Very ill Yorkie - need help/advice - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

djbaker · 06-20-2009, 05:30 PM

I'm so glad that your little one is doing well. Pancreatitis is horrible - and you feel so responsible, but like you I don't know what brought it on. The weight loss comes on so fast. I'll be thinking about you and precious Trixie.

jmdt · 06-20-2009, 05:39 PM

Thank you so much. I do feel very guilty because everything she eats I should be watching. I feel horrible. My poor baby. We miss her terribly. We didn't go visit her today because I couldn't bear to leave her after the visit. I couldn't watch them walk away with her in their arms. Tomorrow I will be there bright and early to pick up my baby girlie and take her home where she belongs. Mu poor other 2 babies are confused and miss her too much. They constantly look for her. I can't wail til morning. She has been miserable all week. Not even lifting her little head off the pillow. I can't wait to see her awake and ready to play !! yay!!

gabbriellew · 06-20-2009, 06:36 PM

I had a cocker with this problem. He had to stay on a very low fat diet for the rest of his life. Your dog may associate eating with pain at this point. Make sure he is well hydrated. You can give Pet NutriDrops to supplement. they are available at Revival. AD is way too high in fat. I wound up feeding venison and rice kibble and he did well on that for years. You can also try boiling chicken and using the broth with instant mashed potatoes as an alternative to rice if he doesn't want it. The vets at Texas A&M are the ones that redirected me to the mashed potato. hope this helps

chestermama · 06-20-2009, 08:09 PM

solid gold has a low fat food that my friends dog is on she has had pancreatitis, it is called the holistique blend it has 6% fat which is low for a decent food, much better than science diet

djbaker · 06-21-2009, 06:04 AM

I will try the mashed potatoes and broth. Thanks for the suggestion. This morning she drank some water and sniffed the food, but would not eat it on her own. I tried both a low fat kibble and a low fat canned food.

djbaker · 06-21-2009, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chestermama

solid gold has a low fat food that my friends dog is on she has had pancreatitis, it is called the holistique blend it has 6% fat which is low for a decent food, much better than science diet

Do you know if this is a veterinary prescription diet or if I can buy this at a pet store?

ladyjane · 06-21-2009, 02:49 PM

I have a 12 year old who has been very ill with pancreatitis and he also is in stage 3 renal failure. He was in the hospital three times in a two month period...last time was about a month ago.
He has to be on a low fat (for the pancreas) and also low protein (kindneys) diet...additionally he has allergies to wheat and corn.
In researching all diets...both rx and others, I found that none of them were good for him.
You must be VERY careful in the foods you feed her. Do not feed anything that people suggest until you thoroughly review it and speak with your vet. Fat is a big no no with pancreatits as I am sure you know.
I ended up with a dietary consult with a nutritionist (he is also a vet) at Texas A & M and I have two recipes that were custom made just for Cody. The cost for this was only $120!! My vet called, spoke with him, and he made up two recipes for me...and they give exact amounts to feed...and tell me exactly what the fat and protein content is.
These pups with pancreatis are very ill and their appetites are poor. I find that I have to swap out these recipes to get him to eat...he is often very fussy.
Since I have been cooking for him, he is eating SO well and he looks amazing! He is no longer losing weight. Everyone is amazed...he was on death's door step not that long ago.
Ohh...and also he is on a medication for his appetite.. Mirtazapine It was originally used in humans as an anti-depressant. They found out that it works in animals as an appetite stimulant, an anti-emetic and an anti-nausea medication. It is amazing how well it works! You might want to ask your vet if perhaps this would help?
I hope this helps you and you can find a way to help your baby!

djbaker · 06-21-2009, 03:02 PM

Nikki has always been a picky eater and has never been overweight. She always maintained 51/2 to 6 pounds until now. I am curious if the meds she is on makes the food taste different or smell different. She will smell the food and turns away. I am very aware of her limitation to fat now and have been syringe feeding her accordingly. Would love to see her eating something on her own. She does drink water on her own now which is a major improvement. Thank you for your advice. I will be talking with the vet tomorrow - can't imagine what the next steps will be.

ladyjane · 06-21-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djbaker

Nikki has always been a picky eater and has never been overweight. She always maintained 51/2 to 6 pounds until now. I am curious if the meds she is on makes the food taste different or smell different. She will smell the food and turns away. I am very aware of her limitation to fat now and have been syringe feeding her accordingly. Would love to see her eating something on her own. She does drink water on her own now which is a major improvement. Thank you for your advice. I will be talking with the vet tomorrow - can't imagine what the next steps will be.

My Cody did the same thing. They just don't feel well. They don't usually give them meds for pancreatitis...unless it is to settle their tummies. That really should not do anything but help her appetite. That medicine I mentioned has helped him tremendously. That...and I believe he loves his new food that I am cooking for him!
I do hope Nikki is better soon! Keep us updated please!

djbaker · 06-21-2009, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

My Cody did the same thing. They just don't feel well. They don't usually give them meds for pancreatitis...unless it is to settle their tummies. That really should not do anything but help her appetite. That medicine I mentioned has helped him tremendously. That...and I believe he loves his new food that I am cooking for him!
I do hope Nikki is better soon! Keep us updated please!

