Dogs with OSS and appetite

[LilF]

Can some members weigh in on their experience with their dogs and appetite during heat cycle, particularly the diestrus or progesterone phase? I am not sure now as I stated before that Blossom, about 7, not wanting to eat in the mornings and seems down in the dumps/tired/lazy etc.... is part of her cycle. This is certainly NOT characteristic of other cycles since I have had her for 3 years. I took her to the vet last week and he did a ACTH test--put her through the stress of two blood draws in one visit. Her cortisol and ACTH were ok. This is the second time in 2 years I had it tested so that is not the problem. That is why I wanted to know if others have this issue. She looks at the food bowl like it is going to bite her. Evening meal can sometimes be this avoidant too---I just put the same food from morning there with maybe a topping of something fresh like meat or ground turkey. Her cycle started June 1st or so. She got this way around July 20th same day I started thyroid meds and gave her thuja dose. Talked to the homeopath and he now prescribes some remedy "good for all around" called Cal Carb this month and then next month alternate silicea. About the only change I see in her is she hasn't really scooted in the house so much anymore. She had the one skin tag removed that the homeopath should have fallen off with Silicea but it did not so I froze it off. NOW she has ANOTHER skin tag under her chin!! I don't even know if the appetite was or should be considered a "symptom" and considered in the prescribing of the cal carb/silicea. Losing any faith at all in this hokum/humbug/bunk that homeopathy is starting to feel like after my already stated YEARS of working with 4 different ones on 3 different dogs. Wasting my time and money? I am concerned about her down in the dumps morning feelings too. Later in the day mood seems better but appetite for dinner may be a bit better but still not diving in to the meal. Last night looked at it , looked around etc.. Annoying... Should I feed her ONE meal per day. She needs to lose weight and she is now with the skipped meals. She doesn't seem happy in the mornings, We spend an hour in the morning sun--makes ME more cheerful but her mood concerns me. I asked about Nux Vomica before---she doesn't appear upset stomach but it seemed to work before for appetite enhancement andn might use it again. I am pretty sure the homeopath would say ok but sometimes I get the feeling this is not working out like it should and I am at the end of the line trusting this, just saying honestly based on experience. She also seems to have a snort when she is sleeping once in a while like people with sleep apnea get. Vet says it could be the fat or loose palate, she does that when eating too. I feel nobody has her "right" in terms of oddness and don't put it all together. She has already had the stress of too many vet visits, the thyroid testings, getting a new vet, internal medicine doctor ENOUGH already. Let her be like dogs that live in the mountains who NEVER see a vet. Someone told me if you want your dog to live a long time never take them to a vet. I am starting to believe it.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Wasting my time and money?

No and yes. I'd chalk it up to a valuable learning experience. However it sounds like any of your vets has done a super important part of their job (IMHO).

And I really apologize that I've also not done it over the years Lil.

The one thing you may want to consider Lil, is finding someone to help you grow your empowerment in order to help Blossom (or any dog) as effectively as possible.

Should I feed her ONE meal per day

Probably worth trying.