error...RIGHT.

[Tassie]

No experience with IBD, but depending where you are in Tas, there are a few vets in the South who might be able to help .. they are not "specialists" as such, but have a particular interest and see a lot of patients with   If it were my dog, I would certainly either be seeing a second opinion or a referral to a specialist to get some more targeted help.

[Rebanne]

I'm not much help either except to say don't discount steroids. They saved my dogs life, she'd have been dead before the age of 2 otherwise. They are also relatively cheap and could help keep things under control while you find the food that best suits your dog. My dog was on massive doses but she has been weaned off them now after some months. I hope someone can come along soon to help you with some more in depth stuff. Have you tried a probiotic given with the food?

[Tilly2000]

Vet in Cooma put me on to this product when my lab had severe diarrhoea.

http://www.iahp.com.au/australia/protexin it is a multi strain probiotic for  animals.

developed in the UK, worked on my dog.  Also suggested it to a neighbour who's labrador

has severe gut problems.

She sticks to cooked chicken and rice with veg. Gives the Protein when its guts flare up.

Yoghurt unsweetened might help.

[Dogsfevr]

We board a couple of dogs who have it and yes it’s trial and error .

Keeping a diary of what they didn’t do well on and using the steroids with the hopes once finding a solution you can wean them off and only use when having a bad attack .

 

The info your vet has given is very correct .

Tin food or hydrolised (sp) is what is often the better outcome but finding the right fit is what it is and that applies to treats etc etc 

[jemappelle]

I would also try the steroids.  Normally the dosage is cut right down, over time, in the form of a maintenance dose so the side affects are minimal.  My Cavalier had many prescriptions for steroids over her life without any problems.  My experience is that it will dramatically improve your dog's quality of life.

[Papillon Kisses]

My dog also has IBD along with multiple other serious illnesses where it’s been trial and error to find the right treatments (yes he’s a genetic nightmare). It’s frustrating isn’t it!
 

Your boy has a medical condition for which medication is often required. All medications have side effects but it’s a matter of weighing the risks and benefits as your vet has done. I fear you are not taking into account the ‘side effects’ of IBD, an illness that can result in death.  And steroids are sometimes only used for a set period of time until they become stable.

 

Yes food trials are necessary, but those expensive prescription diets can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund if found to be unsuitable. Though it is hard to judge suitability if you’re not fully treating your dog’s disease!

 

If you want to feed a home made diet there’s a vet nutritionist in NZ who can formulate a diet for your dog. I’d caution following recipes from the internet. Studies have shown that the majority are not complete and balanced for dogs. https://www.veterinarynutritiongroup.com/

 

The thing about diets for IBD is that there’s no one single diet that’s best. Your dog might need x protein and y carb as the basis of his diet, where my dog might need a different protein and carb source. It won’t be trial and error for his entire life, just until you find what’s best for him.  
 

You might like to listen to this podcast about IBD where they interview an internal medicine specialist. https://www.twovetstalkpets.com.au/2018/12/21/internal-medicine-specialist-dr-clint-yudelman-inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-vomiting-diarrhoea-weight-loss-intestinal-cancer-lymphoma-pancreatitis-bladder-stones-feline-infectious-periton/

Edited October 31, 2019 by Papillon Kisses

[Stitch]

I have had a LOT of experience with a dog with IBD.  She passed recently at the age of 17yo, so over the years I got very good at feeding & medication.  Can you tell me exactly what foods you have tried and also what medications, so I can try to understand your situation.

Edited November 8, 2019 by Stitch