Any suggestions?

Shadowkins · 10-26-2005, 05:12 AM

I've been wondering for awhile how I could help Shadow lose a bit of weight. I exercise him about 20-30 minutes every day but I have to be careful due to his back problems.
He is fed 1/2 cup of Eagle Pack - reduced fat formula, twice a day and fresh veggies when I prepare supper. There are always lots of bones around to chew too, but I would imagine that doesn't take the hunger away.
I know less weight on him would help his back alot...it's just that darn prednisone that packs on the pounds. He hasn't been getting the prednisone lately because he seems to be feeling better ( back wise ) and I prefer to keep the meds for when he is really hurting or when the spondylitis comes back.
He is at about 39 lbs now ( yeah! I know !!!!) but he is a larger cocker.
Any ways any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

windski · 10-26-2005, 08:21 PM

If you have him on reduced calorie food and are exercising him, but he is not losing weight, you might check on his thyroid. Had the same situation with my 8.5 yr old, 100 lb rottweiler with bad knees. In addition she had become a bit lethargic and was drinking more water than previously. Her thyroid tested as non-existent! Two thyroid pills coupled with the same low cal food and exercise level took 18 lbs off her in about 6 months. She is now back to her old self - kind of a wonderful pain in the neck actually, bouncing all over again.

Shadowkins · 10-27-2005, 05:12 AM

Thanks for the advice, I will talk to my vet. As a matter of fact, he is quite a water drinker, I hadn't realized that thyroid problems could cause thirst!!!
Thanks again, I'll let you know what the vet thinks.
By the way , do they check for this with a blood test?

Mom2Many · 10-27-2005, 09:06 AM

yes, thyroid function is tested through a blood test. Prednisone causes dogs to drink more water and retain more as well. It is extremely common to have dogs or people for that matter pack on the pounds while being treated with it.

If I were you I would check with the vet for the best weight lose options and request a thyroid function test.

10-26-2005, 05:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
Shadowkins Shadowkins Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 2,726 Rep Power: 125	Any suggestions? I've been wondering for awhile how I could help Shadow lose a bit of weight. I exercise him about 20-30 minutes every day but I have to be careful due to his back problems. He is fed 1/2 cup of Eagle Pack - reduced fat formula, twice a day and fresh veggies when I prepare supper. There are always lots of bones around to chew too, but I would imagine that doesn't take the hunger away. I know less weight on him would help his back alot...it's just that darn prednisone that packs on the pounds. He hasn't been getting the prednisone lately because he seems to be feeling better ( back wise ) and I prefer to keep the meds for when he is really hurting or when the spondylitis comes back. He is at about 39 lbs now ( yeah! I know !!!!) but he is a larger cocker. Any ways any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

10-27-2005, 09:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
Mom2Many Owned by 1 GSD & 1 APBT Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Untangling Gunnar's Leash Posts: 873 Rep Power: 88	yes, thyroid function is tested through a blood test. Prednisone causes dogs to drink more water and retain more as well. It is extremely common to have dogs or people for that matter pack on the pounds while being treated with it. If I were you I would check with the vet for the best weight lose options and request a thyroid function test.
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10-26-2005, 08:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
windski windski Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington State Posts: 38 Rep Power: 54	If you have him on reduced calorie food and are exercising him, but he is not losing weight, you might check on his thyroid. Had the same situation with my 8.5 yr old, 100 lb rottweiler with bad knees. In addition she had become a bit lethargic and was drinking more water than previously. Her thyroid tested as non-existent! Two thyroid pills coupled with the same low cal food and exercise level took 18 lbs off her in about 6 months. She is now back to her old self - kind of a wonderful pain in the neck actually, bouncing all over again.

10-27-2005, 05:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
Shadowkins Shadowkins Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Saskatchewan,Canada Posts: 2,726 Rep Power: 125	Thanks for the advice, I will talk to my vet. As a matter of fact, he is quite a water drinker, I hadn't realized that thyroid problems could cause thirst!!! Thanks again, I'll let you know what the vet thinks. By the way , do they check for this with a blood test?

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