General Chat

Anyone got a dog with this problem?

Sally had a bit of a strange turn on Monday morning when she was staggering around just for a few seconds. Sort of how drunks walk.

This happened again Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday morning did not start off on a good note. Again the staggering but now being sick. Did not eat her food.

Off to the Vets as soon as they opened. Had a blood test done and a couple of injections. Got the phone call a couple of hours later and it was suggested it might be a liver problem. Also a low potassium reading. Would I bring her back Friday morning.

Sally did not eat her evening meal on Thursday or her breakfast this morning. Was a bit lethargic all Thursday.

So back to the Vets this morning. They decided to put her on a drip and take more blood tests. Phone call lunchtime and they know think it is a pancreatitis problem. More blood tests. Another phone call late afternoon and confirmed the diagnosis. Have kept her overnight on a drip. They think the staggering was because she was in pain but do not really know for sure.

Got to phone tomorrow morning to see how she is doing.

The Vet has mentioned about putting her on a bland diet but has not at the moment given me any clues as to what she can be feed.

Her sister, Suzy, is a bit lost at the moment and wondering where Sally is.

So can anyone tell me how their dog copes with this problem and how easy is it to manage their diet. Have done a bit of reading up about it on the internet but first hand experience is worth more.

Thanks,

Maureen

Hi Maureen, Over many years we have had labrador dogs. Two of them died of pancreatitis. Please ask your vet for the long term prognosis of recovery of the condition. You are describing exactly the symptoms our dogs suffered. Oh heavens that sounds so blunt and unfeeling but we hesitated, thinking it was just a tummy upset at first.

It depends on what version of the complaint your dog has. With treatment there is a chance of recovery and I hope you are lucky to have a vet who understands and will commence treatment quickly. If you have a labrador I wish you luck with the diet!!

Have you seen this information.

http://www.lovable-golden-retriever.com/pancreatitis-in-dogs.html

I hope this helps and I would be asking the vet for more information and a stragegy for dealing with the problem, as quickly as possible.

Thanks for the replies folks.

AuntySherlock,
Not blunt and unfeeling. Would rather someone tell as it is.

Ice-Ice-Baby,
Yes sort of the things I have been reading up on.


Can rule out problems with medication as she has not been on anything.
The two dogs have been on diets but I think their weights are not too bad at the moment. Sally has always been the more energetic.

They are mongrel dogs and sisters. About 14-15 years old.I got them in 1998 but the RSPCA only guessed their age at the time of approx 1 year.

Oh well fingers crossed and wait and see what tomorrow brings.


Maureen

Well just been speaking to the Vet.

They want to keep her for at a least another 24 hours. She seems okay when they take her out in the garden but she is still not eating. Still on a drip to get fluids into her.

Was not sure how hopeful the VET sounded.

Fingers crossed she starts eating soon.

Maureen

Oscar had pancreatitus earlier this year and stayed five days in the vets and since then has been on a diet of chicken and rice or white fish and rice and has Bonio's as a treat as they are fat free and we have had no problems since, infact on this diet he is livelier than ever.
Its horrible when they have to stay at the vets, I hated being away from him, but he had to get better.
I hope sally makes a quick recovery <3

Thanks Agatha.

Pleased that Oscar is livelier that ever.

Got no problems with doing a separate diet for her if that is what it takes.

Could not bring her home today because of the drip and injections they were giving her.

Suzy and I are missing her.

Hi Joan,

Yes was thinking about you losing your Ellie. Never easy is it.

Did have that discussion with the VET this morning and it was not ruled out completely but might have to be discussed tomorrow depending on further test results etc.

Maureen

Hello Glitter Baby

Positive thoughts for Sally, do hope the vets can help her, bless her.

BIg ((((HUGS)))) to you all:)

jude

When Oscar came home he had his leg and chest shaven where the drips went in and where he had the blood tests, he would not leave his leg alone so had to resort to a bandage.

Oh bother

Just got rid of the large plastic cuff that Suzy had on for her operation earlier this year.

Cross that bridge when I get her home. Got to be positive.

Maureen

I hope Sally is getting better today Maureen, have you had an update from the vet.

AGATHA <3

Hi folks,

First chance I have had to post an update.

Got the phone call from the VET just before 10 this morning.

Sally seem okay in herself - interested in her surroundings etc. BUT still not eating. Not in pain and still on the drip. Would I like to bring her home to see if she would eat something when back in familiar place.

Straight out the door and up the road, only 150 yards, and got there in record time. The nurse opened the door and said they were just removing the drip so Sally would be out in a few mins.

VET appeared with a tail wagging Sally, obviously a lot better than when she went in, and wearing a blue bandage on her leg. Had the obvious discussion as to what she might eat and what exercise could she have etc.

Well she seems pleased to be home with her sister. Been in and out of back garden okay. Has now followed me upstairs.

BUT she will not eat. Tried a very small quantity, about a desset spoon, of plain rice and chicken and she would not even go near it. Will be tryng again shortly.

Got to take her back to the VET tomorrow but if she is not eating then things are not looking good.

Thanks everyone for their positive thoughts.

Maureen

If she doesn't like chicken and rice you can give her chappie, it comes in meat and biscuits and is for dogs with pancreaitis

Sorry to hear your furry friend isn't well Maureen.



Marion

Thanks Marion.


Agatha,
I never knew that Chappie was suitable. They have actually tried that but not recently. Got to think which supermarket sells it. Sally is quite happy laying in the hallway at the moment so will take a trip out a bit later.

Thanks,


Maureen

Chappie is an excellent food for any poorly dog, try heating it up for a few seconds in a microwave, I find mine eat it more readily then.

And as with any poorly pet feed a little but often.

My 2 are sending doggy cuddles to Sally xx

Hope Sally is beginning to feel better. Our cocker spaniel was diagosed with it after spending approx ten days at Bristol vet hospital She was also diagnosed as being diabetic. We managed to keep her going for 18 months with injections every day and putting her on Chappie and sprnkling it with a foul smelling powder . Thankfully we were insured as it cost approx £200 a month.
Our next cocker had nothing but Chappie as recommend by vet and she was as fit as a fiddle ,never visited the vet unless she did something stupid.
Hope all goes well
Win

Hope Sally has had a good night, and continues to recover.

Hi folks,

Thank you all for your positive comments and suggestions.

Well I do not know what to do about Sally. She seems her normal self but still not eating and have not seen her drink anything.

Still turning her nose up at the chicken and rice. They both love potato which they sometimes have mixed with their dinner, I do not cook with salt at all, but Sally did not bother. Finally got a tin of Chappie from Morrisons this morning - again she will not go near it.

Another trip to the Vet this afternoon.

Maureen

Did Sally eat in the end Maureen?