Ok well my dog Maggie started getting sick early early Monday morning... and was sick through out moday. Tueday she wasn't eating and very lathargic so I took her in and Wednesday I found out she had some kind of liver infection. So my flatmate managed to feed her some cooked chicken and I've been feeding her water with a turkey baster... she hates me at the moment for force feeding her water but what choice do I have...

Here are my questions for those that really know the answers.

Would feeding her beef or chicken broth be good? I realize there is a fair amount of salt content in these products and so I wonder if that's good ro bad for her liver recouvery.

Is tuna in the can with the tuna water good?

Should I be mixing in a bit of salt or sugar in the water I force feed her? I realize an IV is similar in nature at the vet... and spending thousands of dollars is tough to do for me... even though I would find the money if I had to.

I bought some special vet food for her... she won't touch it.

Are eggs or egg whites good for sick dogs?

Her spirits are up a bit since Monday Tuesday which is a good sign... however she is not out of the woods obviously. She is my best friend and I love her dearly... best dog I've ever owned to be honest... I'd hate to lose her not asking questions to try and help her get well.

Thanks in advance.

-Deano

I'm a little confused, and curious as to what your vet recommended that you do! Did he not give Maggie any meds or instructions for you to follow? Did he tell you the cause of this? If she has liver failure, she could die, unless there are appropriate measures taken.

Definitely do not give her ANYTHING with salt or spices. This includes the stock sorry to say. Do not give her sugar, unless this is approved by your vet. Everything that you feed her, including meds, has to be processed by her liver, so you have to feed the liver with healthy things.

"Boiled" chicken and rice, should be just fine, as well as eggs, as they have protein. You could also try boiled liver. Liver is has a ton of protein. I wouldn't really go for the tuna, unless it clearly states that it has zero, or very low sodium. There is hidden salt even in the water packed tuna.

The good news is, the liver can recover if you take the proper steps and follow treatment instructions. Here is a very good run down on what you need to know, and the things you need to do for little Maggie.

Take a look at this link, and my dog will send good puppy vibes for her to get better.

Liver Disease Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis (http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/liverdisease.htm)

Keep us updated on Maggie, and good luck!

http://www.postsmile.com/img/dogs/55.gif (http://www.postsmile.com/)

Giving your pet some milk to change a little from water can be a good solution. Milk contains proteins, which can help her to recover and give her some energy. Well, ask your vet before though, it's just an opinion. Good luck!

I'm a little confused, and curious as to what your vet recommended that you do!? Did he not give Maggie any meds or instructions for you to follow? Did he tell you the cause of this? If she has liver failure, she could die, unless there are appropriate measures taken.

Liver Disease Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis (http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/liverdisease.htm)

Keep us updated on Maggie, and good luck!

http://www.postsmile.com/img/dogs/55.gif (http://www.postsmile.com/)

I'm sorry I was tired when I wrote this... fortunately Google put me on to this site and I appreciate the replies. Let me expounde. She isn't suffereing from liver failure that the vet or I am aware of... She did have' blood work done. I needed more input about the salt / sugar thing only because I know both of these ingredients stimulate electrolytes; however, when it comes to dogs I need to be sure.

I would think red meat of any kind would be hard on the liver... but I know she loves eggs. She has been prescribed drugs and I forgot to mention that... again I was very tired when I posted here last night.

Thanks again for the input it's greatly appreciated. I will keep you posted and let you know what I use to stimulate her health.

-Deano

I'm sorry i was tired when i wrote this... fortunately google put me on to this site and I appreciate the replies. Let me expounde. She isn't suffereing from liver failure that the vet or I am aware of... She did have' blood work done. I needed more input about the salt / sugar thing only because I know both of these ingredients stimulate electrolytes; however, when it comes to dogs I need to be sure.


Now, I'm confused!! :confused:

Now, I'm confused !!! :confused:

An IV at a hostpital isn't just water...

An update... Maggie has recovered from her infection. I basically stayed home from work for a few days and nursed her back to health... I've never force fed an animal before and although she didn't like it I know she felt better with food in her tummy.

Cooked chicken, tuna, cooked rice, and water / turkey baster. I'm happy I came to this site and thanks again for the replies.

-Deano & Maggie

We know that an IV isn't water. An IV can contain many different things. We were just really confused when the question was about a liver infection, and then not.

I'm very glad that Maggie is doing so much better, and hope she continues to. Good luck to the both of you! :)

Ok, glad that Maggie is better. I hope that she remains in good health and wish you good luck! Stay safe!

Glad to hear things are better, Keep in mind that animals do not have the same digestive system as humans and although it may seem what is good for us will be for them, that is far from the case. They have a shorter digestive track than we do so digestion ways so much on their liver and kidneys. I would never give high doses of sodium to an animal, IV fluids are a mixture of potassium, dextrose and a sodium compound. That combination is meant to be absorbed by organs and passed through the system effectively. The keep to the thought on electrolytes is the right combination for absorption. Just an idea if your wanting a productive drink to wet the whistle of your best friends a good one to try is Smart Water great for humans and also your pets. Too much input of sodium in the system can actually dehydrate with out a balance. Good luck, hope all stays well with your little one.