mucousy diarhea

Question
Hi, Penny...
I have a 2 1/2 year old pure-bred yorkshire terrier, named  "Noisette"....
She has had an on-going problem with frequent bouts of mucousy diarrhea.
I have changed her food many times (I've tried about 4 different foods...all good brands, w/ no fillers, etc... ie: Solid Gold, Wellness, Merrick, etc...).
She appears to be fine for a few months, and then it returns....
Sometimes, the mucousy diarrhea will return after only a few weeks of healthy, strong, solid stools (after weening her back onto her food)!!
Each time this happens, I give her plain boiled white basmati rice, which binds her for a few days, then, I ween her back onto her food.
(She can not go without food, for she's only 5 lbs, & the small breeds are prone to hypoglycemia...she gets the shakes if she doesn't eat, & I then have to give her Nutrical!!)
As mentioned earlier, sometimes she will be fine again for months!!
She always appears to have a rather ravanous appetite...she's ALWAYS hungry!!
I'm very clean...no food droppings on the floor!! I have a close-lid garbage can.
And, she does not get ANY table scraps!!
Occassionally, I'll give her a few pieces of apple...with NO skin...tiny peices!!
Therefore, I don't think that this is a food allergy!!
I have spent a small fortune in vet bills as a result of this, and so far, I  have gotten nowhere!!
I've  even changed her vet!!
The vet that she's with now is really good, w/ a good reputation!
He practices a combination of Eastern/Western approaches with the animals....He tries to first treat them with herbs, etc...and, when neccessary, he will treat them with regular meds....He also does accupuncture on the animals...But, he's not some quack...he belives in, and  practises both, natural, as well as regular approaches.
He said that he does not feel that it's stress related, cos she does not seem like a nervous dog.
The only way that it could be stress related is if she is "internalising" the stress (possible!!)!!
She has had MANY stool samples done...for parasites, worms, etc...all negative!
They even proactively de-wormed her!!
So, I just brought her to the vet AGAIN for a full examination, as well as a blood test!!
I just spent another $300.00 to have blood work done!! I can't afford to spend much more....
But, I love her so much, that I would DO ANYTHING, and SPEND anything just to get to the bottom of this!!
I am going broke, but, I'm not willing to give up!!
Have you heard of this problem before with Yorkies??
And, based upon my details & info, do you have any advice or answers that might help me out.... or steer me in the right direction??
I was on the internet, desperately searching for answers for hours!!
I came across this site, & decided to ask!!
If you have ANY info or advice, or know of where I may obtain it, I would greatly appreciate it!! (And, Noisette would, too!!) LOL
Please respond asap!!
My main concern is that Noisette leads a long, healthy, & happy life!!
She has a great disposition...her temperment is sooooo sweet!!
She's such  a sweetheart!! She loves everyone....dogs, cats, kids, people!! She DESERVES the VERY BEST!!
Please help.... if you can!!
I would greatly appreciate it!!
Thank you SOOOOOO VERY MUCH for taking the time to read this!!!
I look forward to hearing from you!!
Thanks again!!
All the Best,
Holly (& Noisette)


Answer
Hi Holly.  General speaking, dogs that experience bouts of mucous filled diarrhea are suffering from conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, nonspecific diarrheal disorders, and or infections caused internal parasites.

I'm not talking about de-worming, which you write that your dog has received de-worming treatments.  I'm talking about another type of parasite such as Giardia and or Coccidia, both of which are not treated by de-wormers.  Talk to your vet about a prescription medication called Metronidazole.  Here (below) is a link to a website that will give you more information on the medication.

http://www.1800petmeds.com/Metronidazole-prod10098.html

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.  Sincerely, Penny D.