Has anyone else had a dog diagnosed with Pancreatitis?Update Day 2

[Cindyluwho]

What a couple of days. Two mornings ago I noticed that our 10 YO cockapoo (cocker spaniel/poodle mix, in case that gets edited) wasn't feeling quite himself. Poor Gromit was just laying around, not begging at the table, etc. Well, last night my daughter was doing her homework at the coffee table and moved her foot and bumped Gromit. He yelped and BIT her! He is the most gentle dog you've ever seen, it was obvious he was hurting. First thing this morning we wake him up (he sleeps with us) and notice that he's in so much pain he can barely walk. We rush him to the vet and it's Pancreatitis. Did some research on the internet and now I'm so scared. He's spending the night at the vet's on an IV and I'll go in to check on him tomorrow. We don't know yet what kind of damage there is, is it chronic, etc. This will cost us at least $1K and I'd hate to think it's chronic and might flare up again and cost me another grand. We'll definately treat him this time and pray that it's all fixable and that it won't happen again. Has anyone else been through this with their dog?

***Day Two: Much to the Doctor's dismay, Gromit is not feeling any better. He is still in a great amount of pain, which they are treating - but he just isn't getting any better. If things aren't improved by tomorrow AM, Dr will do x-ray and then ultrasound. I'm getting scared

 

[horseshowmom]

Yes, it was really, really bad, and she had to stay at the vet's for awhile (don't remember how long). It took quite awhile to recuperate, but she never had even one more problem with that - complete recovery! Hopefully, your baby will do just as well. We'll add him to our prayers...

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Joining the thread to hear the responses. I've never had a dog with this problem but I have taken care of many human patients in the hospital with pancreatitis. It is very painful they often need heavy doses of pain medication. Best of luck.

 

[LoveWDW]

Good luck. I hope all goes well.

 

[kaabost]

So, I could be wrong here but I think that a dog can live without a pancreas just fine. Last year, I was doing some volunteer work in a vets office. One particular day, the vet was surgically removing a dogs pancreas (I believe b/c of pancreatitis). She (the vet) had said that the dog would be fine (although I would image that he would have to be given some serious hormone supplements). I was pleasantly surprised. Again, I am NOT a vet.....I could be totally wrong here....but I don't think so.

 

[minkydog]

My sister had a dog("Fred") who developed pancreatitis around the age of 10. It was such a painful disease. Once they got her over the hump my sis had to be careful about her dog's food, not to feed her human food or let her dig in the yard for "snacks". Fred lived to be about 17 or 18yo and died in her sleep, toothless, with patchy fur, and much love.

Good luck to your poochie

 

[eclectics]

Friends of mine have a dog with it. The acute attack your dog had will pass with proper vet care but the dog will probably continue to have "chronic" pancreatitis the rest of it's life. Not too huge a deal as long as the dog is not allowed to have certain foods. Your vet should be able to instruct you, but my friends dog is happy and healthy otherwise as long as she is on her special diet. I can sympathize with the doggie because toxic medication ruined my pancreas and I have "chronic" pain everyday. Luckily with my enzyme meds I've had no severe flare ups in a few years. It is indeed painful!

 

[Cindyluwho]

***Day Two: Much to the Doctor's dismay, Gromit is not feeling any better. He is still in a great amount of pain, which they are treating - but he just isn't getting any better. If things aren't improved by tomorrow AM, Dr will do x-ray and then ultrasound. I'm getting scared

 

[minkydog]

Here's some pixie dust for Gromit I hope you get to the bottom of it soon.

 

[alliecats]

My cat has chronic pancreatitis. Believe me, I sympathize about the $$. But they are so worth it!
She also has IBD and diabetes. Poor baby! We control her pancreatitis with a very low-fat diet (NO CHEATING) and prednisone. I think a lot of them get better without the pred, but she needs it.
Hang in there, he is not going to get all better immediately. More a process of slow improvement over time. Make sure your vet gives lots of fluids. I think there is a blood test that is better for diagnostic purposes than an ultrasound. At least in cats--my cat's pancreas was not seen on the U/S.
I know it's so scary, and miserable for Gromit, but he has a good mama!! Prayers & hugs!!

 

[Cindyluwho]

I think there is a blood test that is better for diagnostic purposes than an ultrasound. At least in cats--my cat's pancreas was not seen on the U/S.
I know it's so scary, and miserable for Gromit, but he has a good mama!! Prayers & hugs!!

The blood test is what showed elevated enzymes (2600), that's when they came to the conclusion that it's Pancreatitis. We're just all hoping that it isn't pancreatic cancer, liver related, etc. I'm hoping to hear from the vet around 9am today.

 

[hpygrll]

I'm sorry to hear that - our 7 year old Schnauzer has chronic pancreatitis - she had a really bad attack like what you are describing 3 years ago and was at the vet for a week. She is completely fine now - but like everyone else said - on a special diet and cannot have people food at all! We have to only give certain treats too.

I hope all goes well
Jenny