Well vet visit was uneventful. She of course doesn't want me to feed raw to Rodeo and wants me to put him on Hills (gag)

He's doing amazing this morning. Didn't cry getting into the truck nor when she was looking him over. He sits down a lot and she was trying to listen to his chest so she had to scoop him back up by his underside and he didn't make a sound. He was very active and alert and went for a nice walk around the block when we got home. His stool was perfect earlier today which is good since he hasn't had venison before and I just threw him right on it yesterday.

I think we're going to give it 2 weeks and see if he continues to improve with the venison...

Fingers crossed for Rodeo! This is another example of why I believe things are meant to be. If poor Rodeo had not gotten away from his original owner, you can bet he wouldn't have taken the time, care or money to help him when he started having these issues, based off what you told us about him Kristina. Rodeo is very lucky you found him.

We are continuing to see progress! Today is his 6th day on Venison and I believe we're going to try and cut back the prednisone in a few days and see if he regresses again. His coat has become much more softer (than compared to before, which was very dry and scaly feeling) and his eyes seem brighter. Whenever I take him out to potty (as he's still on crate rest) he has the zoomies around me... something he also hasn't done in quite some time.

Question though... This is what he's currently eating: http://www.naturesvariety.com/InstinctRaw/dog/venison

He eats (2) 8oz patties a day but he's still looking a little thin... I don't want to overload him but I don't want to underfeed him either... Suggestions? I think it comes out to about 1040 calories a day.

Yay for Rodeo! That's so awesome!!! I hope he continues to improve - he's got a great mommy!

I can't remember if you said he'd been tested for a zinc deficiency... We've started supplementing the kids with ZInpro tablets because of Chili's rashes.

BTW, in case you ever need it and are interested - this is a holistic nutritionist who works with a vet that we'll try if his rash comes back - http://www.askariel.com/
She does phone consultations and seems very highly regarded by one of the local husky rescues here - she has a husky herself!

For the ZRD... He has a patch which looks like ZRD on his muzzle, I'll try and get a pic. I have one Zinc I can try with him. I'm just so worried he'll break again.

I think I'm going to up it 1/2 a patty. Let him have 1 1/4 per meal. He's looking so good... I really can't believe it. Trouble is he has a nice layer of fat on his ribs but his hips stick out so much and he just looks so thin everywhere else. I'm sure all the hairloss isn't helping.

I know they have a specific test for the zinc - and that seizures and hair loss are two symptoms. I know the patties have salmon oil, which is great for ZRD.

That's wonderful that he's doing better!

We are a week and a half into Rodeos new venison diet and the progress is unbelievable. We've backed him down to prednisone every other day with NO issues!!! His coat is looking amazing in comparison and he certainly has his energy back. Has not shown any signs of pain at all. I cannot believe how well he's doing.

That's great news!

That's great! Is he coming to camp?

No, I don't want to push him

Yay for Rodeo!!!

glad the new diet is working for him!

GREAT NEWS! Almost 3 weeks into Venison and he's gained 2lbs since our last vet visit! Before, he was not gaining weight and was losing weight between our visits. So this is AMAZING! His coat is looking great, feeling great, and he's got his energy back! We're going to try the beef variety soon and see how he takes that.

One thing this has taught me is TRUST yourself! You know your dog more than anyone! RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH! I love my vet but I'm so glad I didn't give up and surrender to whatever they told me. Rodeo is on his way to being a normal puppy!

Yay! I'm so glad to hear that Kristina and so happy for Rodeo.

Rodeo is so lucky to have you!

That's great news! He is lucky to have such an awesome momma!

Need to update this... Started to incorporate some dry back into his diet ($60 a week was NOT going to become a permanent food cost for ONE dog lol!) started off with 1/3 cup Acana Ranchlands which he took with no noticeable problems. Upped it to 1/3 cup and 1 patty twice daily... Still no problems! Tomorrow were going to try 1.5 patties in the AM and 1 cup Ranchlands at night. Hopefully things remain positive.

He seems to being doing fine, we do need to build muscle though... Hopefully the lake will start to look nicer soon so we can do that. We've been doing the dog park (and giving him forced breaks every 15 minutes or so) every other day with a full rest day between. No pain symptoms have been noticed... So it's all good!

Glad to hear Rodeo is doing much, much better these days!