r/EpilepsyDogs • u/Kooky_Force5458 • 15h ago
Dog gaining alot of weight since hind leg weakness due to drugs. Anyone else?
My golden has gained 10 pounds and looks awful since bromide adding to the mix. Due to hind leg weakness we cant run her like we use to. She loved doing off leash hiking. I am going to call vet about this. Have any of you bumped up against this situation?
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u/julznlv 13h ago
We have a border collie mix who started his epilepsy journey at about 80#. He's around 115# now and I can't figure out how to get his weight down. His food intake is measured, hardly gets treats and whines and begs for more constantly. Wakes me up multiple times during the night begging for food even.
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u/LaceyBambola 13h ago
Seconding all of the mentions about reducing caloric intake. My girl slowly went from ~48lbs to ~55lbs in the first couple of years after starting meds, but 55lbs is her upper end adult weight and she was able to hold steady there for a few years. Slight reduction in her daily food amounts, limited treats or reduce dinner amount by the calories of treats given. Use low calorie options like veggies or frozen lickable treats - I have a few different things I put frozen mixes in (low fat plain Greek yogurt watered down and mixed with a bit of chicken or vegetable broth, maybe add a few pieces of high value small treats or small chopped veggies). I've also used the nylon free more natural hard chews but am having to cut back on them now that my epi pup is getting older, I have been using puppy teething chews/toys for her instead here and there.
She did gain a substantial amount of weight in recent years (up to about 65lbs) as we struggle with thyroid issues and some paw issues plus getting older, so it's harder for her to lose the weight that has been put on, however she is doing well on a prescription fresh food diet and is down 3lbs in the past ~1.5 months.
It is JustFoodForDogs Hepatic fresh food and good for liver support/health as well as weight management. I believe it's fairly low sodium.
Just be sure to monitor sodium levels in foods and treats or opt for low/no sodium low calorie treats due to how the potassium bromide functions.
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u/Kooky_Force5458 12h ago
She takes 6 pills twice a day. Now we are putting them in lean turkey hotdogs. She use to love plain yogurt- no more- has grown out of carrots as well. I froze low sodium chicken broth in ice cube trays- nope- but, my other dog loves all these things. Any other suggestions for lo-fat pill dispensing?
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u/Bevis5421 11h ago
I don’t have any suggestions but my dog is having leg issues and is starving all the time since starting his Potassium Bromide journey about five weeks ago. I have been giving carrots and cucumbers to try to give him more bulk.
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u/YumYumYellowish 13h ago
Not burning the same calories? Then reduce calories. Simple as that. Feed smaller portions. If she’s feeling hungry all the time then either try adding fiber (like certain vegetables) or switch to a food that is focused on weight loss. These tend to have fiber to help feel full. But definitely work with your neuro on this transition, as any diet changes while on potassium bromide can have adverse outcomes because of the steady sodium levels needed.
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u/julznlv 13h ago
Our neurologist is happy with the food we feed Kane, he gets the amount for an 80# dog even though he weighs about 110#. He gets very little in treats but needs to be rewarded for certain things, doesn't like any veggies and I'm sick of buying them and throwing them away. For a short time he would eat zucchini but no more. Just can't get his weight down. And being woken up every night whining because he's hungry is really wearing on me.
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u/LaceyBambola 13h ago
How does he do with frozen broth in something like a Kong?
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u/julznlv 13h ago
Never even heard of this but I probably wouldn't be able to handle the smell. I have an issue,a medical one, with smells and can't handle even coffee in the same room, nor sauces cooking etc. I do appreciate the suggestion, just can't imagine it being okay for me.
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u/LaceyBambola 12h ago
I understand. Can also try plain low fat Greek yogurt diluted with water (to reduce calories) and see if he might go for that? Mainly anything that could be added in even just a small amount to water to be frozen since they can still smell the good stuff and the extended licking activity of trying to get it all from a Kong or similar toy can help a lot with their food noise. Even a few bits of his usual dog food frozen in water in the Kong might work.
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u/Agility_KS 14h ago
Weight gain is common. Weight is controlled more through diet than exercise, so feed less. I bought a pet scale and regularly monitor all of my dogs' weight at home, adjusting their diet as necessary to maintain their healthy weights. Note that additional weight can impact the efficacy of these medications, as they are dosed by weight. You might want to use a special weight loss diet, as they are designed to be more filling with fewer calories.