I will ask her Vet tomorrow about what you have shared with me. Thank you so much. I will let you know what happens.

Izzy Princess · 06-21-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I have a 12 year old who has been very ill with pancreatitis and he also is in stage 3 renal failure. He was in the hospital three times in a two month period...last time was about a month ago.
He has to be on a low fat (for the pancreas) and also low protein (kindneys) diet...additionally he has allergies to wheat and corn.
In researching all diets...both rx and others, I found that none of them were good for him.
You must be VERY careful in the foods you feed her. Do not feed anything that people suggest until you thoroughly review it and speak with your vet. Fat is a big no no with pancreatits as I am sure you know.
I ended up with a dietary consult with a nutritionist (he is also a vet) at Texas A & M and I have two recipes that were custom made just for Cody. The cost for this was only $120!! My vet called, spoke with him, and he made up two recipes for me...and they give exact amounts to feed...and tell me exactly what the fat and protein content is.
These pups with pancreatis are very ill and their appetites are poor. I find that I have to swap out these recipes to get him to eat...he is often very fussy.
Since I have been cooking for him, he is eating SO well and he looks amazing! He is no longer losing weight. Everyone is amazed...he was on death's door step not that long ago.
Ohh...and also he is on a medication for his appetite.. Mirtazapine It was originally used in humans as an anti-depressant. They found out that it works in animals as an appetite stimulant, an anti-emetic and an anti-nausea medication. It is amazing how well it works! You might want to ask your vet if perhaps this would help?
I hope this helps you and you can find a way to help your baby!

Oh I am so sorry to hear about your Nikki...I agree with Ladyjane...don't feed your baby anything unless you discuss it with your vet or a nutrionist. My Izzy is 2-1/2 and first diagonosed with pancreatitis this past November - she has since then been in the hospital for this 4 times. This last time we think it's IBS with SIBO which can trigger pancreatitis. She is now on Purina EN and Purina HA. Plus supplements and Tylan - it's the Tylan right now that has been the wonder drug for her. Her stomach sounded like a freight train and then she would get violently ill and a trip to the vet was in order. The Tylan helps with the bacterial overgrowth.

She is only 3# and has always been a picky eater. Before her attack in November she was on The Honest Kitchen (freeze dried RAW) and never a problem until November. Then on Science Diet WD and ID - but when they switched her to ID she had another attack - found out the ID has pork which is a no-no for pancreatic doggies. So we went on the Purina EN which is so low in fat and protein.

What tests did you have done on her find out that she has pancreatitis? Did you have a Spec CPl and a lipase and analyse done?

Ladyjane you are so lucky to be near TAMU they are the best for this terrible illness. This is the first I am hearing about the Mirtazapine...I will have to check that out. Thank you.

ladyjane · 06-21-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Izzy Princess

Ladyjane you are so lucky to be near TAMU they are the best for this terrible illness. This is the first I am hearing about the Mirtazapine...I will have to check that out. Thank you.

I have been to A&M in the past with my very ill pups. This one was seen at Gulf Coast in Houston for his ultrasounds and work up. He had been in and out of the EC and my vet quite a few times prior to that.
The consult at A&M was done by telephone, so I did not even have to go there.
Anyone, anywhere can have their vet call for a telephone consult which is free. Then, if you want the diets, the price was $120 for Cody which I thought was very reasonable.
The vet's name there is Dr. Bauer. I did speak with him one day after I got the recipes as I had a question...I found him to be wonderful!

jmdt · 06-21-2009, 07:34 PM

I just picked my Trixie up from the hospital this morning. She ate a whole small can of food when we got home. I gave her half at 1:00 and the other half at around 1-ish. I was thrilled. They rehydrated her and gave her antibiotics. They told me to feed her Royal Canin LF or Hills w/d. I hope she never has another attack again. It is very scary to watch her just lay there. She is a puppy and is supposed to play. Hope your baby feel better soon.

bcouk · 06-23-2009, 02:17 PM

So sorry to hear about Nikki's problems. My 9 year old Yorkie, Gypsy, was hospitialized twice with pancretisis late last year. She is doing well now. Her vet put her on Royal Canin digestive low fat twice a day with Digest-Rite Pet Top Dress on one feeding. Very often for the first feeding of the day, Gypsy doesn't want to eat. When that happens, we give her some Proviable-KP paste (she licks it off my finger, really her own lips....looks like she's eating peanut butter). This seems to stimulate her appetite almost immediately. I think when dogs who tend to have this problem go too long without eating they get nauseated and don't want to eat. The vet also prescribed the Proviable. He said it's kinda lilke a doggy yogurt, replaces the good bacteria they need in their guts. I have no idea why it seems to work so quickly, but somehow it stimulates her appetite.
Hope this helps.

