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Originally Posted by Ellie May  Yup, they won't start giving subqs like that for no reason. I think you are very lucky that they offered that because if he was dehydrated, another night in the hospital would have been a good option.
A lot of vets diagnose it based on lipase, amylase and history. Some are less comfortable with that and want the more sensitive test. Yes, I recommend making sure they do it.
"If" he had pancreatitis (almost certainly did) and "if" it hasn't gone chronic (doubt it because the cPL is normal),then you would say he had an acute case or episode of pancreatitis and recurrence is very possible. In other words, his diagnosis would be acute pancreatitis. Since it was acute and not ongoing, he "had" it, not "has" it. If it was chronic, then he "has" it.
All vets are different with their blood testing protocols. The thing I'd be most irritated with is that they kept doing it in-house after the initial emergency. Some think that's fine. I don't waste $$$ on it.
It's good to be proactive and in control, but there is another side to that. You'll see some of us like that on YT. I can tell you the reason I can be like that is if things get messed up by me (or more likely if I'm about to make a bad decision), there is a safety net in my vet. She won't let me do anything that would hurt my dogs. And I know that she does NOT run unnecessary tests..ever. So if she says xyz in needed, her word is gold. You could definitely study up on what needs to be/is going to be done and then help that guide you in the convos with your vet.
-Could we send this out-house?
-How important is it to do this today?
-How much risk is there if we get the results today vs tomorrow?
-Could you explain why you think xyz?
-I read this online. Is it true? If not, why not?
They aren't going to sit and answer questions all day, but if you have some important things on your mind (including your financial state), then those things should absolutely be brought up. Not all owners can spend a fortune and that's okay as long as the animal isn't suffering. |
Thanks! You just cleared up those little questions that I had in the back of my mind and it makes perfect sense to me. You basically just confirmed my thoughts but I wanted to make sure I was thinking along the right path.
And, I guess I am very thankful they offered the subq fluids then! Was certainly a much better option (emotionally and financially!
) then leaving him in the hospital again.
Those are pretty easy straightforward answers that I will keep in the back of my mind. Makes sense. I guess I now know that, in Jackson's case anyways, it may be better to just go straight for the cPL rather than wasting money on in-house bloodwork that could come back iffy. Do you know if bloodwork, when it comes to lipase anyways, can be elevated due to high stress levels? Jackson freaks at the vet... heart rate goes super fast, very nervous and stressed, etc.
Thanks for answering my questions so clearly!