Giardia and now 3 years old, 12.4 lbs

It's been a while since our last update, but no news is usually good news.  We now have experience with Giardia that we want to share with those having similar symptoms. Giardia is an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Giardia.

https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_giardiasis

https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2016/02/10/excessive-licking-surfaces-dogs.aspx

The most common cause of Giardia is from the ingestion of infected fecal material.  A symptom of Giardia is diarrhea.  It took us 2 months, before confirming that Mochi was positive for Giardia.  Mochi had intermittent, cyclical diarrhea.  It's the first time she would wine in the middle of the night wanting to go out and then have explosive diarrhea.  Fortunately, it wasn't everyday, just intermittent, complicating the diagnosis.  At first, it was diarrhea, soft, mucinous, poop about 3 times a week.  We thought she ingested something bad at the park and this would resolve itself in a few days.  There was no blood in the stool, no loss of appetite, no weight loss and no dehydration.  After 3 weeks, it was time to see the vet.  Vet prescribed ProGut Plus probiotic and we collected 3 poop samples for her 1st fecal test. Test was negative for any parasites.  Now, we were thinking it was food intolerance
and started an elimination diet to figure out what protein was causing diarrhea.

After a month, we insisted on another fecal test and began collecting poop samples again.  This time, the test was positive for Giardia and immediately started on a 7 day course of Metronidazole 50mg.  Almost, immediately, her poop was solid.  We read that Giardia could return since the parasite is in the house or yard, but fortunately, Mochi hasn't had diarrhea for 4 months.

We observed that Mochi started to excessively lick the floors during this period of Giardia.  This was not normal for her, but we didn't think much of it.  But articles online have said that "excessive licking of surfaces" (ELS) can be due to a GI disorder.  But unfortunately, Mochi has not stopped this habit.

We have also tried slippery elm powder supplement for diarrhea, but there was no significant improvement.  No surprise since the cause was Giardia.

We also now regularly add a probiotic, and other supplements to Mochi's raw food. 

Thanks for reading, we hope this helps someone in the future.

Mochi is 2 years old. 13.2 lbs. On Raw diet.

March 9, 2018.  Hi everypawdy!  Mochi is 2+ years young and ~13.2 lbs.  1 lbs overweight! 

Mochi is another year older.  Time flies!  Mochi is doing well and there hasn't been much to post.  I mostly Instagram pics so follow me if you are interested.

Mochi has switched from Origen kibble to a raw food diet from Bold Raw https://boldraw.com.  We've been incrementally improving the food (and treats) that Mochi has been eating as we continue to become more knowledgeable about dogs. Visit Dr. Karen Becker's site to see the ranking of the food you feed your dog.  Balanced raw is at or near the top and dry dog food is near the middle to bottom.  We also like the single ingredient dried treats, ie. liver, hearts, lung, tendon, sardines, etc. 

https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2015/11/08/best-to-worst-pet-food-types.aspx

While feeding raw, we also switched Mochi to two feedings a day from three.  She still feels that she should get a third meal :)  So far, Mochi should lose a pound to get her back to her ideal weight of 12 lbs.  We are adjusting her beef intake since the beef variety of Bold Raw has a much higher calorie count than Turkey.  I think this is the reason she's been gaining weight.

You may ask, what has been the difference now that Mochi has switched to eating raw?

1) She loves the raw food.  In the past, she didn't like to eat the kibble and we would often add a meal mixer or something to make the food more attractive.  With Origin, she was ok, as long as we weren't over-feeding.  Now with the raw food, she would devour it in 30 seconds.  No problems.  No need to add anything and no need to mix any water into the kibble.

2) poop is a bit less.  We find the poop is smaller so the volume is less.  Also, less soft stool so far.

3) That's about it, skin and hair are still silky soft. 

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Another flea and tick free year.  We didn't use any flea treatment this year and we didn't have any problems.  We just used a home-made Apple Cider Vinegar spray, not sure if it did anything. But we were ready to just bathe her if we had a problem rather than apply any chemicals.

