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Post by Dave on Dec 26, 2017 7:44:45 GMT 10
Hi, just wanted to know your views on a bitch (well wormed and feed a balanced diet) that isn't putting on weight. She is not being over worked as haven't had time the last couple of weeks. Had a blood test done on her and her wbc was 3.7 mchc was 46.9 and her hb was 28.0
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Post by Tom Meulman on Dec 27, 2017 4:50:52 GMT 10
Hi Dave,
Putting on weight required?
Keep in mind that when it comes to a Greyhound what is really required is an increase in muscle volume, not simply increasing the amount of fat in the body. That involves a lot more than providing a balanced diet and a couple of runs a week. It requires a change in the diet to suit the particular circumstances, and an exercise program specifically designed to increase muscle bulk.
However in your case with the couple of blood parameters you have quoted I can only conclude that a large part of the problem is dehydration.
Why that has occurred, and just how severe it is requires a full blood profile that includes a good look at liver and kidney function, and thyroid hormone levels.
In addition you need to check her feaces for consistency and colour, as this will tell you a lot about just how the digestive system is functioning in regard to her current diet as there is even a possibility that there may be a problem with her pancreas or that she may be one of those greyhounds that is wheat intolerant.
In either case her body would be getting very little benefit from the food she is being fed.
All in all further veterinary investigations are required to pinpoint the cause of the problem you are experiencing.
Cheers, Tom
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Post by Dave on Dec 28, 2017 4:51:41 GMT 10
Hi Tom,
I should have explained myself better. I got a blood test done but having read about reading results the ones I gave were the ones that were out the most. I will just add what I have on the blood test and when you have a chance you might be able to give me your opinion on it. I should add the vet is well known in greyhound circles and excellent when it comes to sickness and disease. He said her bloods were very good and she is healthy but her white blood cells were on the low side but didn't recommend an antibiotic. She weights 61 pounds, she is now getting 1 and half pounds of meat and 1 pound of cooked wholemeal brown bread, to this I add a table spoon of rice bran oil and liquid iron ( cant get injectable iron here) and vegemite juice. In the morning she gets 20% nuts and natural yogurt. She had her tonsils out months ago and she empties out regularly and consistently, never loose always solid. She is in good form in general but it just seems a big feed for her as this is more then I give a dog that weighs 70 pounds. Maybe she is just that type of dog? but would really appreciate your opinion on this.
Her bloods: WBC 3.70 LYM 40.1 MON 4.5 GRA 55.4 RBC 8.23 MCV 72.5 HCT 59.6 MCH 34.0 MCHC 46.9 RDW 9.4 HB 28.0 THR 98 MPV 7.1 PCT 0.07 PDW 7.9
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Post by Tom Meulman on Dec 29, 2017 15:20:28 GMT 10
Hi Dave, Sorry mate but I’m not going to be of much help to you as some of the abbreviations used in the blood profile are unfamiliar to me and some of the others that I am familiar with are not at an ideal level as used here in Australia. You may be better to have a look at Guide to Interpreting Analytical Blood Profilesyourself and look at the differences in the values. In regard to the quantity of food she needs to maintain a healthy body weight may not be as unusual as you think as the metabolism of greyhounds and their nutritional requirements can vary considerably from dog to dog. The only thing you may be able to do is increase the nutritional value of the food by adding additional fat to the meat portion, and possibly even reducing the evening meal and adding what has been removed from that meal to the breakfast portion. The reason for doing so is to ensure that the dog gets the most value from the food provided as an extra large meal can place more pressure on the digestive system, and often dividing the total food intake for the day into two equal meals can make a difference. Cheers, Tom
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Post by Dave on Dec 30, 2017 3:59:57 GMT 10
Hi Tom, thank you for your reply, I understand about the difference's between the blood profiles from country to country. I find it very confusing at the best of times. I took it upon myself to give her 2 shots of Betamax (use it for bites and cuts)and she is now jumping out of her skin and looks a lot more filled out. I do think the vet missed something in the blood test, her white blood cells were on the low side so she must have had a worse infection than he thought but all is well with her now. This is a brilliant site, full of great advise so don't be surprised if I annoy you with some more questions.
thanks again Tom,
Dave.
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