Zara - back to the vets...

krlyr

Looks like Acetyl L-Carnitine is a human supplement too, available without prescription. Worth speaking to the vet to see if this would be feasible, my vet pushed me towards human glucosamine & chondroitin supplements with my first dog to save money (just watch out for filler ingredients in tablets)

gettingready

Thanks. The jar I was given this one in is a FR jar with their own label so can not see/check ingredients etc etc and compare to anything else.

But will be back at FR on Monday the 21st so will ask then.

Zara had her tooth removed today so one worry out of my mind but we are not sure if the injection made any difference. We are seeing Noel again on the 21st so will see..

Feral_Moon

So what made you specifically ask for an industrial commercial brand (Carniking) which isn't available to veterinary or retail purchasers?

Maybe the reason you're struggling to source it online is because it's very rarely used as a supplement in dogs and is almost exclusively indicated as a possible supplement in the treatment of DCM. Has Zara being diagnosed with DCM? Never heard you mention she had significant heart problems previously.

The side effects can be quite horrendous so I'd make doubly sure she absolutely needs this supplement before giving it to her. It's not a veterinary medicine.

gettingready

She was given this at FR with instructions to mix one full tea spoon per day mixed with food. It is in FR own jar but ic has the name clearly printed on the jar as I stated above. L-Carnitine Carniking so I guess they had it in some massive container and repackaging in smaller portions?

Frankly I did not ask what this particular supplement was given to her for.

How can this not be available to veterinary purchases when she was given this by a vet?

What is DMC?:eek:

What side effects? I could not see any info about side effects?

Link please?

Feral_Moon

gettingready wrote: »

She was given this at FR with instructions to mix one full tea spoon per day mixed with food. It is in FR own jar but ic has the name clearly printed on the jar as I stated above. L-Carnitine Carniking

Frankly I did not ask what this particular supplement was given to her for.

How can this not be available to veterinary purchases when she was given this by a vet?

What is DMC?:eek:

DCM= dilated cardiomyopathy = enlarged heart

I would always question anything my vet prescribed, especially when it's a supplement rather than a prescribed drug. You need to go back and start asking questions.

gettingready

Thanks definitely will.

I guess I was so shattered with diagnosis that I hear "supplement" and did not think to ask. We were there for 8 hours, I did not sleep at all the night before, it was a terrible day really.

What side effects? Can you post any links please?

Feral_Moon

gettingready wrote: »

Thanks definitely will.

I guess I was so shattered with diagnosis that I hear "supplement" and did not think to ask. We were there for 8 hours, I did not sleep at all the night before, it was a terrible day really.

What side effects? Can you post any links please?

I'd rather not. You can research yourself, if so inclined. I would, however, want a full and frank explanation as to why they prescribed this treatment before any further administration. I just find it extremely odd given your explicit ongoing traumas with Zara, yet none have ever been associated (to my recollection) with heart problems.

Maybe they've found a new use for the supplement which isn't registered, and if so they can provide documentary proof of relevant studies

gettingready

Pity you mentioned something but then do not provide link to the relevant info really.

Got another issue now, Zara had a tooth extracted today (back one with 3 roots) and she is bleeding from her gum now. Not sure this is normal and if it is - how long for. Seems a lot of blood to me.

Gonna call the vets if it does not stop soon...

krlyr

I can see what Feral Moon is saying. Which would sound better to you - "A stranger on a money saving forum gave me a link which told me not to give this supplement - is this true?" vs "I've looked on the internet and found various pages that suggest this medication can have potential side effects, including X, Y and Z, could you explain the benefits of giving this?"


In a MSE vein..you're paying (or your insurance) a lot for Noel Fitzpatrick's expertise. Make the most of that, follow up with a phone call for a bit more information. I'm sure every vet understands news like this can be shocking and that you may not have covered everything, write down a list of questions now so you don't forget it on the phone call either.

gettingready

Of course I will do that - I doubt he would prescribe something to Zara that could be potentially harmful to her in any shape or form but will ask.