[MJS]

I just wanted to update everyone on Buddy. He did have a follow up appointment with the vet early last month. They kept him for the day so they could monitor him. When I picked him up I did have an opportunity to talk to with the Vet. His BP was high but still within acceptable limits. He had also put on a couple of pounds. I don’t know it the weight gain is related to his heart, his thyroid, his Cushings, a change in food or all of the above. His previous food was low calorie, about 300 cal a cup, and the prescription food is at just over 400. She also said that his meds seem to be working just fine.

He does seem to be a bit more tired though. I’m hopeful that it’s do to the hotter weather that we’ve been having. He sleeps all day but then what Beagle doesn’t. He does have bursts of energy in the evening where he demands attention and food.

 

[Cassie]

What are you going to do about the weight?
How about decreasing the amount of dog food and adding LOW SODIUM canned green beans to add back some volume that is low calorie? I think the weight is the key that will help the cardiac..
Thanks for the update...hoping Buddy does well..

 

[MJS]

I’ve been reducing the amount I give him. I’ve also been mixing in a little of his other food. The thing is he typically eats a little in the morning and almost nothing through out the day but at about 7 pm he wants to do nothing but eat. I’ll give him a little food but then he stands in front of me barking and demanding more.

Typical Beagle.

 

[Cassie]

Yah I get it..Cassie is getting worse...demanding more food than she used to eat. Fortunately she seems to maintain a good weight. Ive been parsing out the food in multiple feedings to keep her satisfied .. i know when she wants food when she lays by the counter with her pity face...same look as Buddy...lol

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

Glad to see an update on Buddy. I probably missed it, but is the prescription food for his heart?

 

[MJS]

The food is Hill’s H/D. It is prescription and is formulated for dogs with heart issues. It just has a lot more calories so I’ve had to feed him less than he is accustomed to.

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

That's tricky to balance that. Did the vet have any suggestions? I never know when there's a bunch of medical issues going on.

 

[MJS]

That was an issue that we discussed. He does have another appointment in about 8 weeks and that is something they want to look into. I’ve thought about rescheduling it sooner.

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

You could ask I guess, if it makes sense to come in sooner. Unless they want to see if his weight stabilizes or something. Dunno. On the other hand, you probably don't want him to keep gaining. Let us know.

 

[allymcbeagle]

Is he on any new meds that could be making him tired? They just don't get they have to eat less when they are on a prescription diet. My son's Yorkie is on a script diet now and he is starving 24/7. He does everything to entice us to go to the kitchen for a snack. Because of his pancreatitis, the Dr. said no snacks at all (gosh, so hard!)

 

[MJS]

Buddy was back at the Vet yesterday for a follow up. They were going to check his blood pressure and do blood work. I did a “drop and go” so I was kind of anxious about what they would find. When she called me it was nothing but good news. His BP was down, his thyroid was good, and he had lost weight. We had a good discussion about him and it looks like the meds are doing their job. I have reduced his food tremendously so he is always hungry and demanding more food. He has also been more active especially with the cooler weather.

 

[Cassie]

Good news!. Cassie here...give Bud a cookie from me.

 

[Nebuchadnezzar]

Oh I'm so happy to see this on logging in! Excellent news!

 

[allymcbeagle]

Great news about Buddy's health! Ummm, what beagle isn't constantly demanding food??? But I know what you mean, Ally got a few pounds overweight, I think it was more traumatic for me saying no to her than it was for her.