Not sure what is going in with Parker...

[MargeeTx]

Hi everyone: The problems began last Thursday night. Parker, 7 yr old mini schnauzer...who, BTW, has never been sick a day in his life... aroung midnight, he vomited...what appeared to be undigested food...EVO meat..mini bites.
He continued to vomit thru the night; the next day, seemed to feel terrible...no more vomiting...stools were normal, urinating fine. Called the vet...said watch him, and any more vomiting, bring him in. Try alittle cooked rice and a small amount of turkey. He did fine. We decided that the food might be bad....it had a terrible odor to it. SO out it went. No more problems...we decided to go back to the food he had been on since about 1 yr old...lamb and rice formula. Gradually re-introduced the food...he seemed fine. Then night before last..same thing. Vomited, then later, vomited what seemed like just water. But, this time, no lethargy. seemed to be feeling fine. We are back on the rice and turkey....stools and pee are normal. Needless to say, we don't have a clue. We are going in and have blood work done. I really could kick myself...we went through a bag of Origen...he just didn't care for it...then, the 4 days on the EVO. I was trying to get him on a 'better' dog food. I feel that I have really messed up. When he had his annual check-up in April, his lab work was wonderful. It will be interesting to see what is going on with him now.
I tried carefully to introduce the new foods very gradually. But, I do feel that I should have left well enough alone.

[Sarah]

Hi Margee, so sorry to hear Parker isn't feeling well. Sometimes for a long time the food we choose for our dogs works well, then all of a sudden it doesn't. Hopefully there is nothing seriously wrong with Parker.

You know you may want to check with MaryAnn she has had no problems with the food she feeds her mini schnauzer. Mia feeds her chi Blue Buffalo I think and she swears by it.

Hugs to you, I know it's difficult to see them go through this. Let us know what the vet said.

[MaryAnn]

Margee...So sorry to hear about Parker. Schnauzers have very sensitive tummies...I only switched my little gal's food once, from the food the breeder was feeding (who sent a bag home with me when we first brought her home), gradually to her current organic food. I buy the food at my vet's office because they don't store several hundred bags in a warehouse where rats etc... can get into it. I have read that this happens when food is bought in places that store hundreds of bags to restock. A matter of fact...I have to place an order at least a week ahead of time to be delivered, as it is never stock piled.

The bag that had the odor...did you take it back to where you bought it? My schnauzer is very healthy, but does get an occassionally upset tummy, and my Vet recommended a very bland diet of i/d...several small meals a day. This food relaxes her tummy muscles and before too long she is back to her old self. I would definitely not be feeding people food to my dog when ill. Too much switching is not good either. Be sure he is drinking water often, as well.

I pray that Parker gets well real soon and is back to his old self.

[MargeeTx]

Good Morning Everyone! I am so sorry that I haven't gotten back with everyone, but I just yesterday received the final repeat lab results. All of his liver function and enzymes are back to normal! Thank Goodness. The vet and I both feel that the food was probably the culprit. I did not save the bag, or return the unused portion....I was so upset that I didn't think. Anyway, he is doing great, and we will recheck him again the three months.
Mary Ann: what type of food do you use?

Thanks so much............margee

[Sarah]

Wow great news Margee, thank you for the update, on Parker. Glad he's back to normal again.

[MaryAnn]

Margee...Glad Parker is back to normal. We were all praying for him and you.

I use (and before you "screech" and say..."I heard Science Diet is bad and would never feed that to my dog") Science Diet, BUT.....the ORGANIC version, very wholesome, made with premium chicken or lamb, egg, wholesome grains, and vegetables, loaded with vitamins. It is available in two flavors: chicken and brown rice dinner and lamb and brown rice dinner, as well as puppy and adult formulas. I also supplement with a canned food on occassion, especially once a month when I give my gal her Dewormer pill.

This particular food is clinically proven...
* To provide complete, balanced nutrition
* To maintain ideal body weight (my dog weighs in at her Vet a couple of times per month and her weight is always where it should be and is holding steady)
* To maintain lean muscle and avoid excess body fat (everyone comments on how my dog is muscular with just the correct amount of neccessary fat)
* Antioxidants to maintain cellular health because they fight free radicals

I apoligize if I sound like an "infomercial" but this food has been wonderful for my schnauzer, and more importantly she loves it, as does her sister, and all her doggy friends when they come to visit.