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Seven months ago our 3 year old german shepherd (male,

Sent to Pet Experts May 28, 2006 8:34 a.m.

Seven months ago our 3 year old german shepherd (male, 100 pounds) had a case of bloat with subsequent emergency to save his life. His spleen and stomach were spared as were all other internal organs. He lost around 10 pounds during tthe recovery period.
Of course we were concerned about what to feed him after we fed him with a special "sensitive" diet as prescribed by the vet who performed the surgery. We gradually worked him back to his old diet of a high protein quality dry food bought at a store that only sold dog and cat food.
However he would vomit occasionally during the day after eating or exercising. And he would vomit nearly every night after being asleep for a few hours.
His current diet was discovered when we visited a german shepherd breeder who raises and shows champion shepherds. The dry food is Professional Breeder's Premium Formula (fish formula). We then were instructed to add fat free plain yogurt, egg, alfalfa sprouts, fish oil, chicken or mackeral, cod liver oil, steamed carrots and raw pressed garlic. We also add "total dog supplement" containing vitamins, minerals, etc... The Professional Breeder's formula is manufactured in Spring, TX (P.O. Box 3015) zip 77383-3015.
MY QUESTION IS: WHAT DO THINK IS CAUSING FREQUENT, PALE YELLOW, LOOSE AND DIARRHEA STOOLS? HE NO LONGER VOMITS, HAS GAINED WEIGHT, IS ENERGETIC AND SHOWS NO OTHER SIGNS OF ILLNESS.
THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME!
RICH AND KATHY MOEHLING

Optional Information:
Age: 3; Male; Breed: GERMAN SHEPHERD

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Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $9

Answer
May 28, 2006 8:42 a.m. (8 minutes and 45 seconds later)

REPLIED

I have two questions for you. the first: how long has he been on this newest diet? and the second: how much cod liver oil is he getting each day?

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Reply to Michele Conrade
Sent May 28, 2006 8:53 a.m. (10 minutes and 50 seconds later)

lenght of diet @ 3 months. Cod liver oil @ 1 tsp but we have left it out of his diet for about 2 weeks. We have also left out the carrots, garlic and supplement thinking those were a problem. Also the breeder said the yogurt might be helpful for the diarrhea. He get about 1/2 to a cup of yogurt. By the way he is fed once a day.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
May 28, 2006 9:15 a.m. (21 minutes and 40 seconds later)

REPLIED

It sounds like your boy has what is know as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). With bloat and the subsequent surgery and recovery it is a common occurance for a dog to develop bowel irritation. Sometimes it will be a permanent condition that will have to be treated for the remainder of his life and other times it requires only short term treatment to clear up the issue. There are medications your vet can perscribe that should take care of the diarrea with no problems. I would also suggest feeding him twice a day if that is possible. You can make the food the evening before and split the meals. Large meals eaten at one sitting often irritate the bowel further. Smaller amounts fed more frequently are much easier on the digestive tract. I am sending you several links that discuss IBS, its symtoms and effective treatment methods for you to discuss with your vet.

http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00428.htm

http://www.dcavm.org/01dec.htm

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you need further info.

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Michele McMurray -- Rescue & Kennel Owner -- 100% Positive Feedback on 132 Pet Accepts
many years of dogs & cats, current work is with special needs dogs (blind & deaf) & Great Danes

Reply to Michele Conrade
Sent May 28, 2006 10:01 a.m. (46 minutes and 18 seconds later)

Please forward my question to a DVM. While the reply/answer I received offered a plausible explanation, I would prefer that a DVM offer rational for pale yellow loose stools in the absence of other symptoms except for history of bloat.
If DVM not available to answer just let me know that.

Thank you

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
May 28, 2006 10:04 a.m. (2 minutes and 32 seconds later)

REPLIED

There are several very good vets who come on, usually later in the afternoon. I will forward the question to one of them. I hope all turns out well for your Shepard.

Also, in the future, if you would prfer to have a vet answer your question you can state so in your question post and no one will answer it until a vet comes on and can provide you with the answer you are looking for. The experts here are just trying to help but do not mind letting a question sit until the person you want is available to answer it.

Edited by m.conrade on May 28 2006 at 10:09am

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If you found this answer helpful, please click on ACCEPT and PLEASE LEAVE FEEDBACK. Accepting an answer that you are able to use improves BOTH of our ratings. And a bonus is always welcome! You may reopen your question at anytime if needed.

Michele McMurray -- Rescue & Kennel Owner -- 100% Positive Feedback on 132 Pet Accepts
many years of dogs & cats, current work is with special needs dogs (blind & deaf) & Great Danes

Reply to Michele Conrade
Sent May 28, 2006 10:10 a.m. (6 minutes and 30 seconds later)

Thanks so much for your time!!

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
May 28, 2006 6:29 p.m. (8 hours and 19 minutes later)

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Michele McMurray -- Rescue & Kennel Owner -- 100% Positive Feedback on 132 Pet Accepts
many years of dogs & cats, current work is with special needs dogs (blind & deaf) & Great Danes

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