I thought I would post an update on Spencer's progress to let all of his friends know that he is doing SO much better! He has not only regained most of his appetite, he has relaxed his standards to accommodate non-balled, non-creative food. Sometimes. When he's feeling generous. Or hungry. This is not to say that he is no longer picky. He would prefer his food rolled into bite-size balls but, as a semi-acceptable alternative, he will take the dish du jour separated into neat spoonfuls on a plate. No bowl. Bowls are no longer acceptable in our house, except for water.
He will now eat with relish and drink with abandon, but he is not gaining the weight back as quickly as I had hoped. Being thin doesn't bother him nearly as much as it bothers me. He has most of his energy back, and he has regained his curiosity. I think he is out of the woods. He is one tough little guy. This is the third time a vet has told us that he probably wouldn't make it… and all three times, he has bounced back. He amazes me, and as long as he tells me that he wants to go on, I'm going to do all I can to make sure he has the best chance of doing exactly that. These are incredible little dogs!
Happy, happy news! He is a fighter and so are you, you make a great pair. Hooray!
Thank you! It's a huge relief. These are happy days in our house, though I am aware of who's really in charge, and it's the one with a fur coat and a curly tail. 
I thought I would post an update on Spencer's progress to let all of his friends know that he is doing SO much better! He has not only regained most of his appetite, he has relaxed his standards to accommodate non-balled, non-creative food. Sometimes. When he's feeling generous. Or hungry. This is not to say that he is no longer picky. He would prefer his food rolled into bite-size balls but, as a semi-acceptable alternative, he will take the dish du jour separated into neat spoonfuls on a plate. No bowl. Bowls are no longer acceptable in our house, except for water.
Sounds like at least you know the rules!
So glad to hear he's back to normal- ish.
Oh, yes, I am a good companion, fairly obedient and easily-trained– from the Basenji perspective!
Oh, yes, I am a good companion, fairly obedient and easily-trained– from the Basenji perspective!
LOL, good for you and YEA for Spencer. Have you tried doing a little excerise with him…. walks? If nothing else good to keep the muscles and stuff active....
This is really good news. May Spencer continue to improve and if he does put on some weight it'll be a bonus.
Spencer had his first walk in weeks yesterday. After his surgery, he was so weak and thin, then the weather has been cold and rainy. But it was finally nice yesterday, so off we went. He was so excited to go… and so exhausted afterward. And we just went around the block sloooooooowly, so he could stop and sniff EVERYTHING. Nothing went unsniffed, and he was very generous with his marking.
His back legs trembled all last night after the walk. He just has hardly any body fat or muscle mass left. Has anyone helped a dog build back from that? Now that he's eating, I'm going to restart the amino fuel and, of course, slowly lengthen the walks. We don't have access to the hydro-therapy, and he can't navigate the stairs. Ideas?
Do what you're doing…..go slow. Time is the only thing that will get him back in shape, and asking (or allowing!) too much too soon will set him back. I wish patience for both you and Spencer, as it can be frustrating, but it will take the time it takes. Try not to let him overdo it! (a little more every few days, with time to recuperate between escalations is best).
Well, we're taking it slow, and things are getting better and better. Spencer is now trotting around the block, leaving pee-mail everywhere to say "Hey, I'm back!" to all his canine friends and foes. He hasn't gained back any muscle mass that I can tell, but the leg trembling is not nearly as severe. And he has gained almost a pound and a half! He's snuffling food like a little pig. Sometimes, he licks and licks his plate, wanting more, and I actually have to watch his portions so he won't overwork his kidneys. I'm hopeful that he'll be able to gain back all of the weight in time.
But he's still very thin– a fact that was pointed out to me today. I took Spencer to the dog bakery for some treats after a trip to the vet, and this woman came up to me in the parking lot and said, "You're starving that poor dog. If you won't take care of him, at least find someone who will." Then she called me a name and said "People like you make me sick" and stomped off. I was too shocked to even say anything. I get where she's coming from-- we've all seen those awful commercials and read those terrible stories-- but wow! I'm a little afraid to take him back out without bundling him up in his sweater and coat. 
Next time just immediately say "he's been sick and almost didn't make it". Rehearse this so it will come out without thought. The other person will feel terrible…...as they should. Talk about rush to judgement!
Have you had his blood tested recently, especially the Calcium, Potassium, and Sodium levels? Low levels can cause muscle problems. Are you also feeding him a red meat diet for the amino acids?
Jennifer
But he's still very thin– a fact that was pointed out to me today. I took Spencer to the dog bakery for some treats after a trip to the vet, and this woman came up to me in the parking lot and said, "You're starving that poor dog. If you won't take care of him, at least find someone who will." Then she called me a name and said "People like you make me sick" and stomped off. I was too shocked to even say anything. I get where she's coming from-- we've all seen those awful commercials and read those terrible stories-- but wow! I'm a little afraid to take him back out without bundling him up in his sweater and coat.
