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My 5yo boy, Blackjack, is exhibiting some troubling eating behavior and our vet is at a loss. Hoping someone here has an idea!
It all started about 6 weeks ago when Blackjack stopped eating after a bout of vomiting. He has always been an enthusiastic eater and counter surfer but now refused everything, even high value treats. Fortunately he continued to drink water. On Day 2 we brought him to the vet and had an x-ray, ultrasound, blood urine and stool tests. All came back clear. On Day 3 he resumed eating on his own. A week later the cycle started again. We brought him to the ER this time and he was admitted for observation, more tests and an IV. After two days he started eating again and was released without a diagnosis. Another week went by before he stopped eating AGAIN! We took him in for an ACTH test to rule our Addison's and he came home starving, possibly from the Cortosyne hormone injection. The test was negative so still no answers!
Since then, the cycle has continued two more times. He stops eating, often consuming copious quantities of grass which he regurgitates, and always drinking normal amounts water. He becomes very lethargic, refusing walks and sleeping in the sun most of the day. After two or three days he spontaneously starts eating again and is like his old self, gobbling down meals and begging for treats. After 5 to 7 days he stops eating again.
When all this started we fed him high quality kibble. The vet recommended home cooked food after the first incident and I've been preparing gourmet meals ever since. He loves them on the days he isn't "fasting" but turns his head on the days he is not.
Could it be an eating disorder? Depression? We are at a loss!
It all started about 6 weeks ago when Blackjack stopped eating after a bout of vomiting. He has always been an enthusiastic eater and counter surfer but now refused everything, even high value treats. Fortunately he continued to drink water. On Day 2 we brought him to the vet and had an x-ray, ultrasound, blood urine and stool tests. All came back clear. On Day 3 he resumed eating on his own. A week later the cycle started again. We brought him to the ER this time and he was admitted for observation, more tests and an IV. After two days he started eating again and was released without a diagnosis. Another week went by before he stopped eating AGAIN! We took him in for an ACTH test to rule our Addison's and he came home starving, possibly from the Cortosyne hormone injection. The test was negative so still no answers!
Since then, the cycle has continued two more times. He stops eating, often consuming copious quantities of grass which he regurgitates, and always drinking normal amounts water. He becomes very lethargic, refusing walks and sleeping in the sun most of the day. After two or three days he spontaneously starts eating again and is like his old self, gobbling down meals and begging for treats. After 5 to 7 days he stops eating again.
When all this started we fed him high quality kibble. The vet recommended home cooked food after the first incident and I've been preparing gourmet meals ever since. He loves them on the days he isn't "fasting" but turns his head on the days he is not.
Could it be an eating disorder? Depression? We are at a loss!
