I wasn't sure where to put this, so I thought I'd try here! It is time for Star's vet appointment. We have had her for a few months, she was heartworm positive and treated at her foster home, so we're due for another blood test which hopefully will say she's clear of heartworms. But I'm concerned about her weight, so while we're there I'd like to get that looked at as well (hey, what's another vial of blood, right?).
When we got Star (Great Dane), she weighed 86 pounds, and ribs were certainly visible. We didn't know exactly how much to feed her, so we started with 1.5 cups dry food twice a day. This is about twice what Max eats (60lb chow mix who's 13 years old). Star eats like she's ravenous, so we upped the food to 2 cups a feeding, still twice a day. The dogs were eating Iams weight control, for a while we slowly switched them to Eagle Pack (trying to reduce the quantity of poop!). Star is still eating 2 cups of Eagle Pack twice a day, and still acts like she's starving. I'm guessing she hasn't gained much weight, and when they weigh her at the vet's I'll know for sure.
When I take her to the vet, I want to ask all the right questions if she is underweight. Obviously, worms/intestinal parasites are a possibility. Anyone know what kind of poop sample is needed? Fresh? How fresh? Can it be frozen (if I find a lovely specimen a few days before the appointment)? Star does not poop in front of anyone, so I'd have to stalk her to get one. (Max always poops on walks, so if it were him it'd be no problem for a fresh one).
Any other ideas? She's 5 years old, if that helps. I thought maybe thyroid problems? Star does tend to eat "off limits" things, whether they're food or not (like the wrapper a piece of candy come in). But I would think an obstruction would make her eat less, not more. She has lots of energy, but does tend to drink a lot compared to Max-diabetes?
Any other ideas would be appreciated. This is more of a chronic thing, but I'd like to get it looked at sooner before it affects her quality of life (if there is anything wrong).
Thanks
Tracy