I'm so sorry to hear about Jimmy. :( It will definately be hard changing his diet, but at least there is something that can be done to help him. I think some companies even make vegetarian kibble which are considered to be a suitable subsitute by the certification boards. I really hope he starts feeling much better soon!
First off...this is for youhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...eys/bighug.gif
Now, I think since they've found this out that your little guy is going to be on the road to feeling good:) Like others have said, there are plenty of things that hopefully he can eat (like home made treats, I've got a ton of recipes if you want any just pm me).
Ya know, I think all this change is going to be harder on you than him;)
Oh, I am so sorry about Jimmy.
Aw, give Jimmy a pat on the head & a kiss from us. poor guy, but you are making progress - narrowing down what's going on. that's good! I've been following your Jimmy threads, and bless you for rescuing him! I couldn't believe how badly he was treated before you came along. He must feel so much better, just being loved and cared for. He knows you are trying to help him, and you will get through this, too.
(((((((((((((((((good vibes))))))))))))))))))
Jimmy has a great mom. Thanks for rescuing him and caring so much for him! What about tofu? Is that an option?
I didn't read all the other posts, so I hope I'm not repeating anything.
What about Tofu? You can buy some that tastes like meat & other things. Its full of veggie proteins & other stuff (or atleast I think it is).
Also there are veggie burgers (but make you own as their might be onion in the premade ones)! Those taste pretty good :) & to a dog I'm sure it'll be a great taste to him!
Much better to find out what was wrong with Jimmy. Think of all the fun he's going to have testing non-meat products ;) Feel better soon little man
I'm sorry to hear about Jimmy. He's been through alot (and so have you).
Can Jimmy eat peanut butter or tuna fish? I know Fenway loves that stuff. Perhaps you can give him that and he'll forget all about meat.
Good luck and keep us posted on his condition.
Oh Diana I'm sorry to hear that. {{hugs}} I know you will both be able to cope with this new transition quite well and I'm sure he'll be finding some new better treats that he will just gobble right up! :D
He sure is a lucky fella to have such a wonderful mommy caring for him. :D
Awww poor baby :( ((((((hugs)))))))
Thank you everyone for all the kind words, they honestly really help. I know many of you asked questions and I'll try to answer them when I call the doctor tomorrow (he's not there today).
For those of you that mentioned Tofu, that's a great idea and I'm going to ask the doc about it.
Captain-That was really nice of you to look up that site. I really appreciate it. I didn't even think about homemade cookies. I've made them before and Jimmy as well as the other dogs love them.
OK, I just spoke with Jimmy's doctor. Jimmy has Sistine (sp?) crystals and the doctor said he "hasn't seen a dog with them in some time." Not what you want to hear. Something about the way his body metabolizes the amino acids in meat protein. It is hereditary. Jimmy will be eating Royal Canin Vegetarian Formula for the rest of his life, I think. His treats should be meatless, but he can have an occasional rawhide because it's "not a significant source of Amino Acids." I was really worried about the Rawhide, he loves them! So all in all not too bad. I just feel so bad for him. I treat him like a little prince and I like spoiling him because he's had a tough life and he truly is a VERY good boy. He deserves the best and I hate that he has to be restricted. Still, I am very grateful this didn't turn out worse.
Thank you everyone for the ideas, prayers and support. You'll be happy to know Jimmy is starting to get quite wild (which we encourage). He's spunky and seems to understand what toys are. He never had them before and never would touch them. He plays tug of war with Morty and sometimes it makes me so happy I want to cry. He looks very healthy and maybe this new food and restrictions will insure he stays healthy.
BTW, the University they sent the crystals to wasn't Michigan it was Minnesota.