Medical maltese / respiratory problems; supplements for maltese;

Question
Hi, my Maltese (Lilly) is 4 yrs. old and since she was a baby (1.8 lbs) we told the vet that she shows difficulty breathing.  She coughs as if she is trying to clear phlegm and while sleeping, breates very heavily thru nose and her diaphram and ribs go up and down.  She will gag and cough out of nowhere and pants quickly.  She is on the Science diet and also boiled chicken cutlet and the vet has brushed it off as being common.  Also tubular viscous superimposed over the urinary bladder.  variation in size of the IV disc spaces in the thoracolumbar and lumbar regions.  Also congenital variation of the sternum and ribs, increased tissue volume in the laryngeal/peri-laryngeal regions, stomach and bowel moderately distended, large bowel is moderately distended, urinary bladder is moderately distended, degenerative changes are seen involving the right stifle joing.  Just spent over $2,000 for mild, chronic, fibrosing steatitis, prognosis good (lumpectomy).  Urea Nitrogen is 40 (high) and BUN/Creatinine Ratio is 40 (high).  I am chanding vets because he doesn't pay attention to me and never discussed these findings.  Is there anything you can tell me about these results?

Answer

grain free dog food mi     Maltese - respiratory / can you update me on your little Maltese?

Wow Nora, Your little Maltese has a number of genetic problems - here is more info on the high ratio of BUN and Creatinine -
Yes - as you know this is a kidney and liver problem:

see Here:

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - BUN is produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Decreased levels are seen with low protein diets, liver insufficiency, and the use of anabolic steroid drug. Increased levels indicate any condition that reduces the kidney's ability to filter body fluids in the body or interferes with protein breakdown.

Creatinine (CREA) - Creatinine is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease or urinary obstruction, muscle disease, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and disbetes. An increased BUN and normal creatinine suggest an early or mild problem. An increased creatinine and increased BUN with elevated phosphorus indicate a long standing kidney disease.

What Does all this Say????
Yes, she has a palate problem with excess tissue in the laryngeal area ( throat)
Yes, I see some abnormal ( genetic ) problems with her general abdominal and thoracic / lumbar areas.

What can you do for this gal????

Talk to the vet about change her over to a better quality food- Science Diet has a bunch of corn and junk fillers...
I would slowly change her over to a grain free food - HOW about The SOJO green bag ( grain-free) mix - you add the cooked meat.
This is like hamburger helper for pets...
All Natural - safe - wonderful for your maltese.
Sold all over the world at pet stores OR-
You can get free shipping here:

http://www.sojos.com/index.aspx?affiliate=petnurse


Also, you may want to take just 1/4 of a teaspoon of NuVET powder supplement daily-
Start with just 1/4 of a teaspoon mixed into the dog food JUST 1 x per day.  AFTER 3 weeks go to the full dosage of JUST 1/2 teaspoon per day.
GREAT for Allergies and NuVET is an Immune System booster.
Helps with digestion too and may help her belly to reduce in size.


I hope this has helped.  Yes, your gal has many problems but a GOOD owner who looks for answers ...!  She is lucky to have you!



Keep me posted

mtnmom@gci.net

Marie Peppers LPN MA