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Annual vet check-up complete

Mochi visited the vet for her annual check-up.  We do an annual blood and urine test and she is generally fine.  Looks like her protein levels are higher than normal and that's probably because of the raw diet and/her dehydration at time of her test.  Fecal test was also negative for parasites.

I am peeved about Mochi's urine test.  They "needled" her for urine without first consulting me.  I could have collected urine as I did last year, but no, they had to use a needle and charge me.  Make sure you tell your vet, don't do anything without permission.

1 Year 16 weeks, 12.2 lbs, Happy 2017!

Friday, January 27, 2017

Hello everyone, a late Happy New Year!  Mochi has been doing well and there hasn't been anything significant to report until now, but it’s all good. J

Annual Vet Check-up

Mochi just visited the vet for her annual check-up and vaccine booster (we skipped Bordetella and Lepto).  Her blood and urine test was fine (no kidney disease). 

She also got her parasite treatment pill, Interceptor.  Fortunately, she had no side-effects from the Interceptor tablet.  This is the 1^st parasite treatment since she was a baby.  I don’t think she needs the parasite pill every month as I’ve seen suggested. 

She is 12.2 lbs and is getting ‘fat’ if she continues to eat the way she does or rather the way we feed her.

Snow

We had an abnormal amount of snow this January and it was very cold and icy.  Mochi just loved the snow, much more than rain.  She gets big ice balls in her fur from playing in deep snow.  She's definately not made for the snow and will need snow boots if we want to play longer.

Grooming

Mochi still needs a lot of grooming L  We recently had to replace the long shower hose with a Rinse Ace 3-way Pet Shower Sprayer.  It’s worked great, much more functional now that she has her own mini sprayer and cheaper than getting a longer hose.

Miscellaneous 

Mochi is continuing to eat her Origen Six Fish and Regional Red.  We now alternate the two varieties.  She is continuing Gutsense, and take it at least once a week and more frequent if necessary, no side-effects from that probiotic. 

She also has a pet sitter now.  She has now stayed with the sitter twice and seems to be getting more comfortable away from home.

One new video: Mochi running in the snow.

Thanks for viewing!

Happy 1st Birthday to Mochi. 11.2 lbs.

Mochi is 1 year old!  Here are pics from her 1st Birthday.

Mochi is trying out a dog probiotic, Gutsense, for the last 5 days.  So far so good.

That's how I want to wear the hat!

I almost at the flame.

Tired from my big day.

47 weeks, 10+ months, 11.0 lbs! New treats.

August 30, 2016

Sorry for the lack of updates.  Mochi will be 11 months old in a few days.  She's is healthy and now 11.0 lbs.  She's now eating her 2nd bag of Orijen and we alternated to the Six Fish variety.  She also loves lamb and bison hearts from Yappetizers.

Mochi still needs work with loose leash training :(

If you haven't seen her latest video, go here.  Turn on your sound.

Mochi is 42 weeks old, 10.4 lbs. Cherry Eye gone. New poncho.

Wed. July 27, 2016

After 2 follow-up visits to the vet, Mochi was finally ok to stop the cone and eye ointment.  Her eye has a bit of stitch that needs to dissolve, but it should heal on its own.  We already let her stop the cone since she wasn't scratching.  So her cherry eye recovery time was about 14 days.  Her bath and groom is long overdue.

No more Cherry Eye

Mochi's new Canada Pooch rain poncho from Tisol.  It folds into the attached pouch and has a hood.

Mochi is 40 weeks old, 10.2 lbs, recovering from Cherry Eye surgery

Wed. July 13, 2016

Mochi is now recovering from her surgery to repair her Cherry Eye.  She has to wear a cone and is very uncomfortable with it.  She needs to have Tobrex antibiotic ointment applied to her eye and the vet will check it in 7 days.  Here's an article about Cherry Eye in Dogs from the clinic.

Mochi has switched over to Orijen Red kibble completely.  She loves it and we don't even have to add any Stella & Chewy's anymore.

