Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Go Crazy

Something I have always wanted to do was to get a brand new squeaky toy for Marge, place it out in the yard without her knowing, and then watch her reaction to it.

I had myself a little fun this afternoon and did just that.. with a squirrel stuffy toy on a string (my makeshift flirt pole).  Can you say, INSANITY?

Marge is not particularly toy driven, but the sight of this thing wriggling across the yard erratically was enough to send her wild.  Here's a short clip of some of the action.




I've decided that she is never to see this toy outside of the yard and will only get to play with it one or two times a week on the string, in order to keep it novel and exciting.

I'm also going crazy for another reason: it appears that the EVO canned food is not working for Layla.  She has the beginnings of a sore on her nose and sounds just a bit stuffed up.  She's eaten about 10 million different things over the past month, but I can't really pinpoint it to anything else.

There is a thickener in the food called Carrageenan that, supposedly, is very commonly not tolerated in animals with allergies or sensitivities.  I also thought I read somewhere that it can lead to inflammation (hence the respiratory response).

I called the vet and he was shocked; there is literally nothing in EVO.  It is 95% Duck.  Something in that other 5% is causing Layla a problem.

I tried giving her d/d canned as a replacement while we get this sorted out, but she puked it up, even after having Pepcid.  So, d/d canned is totally out. That means that she had to eat the EVO again tonight, despite the possibility that it's causing an allergic reaction.  My vet is adamant that my cat does not stop eating.

It's very likely that Layla is not going to be able to eat wet food.  Our next try is going to be Royal Canin's Duck and Green Pea, Dry veterinary formula.  I'm not impressed with the ingredients at all, but the premium foods just are not working and this is the last limited ingredient duck-based food that I know of.

Just continue to cross your fingers that we find a food that works.

21 comments:

Frankie Furter and Ernie September 8, 2010 at 10:08 PM  

I'll cross my paws.

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! September 8, 2010 at 10:09 PM  

WOW!

Marge SOOOO loved that toy!

Paws crossed for Layla - some food has to be out there for her!

Lorenza September 8, 2010 at 10:14 PM  

Sure Marge had fun chasing that squirrel toy!
Paws crossed here hoping this new food works well for Layla!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

houndstooth September 8, 2010 at 10:15 PM  

Marge sure had a great time with that toy! It was fun to see her attack it.

I hope you find something that works for Layla. That's a tough spot to be in!

Kari in Alaska September 8, 2010 at 10:19 PM  

Oh my gosh Marge sure looks like she had a blast with the toy! I sure hope you find food soon.


-Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

AC September 8, 2010 at 10:43 PM  

Poor Layla (and you!). I really hope you find something that works for her. The food saga just sounds stressful for both of you.

On a happier note...Marge looks like she liked the toy set-up! I want to put together something like that for Kona to possibly use when we try to tackle our neighborhood walks.

Two French Bulldogs September 8, 2010 at 11:10 PM  

ok lady every one of our feets are crossed
Benny & Lily

Amy / Layla the Malamute September 8, 2010 at 11:12 PM  

I can't believe that you still can't find food for Layla. I mean, I CAN, but I was really hoping something would have agreed with her by now. Have you talked to Hill's directly? Maybe THEY could track down some old formula for you, since they're the ones that caused this whole mess in the first place.

Looking at the ingredients listed on this website (you've probably seen it already), it doesn't have the ground yellow peas or chicken liver flavor that's been added. I'm not sure if that means they have the old formula, or if they haven't updated their website, but maybe you could call them and see?

http://www.petfooddirect.com/Product/8727/Hills-Prescription-Diet-d-or-d-Duck-and-Green-Pea-Formula-Feline-Dry-Food

Sam September 8, 2010 at 11:22 PM  

I tried them already, Amy, and they got my no where. I tried another site and they said they'd call me back with information, and they didn't. Spoke to Hill's, too, and they were no help. Thanks, though, I really appreciate it.

