Needs to gain weight

**wolfsoul** · 10-02-2005, 02:38 PM

Visa needs to gain weight but I am having a hard time making her do so. The vet says she needs to gain about ten pounds.

She is up from 2 cups a day to 8 cups a day. She is now off of EVO and RAW and onto a puppy formula. She gets one can of canned food a day mixed in with her kibble. I also mix in different oils, flaxseed, and sometimes an egg. I give her several treats -- infact, sometimes we go through an entire box in just one day (already today I've broken up two bagsfull of Pupperonis that I fully intend on using). She is also getting RMBs. Oh, and I've been giving her one energy bar a day.

She is in good physical health. She just had a titre done two weeks ago. She doesn't have worms. I am going to have her checked for hyperthyroidism. But I think she just has a high metabolism. Her breeder says that if she doesn't gain ten pounds within a month that she is going to take her back.

I can't give her Satin balls because she is allergic to oatmeal. I can't limit physical activity -- this is a groenendael, it would be cruel --- not to mention we start agility classes today. She has ony gained about a pound since I've started trying to fatten her up, about two weeks ago. Is there anything else I can do?

**Glacier** · 10-02-2005, 04:03 PM

Can she have rice? I've given satin balls, but replaced the oatmeal with rice. Works just as well. I fed them to Paxil when she was fighting cancer and dropping weight like crazy. She loved them.

My understanding is that dogs don't get hyperthyroidism, unless they have thyroid cancer, which is extremely rare.

Some dogs are just naturally lean. Mac eats more than my malamute does and weighs less than half what Heyoka does. He's just got a revved up metabolism and he's designed to be a lean, running machine! Sounds like Visa might be the same way.

**wolfsoul** · 10-02-2005, 05:36 PM

Thanks for the advice, I'll replace the oatmeal with rice, sounds good.

I've read that hyperthyroidism is just an overactive thyroid.

When I got tested for hyperthyroid, they never said anything about cancer. Is it different in dogs?

**Glacier** · 10-02-2005, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by wolfsoul

I've read that hyperthyroidism is just an overactive thyroid.

When I got tested for hyperthyroid, they never said anything about cancer. Is it different in dogs?

It is an overactive thyroid. I think it can have a number of causes in humans and cats, but affects dogs differently.

**pitc9** · 10-03-2005, 09:20 AM

I had that problem with Sierra (and I still do) I had her tested for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency along with everything else, and all came up find! My vet and I have just come to face the fact that she's a skinny girl that eats like a PIG!!

**Kymcole25** · 10-03-2005, 01:44 PM

We have the same problem with Jagger, after he get's sick. Our vet gave us a "bulk-up diet" that works great, it took Jag from 6.2 lbs to 10.4 in a month.
I could post the recipe if your interested.