Mochi before surgery

Mochi after surgery, wearing her cone

Mochi out vacuuming the grass

Mochi is 38 weeks old, 10.4 lbs, Cherry eye, switch to Orijen kibble

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Mochi is now 38 weeks old, almost 9 months and 10.4 lbs.  She has just switched from her Now Fresh Puppy kibble to Orijen Regional Red kibble.  Dog food advisor gives Orijen Regional Red 5 stars.  Reviews.com also give it a good rating.  We are concerned about the high protein content, so we'll be observing closely.  Mochi seems to really like Orijen.

We had to visit the vet about Mochi's eye.  The vet said it's Cherry Eye, a common disorder often seen in young puppies.  After an exam which included Fluor-i-strip, a diagnostic dye, to check for abrasions on the eye, she was prescribed TobraDex eye drops (antibiotic and corticosteroid).  Hopefully, she can recover, otherwise, surgery is required.  Dr. Google mentioned eye massage techniques to push the third eyelid back into place, but the vet didn't recommend this.  Mochi seems fine other than a bit more tearing.  Eye issue noticed June 27, eye drops started June 29.

Cherry eye

Mochi is now 36 weeks old (8+ months), 10.2 lbs.

Monday, June, 13, 2016.

Sorry for the delay in updating.  I did add a new video of Mochi eating bacon for the 1st time here.

We purchased a new front clip harness from Walk Your Dog With Love (Amazon.ca has it) and we've been using it for a week.  I think this one is better than the Sporn no-pull harness that we've been since she was 25 weeks old.  The old harness didn't stop Mochi's pulling and the cloth material just didn't last.  The new harness is better at stopping her pulling.  Mochi has picked up a habit of stopping since using this harness.  Maybe it's the front-clip that she's not used to.  So we are training her to continue walking on leash. 

It's almost time to begin transitioning Mochi to adult kibble.  Small breed dogs should transition at around 9 months from puppy to adult food.  We will try Origen Regional Red kibble soon.

Mochi is now 9.4 lbs! 33 weeks, just shy of 8 months old.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Mochi is doing well.  Her scar from surgery is virtually gone, and her shaved hair on her leg and belly is slowly growing back.

She attended a Havanese Meet-Up in Vancouver.  If you have a Havanese, check out Buca's Havanese Group.

Buca's Havanese Meet-Up

Mochi at the Meetup

Here's Mochi with her uncle, Oscar.

Mochi has a new video.  Check her YouTube channel here.

Mochi is 30 weeks old, just shy of 7 months. 9.0 lbs!

Sunday, May 1, 2016

It's been 10 days since Mochi's spay surgery and it was time to visit the vet for her follow-up check of the spay incision.  She is healing well, the stitches are dissolving and they said the small lumps should go away soon.  She's cleared to jump and run!  She was already jumping and running the 2nd day and it was tough stopping her.  Finally, able to give her a bath.

We also inquired about flea protection and they suggested Sentinel flavor tablets.  We'll do some research before purchasing it.

Mochi after bath, she can barely see :)

Mochi is 28 weeks old and 8.5 lbs. She was spayed yesterday and recovering well.

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Mochi was spayed (ovariohysterectomy) yesterday.  We dropped her off at 9am and pickup was 4pm.  We delayed her surgery to allow time for her baby teeth to come out and a quick inspection at the vet confirmed no baby teeth needed to be removed.

Here's the medication they gave, Tramadol 10mg (pain killer) and Metacam 0.25ml (anti-inflammatory).

She had some pain doing number 2 when she got home, but she was fine this morning.  So far, no other problems.  She's eating and drinking well.  We are told to limit her activity for 7 to 10 days till her next vet visit.

We opted for the more expensive laser surgery option.  They said swelling, bleeding and inflamation are generally decreased. 

Mochi's belly was shaved, no more black hair.

Head collar, but we chose to use the baby onesie instead.

Mochi in her onesie.

Mochi is growing fast.  Here's her first rain coat before and after.

We also needed to get a new carrier, her old one is too small :(  Here's Mochi in her new Pupsaver safety seat.

Notice Mochi's new bow?  We bought them from Bowbiz Dog Bows.