Would it make you feel better to know I heard of someone who had the ASPCA call out on them because they owned salukis? Honestly, many people think a dog is thin if it isn't 20 pounds overweight. I agree with e4, just practice saying that.
I would hate for the ASPCA to be called. I doubt they knew anything about Salukis or sighthounds in general. Many sighthound breeds are supposed to have a lean look.
Jennifer
Have you had his blood tested recently, especially the Calcium, Potassium, and Sodium levels? Low levels can cause muscle problems. Are you also feeding him a red meat diet for the amino acids?
Jennifer
Jennifer, he had a recheck on blood last week. Everything is normal-to-excellent for a Fanconi dog, except his ALKP is still high– around 2000. That's the mystery-- it's still more than doubled from last fall, and it didn't come back in line after the infection cleared up.
I alternate red meat and chicken, throwing in some sort of fish and eggs once or twice a week, all mixed with veggies and rice or noodles with Wellness Sr Super-5. So he has red meat every other day. Do you think he needs more?
Yes, next time I will be quick to respond and clear up any misconception. I was just so stunned. I mean, here Spencer is, with a glossy coat, bright eyes and a nice collar, trotting along on a leash, looking very thin but clean and happy. Good thing she didn't see him a few weeks ago or she probably would have called the ASPCA!
No matter what anyone says, like you mentioned…. a couple of weeks ago, things were SO desperate for Spencer! Thankfully, things are going to improve for him. As my Mom would say when I was growing up: "Kill 'them' with kindness". While the lady was obviously rushing to judgement, it may have taken her a lot of nerve to step up and "protect" the skinny innocent dog that she saw at your side. I would be shocked and stunned, too, but for all we know, she was Michael Vick's neighbor and vowed to herself to protect the next innocent dog. And like you mentioned, you will be better prepared for the next person, so that they can understand that the Spencer they see is, in reality, the "after" picture. 
Whatever... I feel so blessed that YOU found an answer for Spencer's illness, and that when the "experts" told you to let him go, YOU didn't give up and YOU found the right answers to keep him going! You've restored my faith in mankind, because you found the hope that no one else would help you find.
Spoil him rotten, within limits, of course.
Hugs and roos-
Patty
Have you had an abdominal x-ray or ultrasound done? My 13 year old Fanconi Affected girl had high liver values but not that high and she was diagnosed with a gallbladder problem but not a liver problem. My regular vet did a simple ultrasound but she was referred to an internist where a more formal ultrasound could be done. If your regular vet cannot do the ultrasound, I would go to an internist/specialist who could do it.
Where in Tennessee do you live? My dogs previous internist is now in the Nashville area.
Jennifer
Jennifer, Spencer had abdominal x-rays, and the vet ruled out gallbladder issues. I can't remember exactly why, but she seemed confident it was not that. I'll have to raise the question again. His liver appeared normal on the films, but I know that doesn't rule out a mass. It could be liver cancer, but he is not symptomatic and the rest of his liver values are normal. Everything is normal, except for the ALKP. Dr. Gonto says the ALKP is often abnormally high in Fanconi dogs, but Spencer's value is higher than most, and it doubled quickly. I opted against a liver biopsy right now. He's been through so much.
I am in Knoxville. Spencer's blood gases are done at UT, and my vet could probably set me up there. Would an ultrasound show that much more than the x-ray? And what does Missy take for her gallbladder problem? Or has it resolved?
Thanks for responding!
No matter what anyone says, like you mentioned…. a couple of weeks ago, things were SO desperate for Spencer! Thankfully, things are going to improve for him. As my Mom would say when I was growing up: "Kill 'them' with kindness". While the lady was obviously rushing to judgement, it may have taken her a lot of nerve to step up and "protect" the skinny innocent dog that she saw at your side.
Whatever... I feel so blessed that YOU found an answer for Spencer's illness, and that when the "experts" told you to let him go, YOU didn't give up and YOU found the right answers to keep him going! You've restored my faith in mankind, because you found the hope that no one else would help you find.
Spoil him rotten, within limits, of course.
Hugs and roos-
Patty
Thank you, Patty! That's so nice of you to say. And, of course, I understand the woman's POV, because seeing a very thin dog would bother me, too. I was just taken aback, that's all. Next time, I won't be. Who knows– I might even make Spencer one of those sandwich signs that says "If you think I'm thin now, ya shoulda seen me LAST week. BAROO!"
Oh, and Spencer takes issue with that "within limits." He thinks that spoiling should have no bounds.
