My heart goes out to you! Please keep us updated. I cant imagine the worry you must feel. I must admit, I did not know anything about this particular problem so researched a little and posted it below for those of us who are not knowledable... A little about the pancreas:
The
pancreas is a V-shaped organ located behind the stomach and the first section of the small intestine, the duodenum. It has two main functions: it aids in metabolism of sugar in the body through the production of
insulin, and is necessary for the digestion of
nutrients by producing pancreatic
enzymes. These enzymes help the body promote the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden onset of pancreatic
inflammation.
The goal of treatment is to rest the pancreas, provide supportive care and control complications. If vomiting is severe, treatment usually begins with a withholding of food, water, and oral medications for at least 24 hours. The lack of oral intake stops the stimulation of the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. Depending upon the animal's response food intake can be started again after a day or more. The pet is generally fed small meals of a bland, easily digestible, high-carbohydrate, low-fat food. Over the course of a week or more, the size of meals and quantity of food fed are increased. The dog may need to stay on a special diet for life, or it may be possible to gradually reintroduce the former diet. High-fat diets or treats should be avoided.
The signs of pancreatitis include but are not limited too: anorexia, vomiting, dehydration, and fever. Sometimes you will notice abdominal pain, diarrhea, and collapse. The treatment for pancreatitis generally includes IV fluids. The fluids will rehydrate the animal and the treatment will also balance electrolytes. The animal will be taken off of food and water for a few days, just until the vomiting stops, the fluids will maintain the animal until oral food and water can be given. Medications for pain, as well as antibiotics, are usually a part of the protocol.
The second major component of treatment is fluid therapy. Dehydration and
electrolyte imbalances are common in dogs with acute pancreatitis, and water intake is often restricted so fluid therapy is usually needed. Fluids are either given
subcutaneously or
intravenous.
Acute pancreatitis can be a life-threatening condition, and early recognition and treatment can improve chances of recovery. In dogs, fever, lack of appetite, depression and vomiting are the most common signs. Treatment is based upon reducing or stopping all oral intake to rest the pancreas, correcting the dehydration and maintaining proper fluid and electrolyte balances, and treating any complications or underlying conditions.
My Note: we have given injections subQ with sterile iv solution and glucose if necessary. Sure has worked very quickly with any dehydration issues when the animal cannot hold anything down. I wouldn't begin to know the dosage for a small Yorkie however... As you said, this always seems to happen on the weekend when vets are not readily available in some locations. I will be asking my vet about the subQ injections for dehydration and glucose. It may not be feasible for a small yorkie, but has worked for my 5 pound lambs per his instruction. So maybe it could work to see them through a day or two when a vet would be available??? Just an idea.... I have given the glucose injection at vets prescribed dosage to a lamb that was almost clinically dead, (born weak with no strengh to suck or bottle) the glucose works quickly and in no time it was up and nursing... Really dont know if it would appy to our babies, but I will ask my vet. Would be nice to use for dehydration use and glucose boost if need be, as a temporary emergency fix until veterinary care could be obtained.