Mochi is now 25 weeks old and 8.0 lbs. (nearing 6 months)

Monday, March 28, 2016

We just read a dog food review here, and basically, anything with corn, soy, wheat, grain and flour would not be considered a good food.  Fromm is in the top 10, but the blend we were feeding contained pea flour.  Also, the new food we switched to, Now Fresh, also contains flour.  Oh well, overall it's okay since it's a puppy blend with no chicken.  We'll try it for now and being for puppies, we would need to switch to an adult food after the 1st year.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Mochi vomited bile once last week, so we decided to put her back on Famotidine / Pepcid for another week (but only one dose at night).  We also switched her kibble to Petcurean Now Fresh for puppies, and cut back on her treats to rule out any food intolerance or allergies.  She's been on her new kibble for a week, so we will be stopping the Pepcid to see if there's any improvement.  Now Fresh is free of grain, gluten, wheat, soy and chicken. 

Mochi bought a new No-pull harness from Sporn.  I thought I'd mention it since it was inexpensive and fits Mochi.  It's been very hard finding a no-pull harness that fits a small puppy.  Does it solve Mochi's leash pulling?  Not yet, unfortunately :(  But it helps and we continue to train.

Notice Mochi getting lighter? 

Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Vancouver

Mochi is now 23 weeks old and 7.6 lbs. Mochi's baby teeth are falling out!

We are relieved that Mochi has not vomited since stopping her medication (since last week).  I think she is okay now.  We are continuing to feed her a small meal before bed and make sure we don't sleep in late.  We didn't change her food, just limiting the variety for now.  She gets a bit of Stella & Chewy mixed in with her Fromm kibble.  We also add a bit of FortiFlora powder (Canine Probiotic Nutritional Supplement) as recommended by the vet.

Mochi got her bath today and her fur is so soft now.  We also tried to do a topknot, but it only stayed on for about 2 hours. :(

Mochi's 1st attempt at a topknot. Her hair needs to get longer.

We found some of Mochi's baby teeth.  We want them to all come out before 6 months so we can proceed with her spay. 

Can you guess which one is a grain of rice?

We found more teeth.

Mochi vomited 2 days ago and now feeling much better. Now 20 weeks and 6.8 lbs.

Update for Tuesday, Mar. 1, 2016

We had to visit the vet again :(  Mochi was still vomiting yellow foam in the mornings, even after having food before bed.  She did not vomit on the one day I woke up at 5am to feed her biscuits. When I woke up at 6am, she vomited.  She should be able to have an empty stomach for more than 5 hours without vomiting!

Mochi had a blood-test and x-rays, both were normal.  Mochi was given Drontal Plus (a dewormer) and prescribed Famotidine (Pepcid) to reduce stomach acid and Cerenia (again).

Mochi's did not sleep the first night after the vet visit.  She was so active that day, so we can not imagine how and why she could not sleep as she normally does.  She had Femotidine and Cerenia around 10pm and Drontal Plus earlier that afternoon.  The drugs shouldn't cause insomnia.  Mochi was so alert, wide awake in her crate, eye's wide open and looking around all night.

Moch was sleeping as usual the next night.  We stopped the Cerenia.  Mochi hasn't vomited so far.

Wow, I just found other posts about dogs that have had a reaction to Drontal Plus.  Hyperactivity and hyper-alertness!  Link to their posts are here and here and here.


Update for Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016

Mochi has been eating her Fromm kibble once again, but she has been vomiting in the morning, on an empty stomach for the last two days.  Looks like yellow foam, which I'm told is bile.  It could be due to stomach inactivity over night leading to gastric reflux.  We are going to try feeding a small amount of kibble before she sleeps and will try to feed her earlier in the morning.  So far, she has a good appetite and good energy levels.


Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016

Mochi vomited 3 times last Friday and the last two were within the span of an hour.  So we decided to take her to the vet immediately.  Mochi was still full of energy, but dehydrated.  The vet gave her "Subcutaneous Fluid", the term for injecting fluids under the skin to be absorbed slowly into the blood and body.  They also injected Cerenia and provided Cerenia tablets for us to give the next day to prevent further vomiting.  Mochi hasn't vomited since, but has not been eating much.  We don't have a reason for the vomiting, but we are assuming it was something she may have eaten on a walk. Fortunately, she's okay, otherwise, the next steps would be x-rays and blood tests.  The vet did mention pancreatitis.

