Quote:
Originally Posted by Ellie May  Yes, a dog can get an angry pancreas even if they have had normal bloodwork all along. You can't really tell which dogs are at risk for the most part, so if there is a predisposition in the breed, it's all the more reason to be careful.
But with that said, I don't think there is a reason to live in panic thinking that it will happen. Even if it's a common Yorkie issue, still most Yorkies are not affected.
IMO:
Feed a good food and involve a vet or veterinary nutritionist in the decision.
Be careful with fat and maybe even protein intake.
Give treats in moderation and nothing high fat.
Avoid overly rich human foods. If they never get it, then they don't know what they are missing (and I suspect they are just as happy with a tiny piece of lean chicken or the like anyway).
Don't give over 10% of daily food intake as treats or chews as a general rule. Overtime, you run the risk of unbalancing the diet.
And if they get pancreatitis after doing that, then there is not a darn thing you could have done to stop it.
Bottom line is to think about everything that goes in their mouths (within reason). Enjoy your pups. The ydon't want you worrying about their pancreases too much.  |
Barney has had a lot of blood work in his life. His lipase has always been completely normal, right in the middle of normal ranges, except during a pancreatitis event. However, his blood will show lipemic (triglycerides up) from food changes. I just won't risk it, he eats his home cooked food and his RC kibble and that is just it. He has vegetables for snacks. He is a beautiful 11 year old dog with no medical issues with a long shiny coat and supple skin who has been eating 25% protein and 15% fat his entire life, going to 23% protein and 3% fat 17 months ago. It isn't worth it to my dog to risk it.
With all that being said, I am not paranoid about this! I just make the best decisions I can. If a piece of pepperoni falls on the floor, I make a judgment about whether I'm giving a Pepcid AC or inducing vomiting. But, I dont sit there and peel off the pepperoni for him. If he wants to chew something, he gets a flexible nylabone or a Cuz ball. If he wants a snack, he gets vegetables or tiny slivers of chicken breast or white fish that I make in my home. That's it. And, the others get the same.
My dogs are not garbage disposals and no one else's should be. If you're not doing that, then there are no guarantees in life, but chances are your pups will remain healthy and happy for many years to come.