The Soop Kitchen

Very sad news Tizliz, they are really our "best friends" and part of the family, but none of them live as long as we do. Can't bear to think of our little sweetheart leaving us. She's 13 now.
Better to end his suffering before it becomes worse.

Thanks TriciaF, can't believe it but he is still coming out on 40 minute walks every day (limited because I can't do more). Until this week he seemed quite happy, but he is spending more time in his bed now.

Dearest Tizliz I feel your pain. You have done all that you can to give Torres eight happy years. I read somewhere that 'love is sometimes hanging on...sometimes letting go'. I'm so sorry.

TriciaF Our water comes from a holding tank high in the hills. It is delicious. Whilst the house was being built, we lived in a caravan on site. The water supply came from a different source (the burn, I think). It was peat-loaded, and managed to clog the antiquated water heater. We persevered for a time and had coolish showers in lightly tanned water. Our pal took pity on us. Twice a week we took a shower in her home. We also travelled to Lochgilphead every week and used the laundrette on the camp site. Them were the days...

You went through a more primitive time than we did.
Our drinking water tastes good, it comes from one of the many rivers draining from the Pyrenees, but I think it's treated somewhere.
We're quite isolated, that's why I depend on forums so much for company.

Oh tizliz I am sure we do share your pain, I certainly do. I wonder if he might have a canine equivalent of colitis or Crohn's or coeliac disease? It would account for the weight loss and while treatable with varying degrees of success in humans, I wouldn't be sure with dogs. Steroids may well reduce the gut inflammation which is stopping him absorbing the nutrition from his food. What have (or haven't) you tried feeding him on? There is a "raw" food around , Nature's Way or some such, which is free of cereal and additives I believe. But I am sure your vet will have investigated all those possibilities. All I know is, is really that if the dog is poorly, it is like one of your children. Big hug.

tizliz, I would have pm'd this to you, but thought it might interest others.

If not, please ignore. What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein that is found mostly in wheat but is also present in other cereal grains, including rye, barley, oats and buckwheat. It actually is a crude mixture of two other proteins, gliadin and glutenin. Grains that do not contain Gluten are rice, amaranth, millet, corn and quinoa.

What Does Gluten Do to Intolerant Dogs

Most dogs tolerate wheat and other grains quite well and have no adverse effects from having them in their diet. Unlike cats, dogs can process both meat and plant products. Gluten normally is digested by pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine. However, some dogs – like some people – cannot tolerate gluten. In people, this condition is called “coeliac disease.” In dogs, it is called “gluten-induced enteropathy,” “gluten intolerance” or “gluten sensitivity.” Dogs that are sensitive to gluten develop a chronic small intestinal inflammatory disease if they eat gluten. They have intermittent or persistent diarrhea, lose weight, develop a poor hair coat, lose body condition and just generally fail to thrive. Fortunately, gluten intolerance is not common in companion dogs

How Does Gluten Cause Digestive Problems?

Dogs that are allergic to gluten have a delayed hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction when they eat food or treats containing cereal grains. Although the exact pathway of this disorder is not well-understood, it is thought that a gluten-intolerant dog’s immune system attacks its gastrointestinal tract when it comes into contact with gluten, damaging the tiny, hair-like projections lining the small intestine, called “villi.” Damaged villi can’t absorb key nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and, in some cases, even water. As a result, affected dogs are malnourished even if they are eating a lot of food. They will lose weight and body condition and develop chronic diarrhoea

Not advertising but "Nature's Way" claims to be suitable in such cases. Available online if your local suppliers don't stock it. Good luck.

Tizliz I really do feel for you and poor little Torres. Our pets are one of the family. Hopefully the steroids will reduce the inflammation and he can get some food inside his little tum. You are having such a horrid time- hugs from me and Tara.

Alea - just off to the vets now so will answer later but the main problem is that he wont eat

Tizliz You and Torres will remain in my thoughts until I pop into the kitchen tomorrow. Perhaps the vet can give him a form of liquid nourishment.

TriciaF Yes, although we are not exactly isolated, we are some considerable distance from family. I have been blest with a few on-going friendships, thanks to Gransnet.

Goodnight dear Kitcheners. Thank you for your company. Stay snug.

TizLiz It's difficult for you but if Tores is in pain and discomfort you know what best to do for him.

We had to put Torres down, it was best for him the steroids would only help for a few days. We could see that he was no longer happy. It was such a difficult decision just typing this makes me cry. The vet was very good, he would have given him the steroids but he subtly indicated it was for us not for Torres. We don't know what caused his problem and we are annoyed that our old vets did not pick up his problem but our new vet said that even if we had discovered the problem earlier he would only have had a few more months.

Our neighbour will dig us a hole in the garden tomorrow next to my gsd who died 6 years ago - he has a small digging machine.

We opened a bottle of Glenmorganie Cellar 13 this evening, which we had been keeping for a special occasion and don't feel like cooking so I am probably getting a bit drunk.

So sorry Tizliz. It's heartbreaking. Keep strong

and every sympathy.

Oh Devastating when this happens.

So sad for you, Tizliz.

Oh Tizliz so many of us know what you are going throug. It is so sad and the house doesn't feel the same for a while. At least you know Torres was loved and cared for which is the most important thing ((huggs))

Soop so sorry you are having these troubles again. Hope they get you sorted out soon. Bella whatever is wrong you know the kitcheners are always here to listen and support. ((Huggs)) for you and Soop too.

tizliz I am so sad for you, it's so painful to lose an animal friend. They are such a part of your heart.

Tizliz so sorry to hear that was the outcome. You now know that he is no longer in pain but that does not help you. You were lucky to have such a kind, caring vet.

Tizliz (((hugs)))

I told Kate (cleaner) that I was going to be a graggy again.
She replied 'oh! It'll be born about Xmas?'

Galen she can't add up then!

A baby elephant perhaps?

Tizliz I had a strong feeling that when I logged on, your post would make me cry. There was no alternative, you have done the best you could for Torres. I've been there and know what an awful wrench it is to have to make the ultimate decision. Bless you. Try to take things easy. If Glenmorangie helps...so be it. A wee dram is relaxing.

Oh dear Tizliz, I truly feel for you, it's the worst bit about having pets.
We decided not to have any more animals after our lovely last dog was put to sleep- DH would never take them, it always fell to me and quite frankly I just couldn't bear there to be a 'next time'.

Torres clearly had a lovely life with you, but it really doesn't make it any easier, does it? I love the name....
? and ((hugs)) x