Looking to Speak with an Educated GSD Breeder regarding Food

[ItsMare]

Hello,

We have a 4 1/2 month old GSD that we have had since 5 weeks old. I've worked very hard to try to figure out what food will work for him. I am home fulltime with him and willing to do anything to figure out what his problem/problems are. I've posted before on this forum and have tried all of those measures. Been working with my vet closely, yet have not seen improvement.
His issue is very bad diarrhea. Its very a very long road even though its a short amount of months. Cole has even undergone surgery and had parts of intestine taken out. There is so much to say about all things and foods and antibiotics etc etc. Its would take so much time to post it here and I would love to be able to talk to a breeder or 3 that I could tell you Coles story and write down advice you may have on foods testing and other extreme measure to help to figure out what I am dealing with.
I love Cole so much he is my dream dog. I am a breeder of a small dog breed so I have alot of education on other things, but just not the GSD specifically.
Are there a few breeders that would be willing to talk to me via phone? Please email me and either supply your phone or ask for mine. I would so love to think there are a few that are knowledgeable and would like to do this. ps. I have zero intention of breeding GSD in fact since he was under surgery I had him neutered at the same time. I want to help Cole to get healthy and be my lifelong buddy.

Thanks in advance,
Mary-Ann

[JakodaCD OA]

hi mary ann, I looked at your past posts and it seems a member here
Very loose stool mayhave a puppy out of the same litter as cole??

It doesn't look like they've been active here since that post, but maybe you could email them and see what's working or not working for their puppy??

You might want to speak to carmen here on the board, she seems to have good insite in things to try etc regarding food/health (she's a breeder)

I am so sorry to hear he's still sick and you had to have some of his intestine removed?? eee gads( poor little guy.

Also a suggestion , look for LisaT, very knowledgeable health wise as well..

I hope you can straighten things out for him

[carmspack]

thanks Jakoda for your kind words.

I did speak with Mary-Ann and will do everything possible to help her out.

Mary-Ann further to our discussion go and get some SLIPPERY ELM , a very fine powder , cornstarch consistency , and mix this into the food that I suggested.
It is very nutritive , and will sooth the inflamed intestine, help bring some form to the stool.

Carmen
Carmspack Working German Shepherd Dogs

[ItsMare]

Good Morning,

Thank You Jakoda. I didn't even realize that there was that person on my original post. I have emailed that person. I need to figure out how to know what is new and old on this forum. Is there a way to turn on email notification? Thank you for looking at my posts and offering the help.
Carm and Dawn.... THANK YOU!!!!! Our conversations on the phone this weekend has been completely invaluable. I have made the switch to the kibble you both trust. Cole has had 3 bowel movements since Saturday night. COLE HAS HAD FORMED FORMED FORMED BOWEL MOVEMENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never thought I could be as happy about poop in my life LOL. He is feeling so so much better and less itchy as well. He is very satisfied on the suggested serving amount as well.
Only thing I could wish for is for it to be a little harder.. but for now i'll take this! I can pick up the waste with a paper towel. I have never been able to say this. So we Thank You from the bottom of our hearts, Cole is forever in your debt.

All that I have learned this weekend makes me question many things. Mainly I am feeling guilt about what i've been feeding my Havanese for years. I have in the past done research and do use "high grade" foods.. but am I really? Would finding out more information in regards to the foods i've been using and find the best one for them and thier body size be beneficial to lessen inheritance to predispostions of things like luxating patellas. It would make alot of sense. I feel that your input to Cole's situation has opened up alot of knowledge that I would otherwise not have. I also have to highly question my trust in my vets. I suppose they are taught a certain way which is not necessarily the correct way. All the suggestions and paths that I have followed under their recommendation had not one beneficial factor for Cole. In fact it was hurting him. It kinda makes you go Hmmmmmm.

Carm, I will get what you suggested as soon as I figure out where to get it. I also am going to get educated in the raw and supplement areas. I dont want to make any change today but perhaps in a month or so if all is going well. I would love to think that I could do 1 meal raw and and 1 meal kibble, but not sure that I can. I guess its just me but I feel like I want him to be able to crunch on the kibble. Old habits and notions die hard.

Once again to all of you THANKS ... its meant the world to us.

Hugs and Paws,
Mare & Cole

[JakodaCD OA]

I am so happy to hear your seeing improvement)) keeping fingers crossed for continued improvement, he's such a young baby to have to go thru this

[carmspack]

kibble crunches , meat does not ---

listen , if you are going shopping today drop into your local pet supply and get a can of Tripett , canned green tripe -- (and the slippery elm from any health food store - one readily available product in powder form is made by US herbalists, Celebration Herbs - certified organic , 1.44 ounces $9.19 for the package I have on hand).
Mix the two together , about a quarter of the canned Tripett and a half teaspoon of the slippery elm) .

That's a good start.
I'll put your kit into tomorrows mail -- we have a holiday today so nothing , including me is moving .

Carmen

[ItsMare]

Ok Carm.. will do and Thanks. Hope you had a wonderful holiday.