Chronic Loose Stools

[MacyGrace]

Bella has never had a "normal" bowel movement, it's always runny or close to runny. We've had her tested and the vet found worms, but she's been wormed three times now and her stools are still not right. I was doing some research on the 'net (dangerous, I know) and came across "Wellvet.com" and they suggest, among other things, Gastriplex. Has anyone heard anything about this supplement?

 

[BonnieBoxer]

Was she tested for Giardia?

When we got Bonnie she had the same exact thing as Bella. We took her to the vet where they did a stool sample and it showed that she had Giardia. The vet said sometimes it takes multiple stool samples to catch. Hope everything is ok with you dog.

 

[MacyGrace]

I'll have them check, so far it's not been found. Is it easy to resolve? I don't want to have to give her a bunch of chemicals if there is a way around it.

 

[ROROSHELTON]

One of my friends has to use it for her dog. I don't know the breed. But it had chronic diarrhea with absolutely no relief from anything. Multiple work ups for everything at the vets. I don't remember if they ever did find a diagnosis. But Gastriplex was the saving grace for this dog. She swears by it. Good luck!!!

 

[HurricaneBox]

Hurricane had chronic diarreah/soft stool for quite a long time, until we found a food that agreed with him. The vets could never find anything wrong and just diagnosed him with "colitis" or "gastroenteritis" etc. We went through about 7 different kibbles before we finally found one that agreed with him, and lo and behold, we finally have solid stool after over a year of soft/runny poo! It might just be that your baby is mildly allergic to an ingredient, or it irritates her belly, without it being a strong enough reaction to scream "allergy". You might try switching her food and see.... its better than dosing her full of meds anyway Every dog is different, but we found that for Hurricane we had to stay away from grains, and not all grain-free foods are equal. He can eat one but not the others. It might take some trial and error, though... Or, as I am sure someone else will probably mention, RAW is of course the best option for food. Not everyone can do it though (we can't due to space limitations), but its worth a try if you can. Best of luck to you!

 

[stacycaye]

pancreatitis?

Our Karma had always had loose stools and sometimes mucas-y as well...and we fed her people food:( She was recently diagnosed with pancreatitis....people food = NOt good for a sensitive pancreas. Well, I think our roommate began to use her as a doggie garbage disposal and that really set it off...diahrea, blood in the stools vomiting one day....poor girl! NOw she gets no people food and a low fat diet. She is doing well, and having some of the best stools ever!

 

[Tiga]

We have the same problem. Our vet ended up giving us endosorb to add to Tiga's food and that helped a lot, but after deciding it was too expensive to buy endosorb all of the time and if she needed meds to have normal digestion she wasn't really healthy, we just switched to home cooking. So far, so good! Maybe try homecooking for a while...

 

[kathysboxer]

Tyson had the same problem. No matter what we did, it didn't help. I switched him to raw and it worked wonders. I can't say enough good things about it. I am in the process of trying to find kibble for him since the whole family is totally grossed out about the raw. But I do feed him raw chicken leg quarters or RMB at least twice a week and it helps keep things under control. I have found that he will eat the Cal. Nat. chicken and rice, but not go ga-ga over it. I was at our tractor supply store last night and they started carrying TOTW. I got a small bag and let him try it. He would have dived into that small 5# bag if he could have. So until he gets to be a year old (2 more months) I will mix a small bit of that in with the Cal. Nat.
But if you can handle raw, I would recommend that over anything. And if you know anyone who hunts, perhaps free meat that they wouldn't use.

 

[MacyGrace]

I can handle raw, it's the husband who throws fits about it. We switched her last night from Blue Buffalo lamb & rice to chicken on the recommendation of our trainer. She's about to run me out of the room with gas, so I'm not sure if it's because of the switch or something else. I think I will order some Gastriplex, doesn't sound like it can hurt. She's so bouncy and shiny otherwise, I really think it has to be food related.

Thanks, you guys. I REALLY appreciate the advice! And it's nice to know I'm not alone in this.

 

[Cami]

If you switched her food cold turkey from one to another that may result in the stools being loose as well. Don't expect a change overnight with the introduction of the new food.
My cat spent the first four years of her life never forming a normal stool. Much testing, various meds and different foods did nothing for her. She was on dry food and free fed for those four years. Finally diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and told that it was a life long condition that I couldn't "correct".
After a lot of research I removed grains from her diet and put her on canned food with timed meals. One can of food literally changed her life. Her symptoms are gone and she is much more energetic (lost weight too which she needed). I know that she is a cat and we are talking Boxers but what goes in anything can make a big difference as to what comes out and how.
I would try to remove grains from the diet to see if you notice a difference. There are MANY manufacturers now with grain free foods. It's worth a shot especially if the vet has given a clean bill of health otherwise.