Libby Nickerson

So, Umah has been having some problems over the last month or so. She has been losing weight, and her fur has been thinning and getting duller and duller looking. She has lost about 4.5lbs over the last month.

After hearing from her breeder, I thought it might just be a stage--a growth spurt or whatever, since the breeder mentioned they are at the age for it.

However, over the last two days, she has lost her appetite, and she has vomited three times. The last time had blood in it. She had pretty severe diarrhea this morning, so I took her into the vet today. I was very concerned that it could be a blockage.

The Doctor said blockage is very low on the list. Highest on the list of possibilites are parasites, ulcers in the stomache or small intestines, and pancreatic insufficiency--where the body isn't producing enough enzymes to digest food. The ulcers and the pancreatic insufficiency are genetically prone, the pancreatic insufficiency especially so in GSD's.

So, we are doing a check list treatment. Right now, she is getting Panacur for the next three days (it takes care of all types of parasites), and Prilosec for the ulcers. If it is parasites or ulcers, the vet said I'd see improvements by Saturday. If so, then she has to take the Prilosec for thirty to fourty days, then be weened off it.

I'm so stressed out about this, its crazy. This is going to sound horrible, but I bought a dog from a great breeder with a great rap, so I wouldn't have to stress so much about genetic health problems. I already have two dogs that have health issues--I got Umah to be my 'healthy' dog. Now it seems its very possible she has a genetic problem that will have to be treated for the rest of her life.

So, please keep Umah in your thoughts and pray that this worming and the prilosec solve the problem.

Even if she ends up having the pancreatic insufficiency, we will deal. I just really don't want it to be.

I just needed to vent a little, and ask for healing thoughts for Umah.

Libby