Owned by Pugs

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

More Bad Blood

Henry

UGH! It was time to do another check of Henry's blood to see how his protein absorption is coming along. We thought he was doing better. So much so that we let him indulge in those chew sticks that have been taking the edge off of him in the evenings. Well, he is suffering the consequences. The target number in his protein test is 6.0. Well, the first time his blood was 4.1, the next time we got i up to 5.4 and now this time it was back down to 5.1. That is not a large drop and not nearly as low as 4.1 but still not near the goal of at least a 6. The good news is that he really seems to be "more well" this time than the first time and yeah, probably not quite as good as he was when he was a 5.4 but his mental happiness is so much better!

So, we will continue to tweak he food and his meds but I am not entirely sure if we are doing him THAT much better by having him lay off the chewy sticks altogether. They may not be so hot for his IBD but they are good for his head. For now, though, the plan is to go with the slightly tweaked regimen and retest in a month. Until then, here's to higher protein! #HenryStrong #HenryNeedsToChewButAlsoAbsorbProtein #DoubleEdgedSword #NoWinSituation #JustAbsorbProteinHenry!

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Comment Page 1 of 1 pages

Minnie, Mack and Mario

10/14/2015

Mental health is just as important as physical health. They go hand in hand.  We agree that chew sticks are a rare but favorite around our house!  Kind of like candy…if you have it everyday all the time, it doesn’t seem like a treat anymore. 
Go Henry!

Sue VDB

10/14/2015

Dear sweet Henry.  You struggle and struggle, but keep on truckin.  I agree with Minnie, Mack and Mario.  Mental health is important and can lead to more physical problems if not addressed. 

This should have been an “Ask OBP” question.  What is in the chew sticks that diminish the protein? 

Henry is a fighter and a very good boy.  ♥

Christie Sachde

10/14/2015

I have tummy issues myself…always have…and for me having my head in a better place is a BIG deal. How many chewy sticks does Henry get per week…maybe decrease on night…or maybe keep the same number of nights but only give him half of the chewy stick instead???

Corrine - OBP

10/14/2015

Hi Sue VDB—I will try to explain Henry’s protein issues the best I can.  (Our vet explains it very well but sadly I cannot turn that information right around and repeat the way he does.)  Because Henry’s colon/lower intestine is chronically inflamed in some areas and the lining is thickened (like a callus) in other areas, as food digests the proteins are not absorbed in an easy fashion.  So, it is not so much about what is in the chewy that is counter productive, per se but it is kind of everything though, sine it is anything that is not “easily digestible”.  He is on prescription dog kibble (which is formulated for IDB and is considered easy to digest) and salmon and sweet potato (which have anti-inflammatory properties to help ease the area where he has inflammation in his colon/intestine.  His favorite chewy sticks are primarily rawhide which is notoriously hard to digest. 
So, we are still finding the best balance for mind and body.

Christie—Sorry for your tummy troubles.  And yes, we agree having a good head is sometimes more important that a strong tummy.  The most chewies Henry would be permitted would be 3 a week so far.  We will probably drop that to 1-2 (or none depending on the next go round of blood work).  I don’t think he’d go for a have a chew….once he’s chewing he knows if there is more left.  LOL

Brenda Cooper

10/14/2015

Henry really keeps you on your toes. Poor little boy, one thing makes him feel good but tears something else up. I know how that goes with some of my arthritis meds.

Martha

10/14/2015

I’m very glad Henry can be described as “more well”.  It seems to me that you do a really good job of balancing what’s best for Henry’s big picture, and it certainly matters a lot for him to have mental health!!  It’s kind of like you have to walk a tightrope with everything, but you do it so well!

Here’s to that number creeping back toward 6!

#WishThereWerePrescriptionChews

Martha

10/14/2015

I forgot to mention, you do a really good job of explaining things!  And I do think Henry’s peeps are the world’s foremost authorities on the subject of Henry!

Sandra B.

10/14/2015

Bless Henry’s little heart (and intestines)!

Is there such a thing as a protein drink for dogs that would be easier for Henry’s tummy to absorb?

Also, have you tried a “favored” Nyla bone?  Maybe that could satisfy Henry’s need to chew for a longer time.

Good luck sweet Henry, we are all pulling for you!

#HENRYSTRONG #PROTEINGETINTOHENRYSBELLY!

Pat

10/14/2015

oh Henry! tummy troubles are not good.  Echoing what has been said, healthy mind and body go hand in hand smile

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