Wylie is a six year old German Shepherd Dog. He weighs about 104 lbs. right now. He was diagnosed with IBD in summer 2000. Wylie�s symptoms were excessive and uncontrollable diarrhea, he didn�t have any signs of vomiting. We had no idea how sick a dog we had on our hands, he was totally playful and didn�t seem sick.

At first it was thought that he had gotten a bad bone and was put on antibiotics, this was after Giardia was ruled out. We went through all sorts of blood test when the diarrhea wouldn�t go away. Wylie�s protein levels were dangerously low and the vet was unsure as to the cause, thinking it was IBD or possible cancer. We opted for exploratory surgery instead of an endoscope. Exploratory surgery would allow the vet to rule out all possible cause, while and endoscope would only determine IBD.

Wylie recovered from his surgery amazingly well. The biggest concern after the surgery was his dropping weight. He lost close to 25 lbs. in the process of getting him well. At the vets recommendation his food was increased to nine cups a day, broken into three separate meals. We also used a Pancreazime powder on his food. This would help him get the nutrients from his food. Wylie was put on Prednisone and Azathioprine (which is an autoimmune drug). He was given these twice a day; we have been gradually weaning it down over the months.

As of March 2001 he is taking the Pred once every other day and we are weaning him off the Azathioprine. Hoping he can be done with that drug this summer and then wean him off the Pred. Closely watching his stool on the poop patrol for signs of a change. At this time he eats six cups of IVD Duck and Potato, three times a day. We are very hopeful that he is truly on the road to recovery.

Wylie is the first dog I have owned. I was always a cat lover before meeting him. Dogs drool and all that. I am humbled each day that this great animal welcomes me home with a smile and a tail wag. It is so wonderful to have that sort of unconditional love and I am thankful to have experienced it. I am grateful to my Vet and everyone, friends and family that have been there for us, putting up with all my horrible s**t attack stories. You know who you are. Just wanted to say �Thanks� for listening, it means a lot to us.