I wanted to write to ask for advice or thoughts about my Dakota TBear (Koti) but I'm having a hard time focusing on my problems now after reading about John and his beloved Buddy. It's hard to type through all the tears Please accept my condolences not only to John but to any others who have recent losses (I'm way behind on reading the FML). My dear sweet 2.5 yr. old Koti Bear has a history of diarrhea and loose and yellow stools which for the most part I considered normal for him. Several times I had him to the vet and had him checked with bloodwork, general physical condition, etc. Last Sept. he had blood in his stool and was given Clavamox and Metronidazole hopefully to clear up a possible irritable bowel syndrome. I think it helped somewhat but he still would have occasional loose stools. Last week I noticed that Koti just didn't look himself. It wasn't anything I could put my finger on and with 10 others and 2 cats sometimes it's hard to notice everyone although I try. I just knew something wasn't quite right. Two days ago I observed a very noticeable weight loss and found that he had lost 4 ounces in the last couple of weeks (or perhaps less time). I had a friend take him to her vet since I was at home with the flu and barely able to get out of bed. The vet thought perhaps Koti had a lump in his abdomen and to call him back in 2 days. I weighed Koti again today and he has lost another ounce. BTW, I have been giving him supplemental feedings of blended Totally Ferret, Nutrical and chicken baby food every day for over a week but he continues to lose weight. Today I took him to another vet office that has seen Koti previously but a temporary vet was there. This vet took blood (results won't be available until tomorrow) and took X-rays that did not show any blockages or anything unusual. Both vets that have seen Koti are gone for the holidays and will not be able to do exploratory surgery until next week. I'm not sure if he can continue to lose weight at this rate for that long. Right now, Koti is active but he seems to be wasting away before my eyes and looks like nothing but bones. He is currently 2 lbs but used to weigh much more. I'm so worried and am trying to do everything I can for him. I'm not sure if Koti's problem is a bowel/intestinal problem or he ingested something he wasn't supposed to. I'm also wondering if his body is unable to absorb the food properly and he needs a special diet. He shouldn't be losing weight if he is getting nourishment. Has anyone else experienced a similar disease/condition? Any immediate suggestions would be appreciated. [Posted in FML issue 1428]