Food for liver enzyme levels and thryroid condition

Question
I have a 6 year old terrier mix who looks like an Irish Wolfhound.  She went suddenly blind about 3 months ago. (I took her to Atlanta to a specialist who could not find a physical reason for the blindness and a neurologist who felt that a cat scan would not show anything. Had a seizure three weeks ago which took us to the vet for blood tests.  Results at this point are that she has a low thyroid (9) and her liver enzymes were 900.  Doctor gave me Science Diet dogfood designed to help liver levels (Bailey is totally uninterested), vitamins to help enzymes and prednisone.  Instructions were no meat.  I have been cooking rice and adding a small amount of chicken broth and mixing the dogfood in that.  Bought some veggie burgers (making sure there is no onion ) and also baking sweet potatoes and mixing in with her food.  Sweet potatoes gave the dogfood a whole new appeal.  Fortunately, she is hungry.  Her levels have come down to 700, but we are striving for 200-320.  Any suggestions from your experience as to further nutritional help?  Thank you for anything you can share!

Christine Hubal

Answer
Dear Christine,

I am so sorry to hear about your dog's medical problems.  It must have been extremely upsetting for you.

When you went to Atlanta (where are you located?)to see the eye specialist, I am wondering why blood tests were not ordered at that time?  In my opinion, a full and extensive blood panel should have been ordered by one or both of the specialists you saw.

Did they tell you what is causing the elevated liver enzymes?

I am not able to guess what would be causing your dogs problems but I can say from my gut that the eyes, liver and thyroid are related somehow.  There seems to be a breakdown in your dog's immune system,  for some unknown reason.  

I can recommend a wonderful and brilliant vet that I feel strongly can help your dog.  If you are not within travelling distance to his office, he will definitely work with you through fax and phone consultations.  His name is Dr. Kruesi and he does tests that other vets usually don't bother with.  He also is holistic and can give you a substitute for the prednisone which is not a great drug to be taking.  He can give you a special whole foods diet for your precious munchkin that will support the immune system, thyroid and liver (science diet is not a great food for your dog).  This is his web address: www.crvetcenter.com/cancertherapy.htm /

Have you considered giving your dog some Milk Thistle to support the liver?  Do you live near a vet that can do acupuncture?  I think it would be very helpful.

I am wondering when you last vaccinated your dog and how close in time to the sudden blindness, the vaccinations occurred?  I have heard of many horror stories, including sudden blindness, related to over vaccinating.

Please will you stay in touch and let me know how your dog is doing?  My private email address is: szukidavis@aol.com

The best of luck with your beloved dog.

Shelley Davis
www.bednbiscuit.com