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.