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.

 

[LilF]

I'm responding with confusion and concern regarding your recent comment suggesting I “grow my empowerment” in order to help Blossom. I’m unclear on what this means in the context of my post, and frankly, it felt dismissive, especially considering the effort and investment I’ve already made to address Blossom’s health.

To be clear, I am not seeking vague encouragement or general advice about being more empowered. I am seeking concrete, medically informed insight into Blossom’s symptoms. I have already:

• Conducted thorough testing (with low thyroid being the only finding)
• Consulted multiple vets
• Explored homeopathy seriously on four separate occasions
• Avoided over-handling her due to the stress it causes her

Despite this, her lack of appetite remains unresolved and concerning. At 7 years old, her disinterest in food is out of character and not something I want to dismiss. I specifically asked for input on whether the diestrus phase post-OSS (ovary-sparing spay) could play a role in her appetite fluctuations — a very real and plausible hormonal consideration.

If you, or anyone on this list, has clinical experience or relevant insights into how OSS and the hormonal cycles it preserves could impact appetite or behavior, that would be extremely helpful. I'm not sure how many others here have experience with OSS, but it would be valuable to discuss.

My past dogs thrived well into old age, and I was proactive in supporting their health. I’m doing the same for Blossom. I ask that we keep the focus on collaborative, informed discussion rooted in experience and veterinary knowledge — not general personal development commentary.

I remain open to input that helps me understand potential causes and directions to pursue. Thank you

 

[Dr. Jeff]

I'm responding with confusion and concern regarding your recent comment suggesting I “grow my empowerment” in order to help Blossom

Oh dear, sorry Lil. My post was not intending to add confusion or seem dismissive in any way. Primarily because you are doing everything right in order the help Blossom and your previous dogs.

What I mean is that though much of the conventional and holistic information may seem to be disparate. And because us practitioners have a way of making it seem like only we can know what's right, that is NOT the case.

The fact is that you know Blossom better than anyone in the world. And it is incumbent upon you to learn and implement the mindset shift and actions that can make a big difference.

For example, running the tests and consulting practitioners is essential. And do *you* the quarterback of Blossom's medical team have a handle on the process of healing? And how it occurs.

To me, that knowledge and the resulting self-empowerment is the one most important thing you can do.

After all, humans have followed this path successfully for thousands of years. Let's bring this shift back to vet med:

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And in the forthcoming Path to Pet Wellness book I attempt to help empower pet parents with a framework that merges this wisdom with the modern scientific method.

Dr. Marc Bekoff sweetly summarizes what the effect will be in the book's foreword (which comes long with the first 20 pages when you join the book waitlist).

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If you still have questions about this healing framework, I'm happy to hop on a call with you.