Kibble

Keymaster

Hi Jacqueline,
I’m sorry to read about your Husky. If he is in treatment for AIHA or IMHA, he is receiving high dose immunosuppressive drugs. This decreases their ability to fight off bacteria etc. One of the drugs that is usually given is prednisone. This drug is very strong and can in some cases cause stomach ulcers and in rare case can lead to pancreatitis, both of which are painful. It your vet suspects tick disease your dog may also be on doxycycline, a strong antiobiotic, that can also lead to stomach ulcers. All these drugs have the potential to diminish appetite and cause stomach pain.

Some of these drugs can also increase inflammation of the liver which is very painful. Higher levels of liver enzymes are released into the blood and can make a dog feel very sick.

The best way to feed these dogs is first talk to the vet about providing some type of stomach protection, reduce the acid, against these side effects. We have always recommended something simple over the counter like plain old pepcid, one tablet a half hour before a meal. Do this especially before any meal with prednisone.

A portion of dogs go on to develop severe esophagus and stomach ulcers. We always recommend sucralfate, which is a natural gelatinous “bandaid” that coats the gastrointestinal tract and heals any ulcers. I would use it as a caution against this happening. The best way to dose this is on an overnight fast. It will block the absorption of drugs and food so keep this dosed about at least 1.5-3 hours before or after eating. So that overnight dose works the best.

Start making your meals at home, make them smaller but more frequent, with low or no fat. If a dog feels ill after eating they will not eat that same food again. Try to use simple protein like chicken breast or white fish. Dogs don’t need carbohydrates in their diet, but to provide simple calories while he is ill, make rice congee. Put the rice in a pot with a lot of water and simmer for a long time until the rice is quite mushy. You can save the liquid to put in his drinking water. Mix the mushy rice with some protein. Homemade chicken broth is also a good source for something that smells and tastes good. Do not add any salt, onions etc. Just plain chicken broth cooked on the stove. I make mine in a pressure cooker by putting the chicken carcass on a strainer inside the pot and pour fresh water into the pot. Pressure cook for 35 minutes.

Tell us more about your dog and what is happening.
My best, Patrice

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