At wits end - need direction

Question
Hi Cindi, A friend of mine has a sweet little sheltie. A month ago he just quit eating! She has taken him to the vet to have every imaginable test run on his digestive tract - with xrays and all - brain included - you name it.
The only way this little sheltie is getting fed, is force fed special liquid nutrition. He is about 4 yrs old. I told her to go to a vet hospital and be checked out there. With your experience - what would you think might be wrong? What should she do?
Thanks Cindi - Karen in Ohio

Answer
Hi Karen
That's pretty scary. If they did a full round of testing including liver function, blood work and thyroid, then I know they are at their wit's end.
Have they tried just letting him be hungry?? I know it sounds like a stupid question but sometimes going a day or so without eating or being allowed to eat will pique their appetite. Then not focusing on it, just putting the food down twice per day for twenty or so minutes at a time, just plain dry food. Tough love but it often works if there is no physical reason for not eating.
supplements are great too especially vitamins' C and b complex.
Have they tried vitamin B injections?
Cindi