She seems to have suddently stopped liking her Fromm kibble since getting sick.  She eats it only when she's very hungry.  We are trying to resist giving her the good Stella Meal Mixer's and Turkey treats and try to get her back on the kibble.  Let's hope she goes back to normal.  Could she be associating her vomiting to her kibble???  That's a possibility, but she still eats it, just very little.

Mochi has also completed her puppy socialization class.  Looks like we are on our own to find more puppies for her to play with.  

I added new videos on Mochi's YouTube Channel here.

 

Mochi is now 18 weeks old and 6.5 lbs.

Mochi just had her 1st Rabies vaccine today.  So far no adverse reactions.  She will need another rabies shot next year and then every three years after that.

Mochi has one more socialization puppy class.  She is still pretty fearful of the other puppies, but slowly improving.  She seems to be a bully outside of class when she meets older calmer dogs.  We have to practice her 'polite' walking (no pulling).  Dogsmart has some videos here.

She is also eating a new flavour of Fromm.  Surf & Turf.  Fromm has so many flavours.  Mochi also seems to love chewing elk antlers.

Happy Chinese New Year!

Mochi and her lucky money.

Mochi is now 15 weeks old, 5.1 lbs, and just had her 3rd shot.

Mochi is doing well.  She is now 15.5 weeks old, 5.1 lbs.  She just had her 3rd set of shots, which means she can now officially go outside.  The vet could feel her ribs, so Mochi is a little underweight. We will be giving her more food and also going to move to a new flavour of Fromm, Surf and Turf. Mochi was normal after this shot, no after effects unlike the last time.

Mochi has finished her 3rd puppy socialization/training class.  They (very) slowly introduce other dogs and they stress having a break to lower their excitement before playing again.  They also introduced training using a 'platform'.  I found it helped in teaching Mochi to do commands from a greater distance.  Check-out Mochi's latest video while on a platform here.

Mochi's YouTube Channel here.

Read more about 'platforms'.

Mochi is now 13 weeks (3 months) old and 4.6 lbs.

January 6, 2016

Mochi is now 13 weeks old and attended her first of six puppy socialization classes for pups between 10 to 20 weeks old (at DogSmart).  There were 5 other dogs, but they all just kept their distance for their first day as instructed.

We were taught to use a clicker, touch and impulse control.  Mochi's already used to the clicker from the beginning :)  But the instructor wanted Mochi to stand, but we've taught her to sit for everything.  So we have to work on the stand.

Mochi has now started to like more food.  She now likes the beef toothpaste she didn't like a few weeks ago.  She also likes apples now too. 

We are switching her kibble from Canadian Naturals to Fromm.  DogFoodAdvisor gives Fromm 4 out of 5 stars.  Mochi also likes Stella & Chewy's Meal Mixers sprinkled on her food and as a training treat.  We aren't ready to go to a raw food diet just yet.

Switching to new food

Mochi at 13 weeks

 

Mochi at 12 weeks taken by friend with a much better camera.

December 29, 2015

Here's a photo taken by our friend with a much better camera.

Mochi is now 12 weeks old.

December 26, 2015

Mochi received many toys!  Thanks to everyone for making Mochi's first Christmas so wonderful.

Here's just some of her toys.

Mochi is doing well, she can now sleep for at least 6 hours straight during the night.  That means I can also sleep past 6:00am!  We are glad she is lazy.

Check out Mochi's video's here:
Mochi's Youtube Channel

Mochi is now 11 weeks old and 3.6 lbs.

December 20, 2015

Mochi is now 11 weeks old.  She's doing well and able to sleep for over 4 hours at night before I take her outside.  I am faster than her, so maybe she can hold it even longer.

We found more food she loves:

• Goat's milk
• Turkey balls from a doggie bakery

Our next task is to socialize her to the nail grinder and clippers.  She's okay with the sound except when it touches her :(

We found something she's scared of, Tickle me Elmo when it's turned on.  She barks at it.

Her next vaccination is scheduled for tomorrow and she's registered for a puppy class in January.

She's pretty lazy now

She's okay with Elmo when it's not on :)