The old food's gone. I have a teeny bit of it left that I'm adding very sparingly in her bowl, just so she's eating SOMETHING that's familiar to her, even if it's only a small amount.

I'm just going to be hard pressed to find something that keeps all three of her allergy problems (digestive, skin, respiratory) in check. I hope Hill's knows what they are putting this poor cat through.

tula monstah September 9, 2010 at 1:16 AM  

Hey Marge woo can join the crackah doggie squad-- norwood & dexter & ....
WoO!:) how fun! we might have to try that sometime too!

oh layla, plz find food that works for you-- frustrating.

scratchies,
tula

Sara September 9, 2010 at 6:25 AM  

Sorry to hear about Layla. How frustrating. As a migraine sufferer, I know carrageenan is an ingredient that is a form of MSG, something we should all avoid. They add it to food to make it taste better. Seems like they should add more fish/meat/veggies to the food to make it taste better to our pets. I'm sure people would be willing to pay more for better ingredients.

I hope you can find a food that works for her soon.

Unknown September 9, 2010 at 7:48 AM  

Marge looks like she is having a blast! ive been meaning to get around to making a flirt pole but keep putting it off but this inspired me.

I just added Blue Buffalo Wilderness into our food rotation and man mine are loving it!
They were tired of evo, natural balance and wellness. I hope her food issues get worked out soon, I know its frustrating!

Chris and Ricky September 9, 2010 at 7:49 AM  

Marge looks very happy and cute playing with her surprise toy squirrel! What a good idea - I should try that with Ricky!

Poor Layla - I'm sure you are over the top frustrated about this food problem. And no real solution in sight. How can it be that there is no food out there she can tolerate considering all the food choices! It's ridiculous. But I do know that it is important for cats to eat regularly (more so than dogs even) so I hope something works soon! Fingers crossed for you guys!

Jules September 9, 2010 at 8:18 AM  

Marge looks like she is having a blast!

Poor Layla, I will keep her in my thoughts. :(

LauraK September 9, 2010 at 8:56 AM  

What a great idea! Marge looks like she was having a total blast :)

I'm sorry about your kitty, What a frustrating situation! Here's to hoping you find a solution soon!

Brittany September 9, 2010 at 9:45 AM  

That is a great idea! Hobbs isn't very toy driven, but I had never thought to put one on a string.

Good luck finding a food that will work. Food issues are not any fun.

Kathy Mocharnuk September 9, 2010 at 11:43 AM  

i can not believe what you have gone through with that food...jeeze louise!!!
You should get a horse whip thingie, I got one for like $10 at a feed store and tie toys to it. Schutzhund people use the toys on rope thing dragging to get PHEONOMINAL toy drive with dogs, they start out with the dog chasing something like that, if the dog lets go they make it harder to get, which drives the dog to really want to get it and not let it go, LOL, watching her I bet you could get her tugging and really into toys using things dragging, she looked like she LIKED that! Good job, you found a fantastic new game it looks like!!

H Ski September 9, 2010 at 2:11 PM  

I am your newest follower. Come over and see Lola.

Great video. Those squirrels get Lola all crazy too.

Muttsandaklutz September 9, 2010 at 8:08 PM  

Aw, sorry to hear about Layla's continuing troubles. One of my cats survived quite well for years on cheapo crappy canned food. Due to diabetes, he was unable to eat dry food and didn't care for the expensive diabetic canned food, so the crappy cans it was. But he lived well on it until a ripe old age, go figure.

What a great idea with that toy for Marge -- she really enjoyed that!

Betsy September 9, 2010 at 11:22 PM  

Now that is a happy dog! Marge looks so excited, she is running and running and running after it!

I just found you through our schnauzer friend Nellie and Calvert and will be back to check out your future adventures!

Wyatt September 10, 2010 at 12:20 AM  

Hi! From the blog hop!
We love your toy idea. We went to a sponsered event in the spring, called a lure course. Basically a fur pelt going around on a race track, in a back yard. OMD..we loved it!

Sorry about your food issues :(

Wyatt and Stanzie

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