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  1. #21
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    And...here we go.....

    We're scheduling an ultrasound. Our vet clinic now has a doc come around to do them on-site (otherwise we'd be driving to Annapolis) and our vet is going to set something up for us. Any morning but next Tuesday works for me. Fasting but no anesthesia and I can be in the room.

    What dawned on me was Lisa's past post on chromium in fabric:

    https://www.lab-retriever.net/board/f...ghlight=fabric

    Our vet didn't think it was likely to be an issue when I asked before and still doesn't since our rag rug runners where they get their treats are faded colors (some seriously washed over the years, too) and both pups lick only crumbs and spit. But Danny really spends a lot of time on that.

    So I just ordered some undyed throw rugs to use instead. Of course. I wish I'd done this before even though part of me thinks this is an unlikely source, all things considered.

    Other than the heartworm stuff, I can't think of anything still going into this dog that should be a concern.

    And then there's the vet saying, "it could just be a fluke"...just something benign that's part of Danny. Steady but gradual increase. Asymptomatic. He's seen it before.

    Gaaahhhhhhh.....

  2. #22
    Senior Dog Blackboy98's Avatar
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    I just googled 'chromium 6'-wow, bad stuff. What is your opinion of chromium used to dye fabrics? Is this maybe part of Danny's problem? And how do you detoxify the dog's system, because chromium is a heavy metal?

    I hope this is NOT a contributing factor to Danny's ALT numbers!!
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  4. #23
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    Mike ~ Yeah, I hope it's not, too. I really don't think it is but I'll tidy up the loose end by keeping him away from the possibly offensive rug. That's the only place he licks....unless there's something toxic about Sunnie's ear wax. Ewww.....yeah, he's an ear licker.

    He's been on Denamarin and a homeopathic liver product, takes extra vitamins, garlic, gets good food...his liver actually should be very happy right about now.

    I'm going to ask the vet AGAIN about the heartworm stuff. That's the only thing itching at me now. After re-Googling the potential side effects reported, I'm thinking about stopping the heartworm stuff, at least during the winter (vets always say use year 'round, but....) Besides, with the dogs now on garlic they should be repelling them already...assuming the yeast/garlic stuff does what it's supposed to (no fleas or ticks so far after three months). He's had two doses of Interceptor Plus since his previous bloodwork (due next dose next week). Maybe skip the ultrasound for now and test again in three more months...same liver aids but now no heartworm. Considering that the vet had indicated that some people wouldn't even do the scan at this stage...and he seems neutral on my eventual course of action...maybe that's the way to go.

    I'm thinking in circles...stream of consciousness typing...sorry. (But this is my baby, ya know?)

  5. #24
    Senior Dog Blackboy98's Avatar
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    [QUOTE=SunDance;162241]Mike ~ Yeah, I hope it's not, too. I really don't think it is but I'll tidy up the loose end by keeping him away from the possibly offensive rug. That's the only place he licks....unless there's something toxic about Sunnie's ear wax. Ewww.....yeah, he's an ear licker.

    He's been on Denamarin and a homeopathic liver product, takes extra vitamins, garlic, gets good food...his liver actually should be very happy right about now.

    I'm going to ask the vet AGAIN about the heartworm stuff. That's the only thing itching at me now. After re-Googling the potential side effects reported, I'm thinking about stopping the heartworm stuff, at least during the winter (vets always say use year 'round, but....) Besides, with the dogs now on garlic they should be repelling them already...assuming the yeast/garlic stuff does what it's supposed to (no fleas or ticks so far after three months). He's had two doses of Interceptor Plus since his previous bloodwork (due next dose next week). Maybe skip the ultrasound for now and test again in three more months...same liver aids but now no heartworm. Considering that the vet had indicated that some people wouldn't even do the scan at this stage...and he seems neutral on my eventual course of action...maybe that's the way to go.

    I'm thinking in circles...stream of consciousness typing...sorry. (But this is my baby, ya know?)[/QUOT

    Yes, I know for sure-same with me and Gabe. You mentioned yeast/garlic. I thought you were not suppose to give a dog yeast or uncooked products with yeast in them-the store were I get Gabe's food and treats bake their own treats and I asked them when I first started getting his treats there and they said no yeast in anything. So I will have to do more homework.

    On the flea/tick treatment, I used frontline plus since I have had Gabe and no problems and his bloodwork always comes out good. It is tested twice a year as the health coverage I have for him thru Banfield covers it.

    You sound like you have a plan of action, so I hope all is well on the next checkup.
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  7. #25
    Senior Dog Berna's Avatar
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    Bummer I can't remember, have you checked for autoimmune diseases?

    I'll be keeping my fingers crossed it's nothing serious.
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  9. #26
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    Yeah, Mike, I never had a dog with issues with the topicals, either. And Dan may not. But I know for sure he's got a sensitive gastrointestinal system and has reacted to supplements and such things as metronidazole and the Pepcid that's supposedly OK for dogs. He's been seemingly a bit lethargic at topical/heartworm times but never anything concerning, so....??? (Sunnie's the same to a certain extent and she had a one-time bout of elevated ALT so....again...???) I'll eliminate stuff to get a less harsh environment for them and hope the heartworm elimination will do the trick. Maybe some of this stuff has been contributing to their nervous system sensitivities, too (OK, probably not...but maybe?).

    Elena ~ We haven't checked further for autoimmune things since his bloods...except for the ALT...have been perfect. And no symptoms (other than the aforementioned sensitivities that he's exhibited for all of his 8 1/2 years).

  10. #27
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    Sending good thoughts for Danny...

    My Toby had the same issue ( elevated ALT) and Ursodiol and Denamarin did the trick. But he stayed on this combination for quite some time.

    I discontinued any flea/tick products but not the Heartgard.

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  12. #28
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Don't know if you remember but Archie could not tolerate Heartgard. He'd get an upset stomach and very lethargic.

    Sending more mojo and prayers.
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  14. #29
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    Quote Originally Posted by lovemylabby View Post
    Sending good thoughts for Danny...

    My Toby had the same issue ( elevated ALT) and Ursodiol and Denamarin did the trick. But he stayed on this combination for quite some time.

    I discontinued any flea/tick products but not the Heartgard.
    I'd never heard of Ursodiol...one more thing to discuss with the vet. Thanks!


    Quote Originally Posted by POPTOP View Post
    Don't know if you remember but Archie could not tolerate Heartgard. He'd get an upset stomach and very lethargic.

    Sending more mojo and prayers.
    I didn't remember about Archie. I've seen minor lethargy with practically every dog...figured it might just be weird sensation of the med working even if it didn't find critters to kill...but never an upset stomach or any other sign that I thought (thought!) worrisome. Do you have Archie on any heartworm stuff or did you just discontinue like I plan to do? Since these guys are taking garlic, I'm hoping their personal aroma deters mosquitoes as well as fleas and (I'm hoping) ticks.

  15. #30
    Senior Dog janedoe's Avatar
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    My only input would be that our holistic vet is very concerned about the quality of the ingredients in Denamarin and put ours on Livco from Standard Process. It sounds like you have addressed so many possible liver stress factors. I'm sorry this is happening.

 



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