Becca and Gypsy and Sasha

lillymae · 06-23-2009, 11:35 PM

Avoid fatty foods, fruits, butters and vegetable oils because their digestion stresses the pancreas. Give digestive enzymes with meals, give additional vitamin C complex with bioflavonoids and vitamin E complex. Avoid cold foods; serve foods at room or body temperature. Feed several small meals instead of 1 or 2 large meals, so as not to over stress the pancreas. The pancreas is important in the digestion of fats, and it produces insulin. Animals with chronic pancreatitis can become diabetic as the organ malfunctions.

06-20-2009, 05:39 PM	#17
jmdt YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Long Island, NY USA Posts: 3,498	Thank you so much. I do feel very guilty because everything she eats I should be watching. I feel horrible. My poor baby. We miss her terribly. We didn't go visit her today because I couldn't bear to leave her after the visit. I couldn't watch them walk away with her in their arms. Tomorrow I will be there bright and early to pick up my baby girlie and take her home where she belongs. Mu poor other 2 babies are confused and miss her too much. They constantly look for her. I can't wail til morning. She has been miserable all week. Not even lifting her little head off the pillow. I can't wait to see her awake and ready to play !! yay!! __________________ Coco, Pebbles, Trixie, and Wally LOVE MY BABIES!!

06-20-2009, 06:36 PM	#18
gabbriellew Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 47	Pancreatitis I had a cocker with this problem. He had to stay on a very low fat diet for the rest of his life. Your dog may associate eating with pain at this point. Make sure he is well hydrated. You can give Pet NutriDrops to supplement. they are available at Revival. AD is way too high in fat. I wound up feeding venison and rice kibble and he did well on that for years. You can also try boiling chicken and using the broth with instant mashed potatoes as an alternative to rice if he doesn't want it. The vets at Texas A&M are the ones that redirected me to the mashed potato. hope this helps __________________ MsChif Yorkshire Terriers

06-21-2009, 02:49 PM	#22
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,490	I have a 12 year old who has been very ill with pancreatitis and he also is in stage 3 renal failure. He was in the hospital three times in a two month period...last time was about a month ago. He has to be on a low fat (for the pancreas) and also low protein (kindneys) diet...additionally he has allergies to wheat and corn. In researching all diets...both rx and others, I found that none of them were good for him. You must be VERY careful in the foods you feed her. Do not feed anything that people suggest until you thoroughly review it and speak with your vet. Fat is a big no no with pancreatits as I am sure you know. I ended up with a dietary consult with a nutritionist (he is also a vet) at Texas A & M and I have two recipes that were custom made just for Cody. The cost for this was only $120!! My vet called, spoke with him, and he made up two recipes for me...and they give exact amounts to feed...and tell me exactly what the fat and protein content is. These pups with pancreatis are very ill and their appetites are poor. I find that I have to swap out these recipes to get him to eat...he is often very fussy. Since I have been cooking for him, he is eating SO well and he looks amazing! He is no longer losing weight. Everyone is amazed...he was on death's door step not that long ago. Ohh...and also he is on a medication for his appetite.. Mirtazapine It was originally used in humans as an anti-depressant. They found out that it works in animals as an appetite stimulant, an anti-emetic and an anti-nausea medication. It is amazing how well it works! You might want to ask your vet if perhaps this would help? I hope this helps you and you can find a way to help your baby! __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

06-21-2009, 07:34 PM	#28
jmdt YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Long Island, NY USA Posts: 3,498	I just picked my Trixie up from the hospital this morning. She ate a whole small can of food when we got home. I gave her half at 1:00 and the other half at around 1-ish. I was thrilled. They rehydrated her and gave her antibiotics. They told me to feed her Royal Canin LF or Hills w/d. I hope she never has another attack again. It is very scary to watch her just lay there. She is a puppy and is supposed to play. Hope your baby feel better soon. __________________ Coco, Pebbles, Trixie, and Wally LOVE MY BABIES!!

06-23-2009, 02:17 PM	#29
bcouk YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Spicewood, TX USA Posts: 3	Maybe this will help So sorry to hear about Nikki's problems. My 9 year old Yorkie, Gypsy, was hospitialized twice with pancretisis late last year. She is doing well now. Her vet put her on Royal Canin digestive low fat twice a day with Digest-Rite Pet Top Dress on one feeding. Very often for the first feeding of the day, Gypsy doesn't want to eat. When that happens, we give her some Proviable-KP paste (she licks it off my finger, really her own lips....looks like she's eating peanut butter). This seems to stimulate her appetite almost immediately. I think when dogs who tend to have this problem go too long without eating they get nauseated and don't want to eat. The vet also prescribed the Proviable. He said it's kinda lilke a doggy yogurt, replaces the good bacteria they need in their guts. I have no idea why it seems to work so quickly, but somehow it stimulates her appetite. Hope this helps. Becca and Gypsy and Sasha

06-20-2009, 05:30 PM	#16
djbaker Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 11	I'm so glad that your little one is doing well. Pancreatitis is horrible - and you feel so responsible, but like you I don't know what brought it on. The weight loss comes on so fast. I'll be thinking about you and precious Trixie.

06-20-2009, 08:09 PM	#19
chestermama YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: washington Posts: 3,383 Blog Entries: 1	solid gold has a low fat food that my friends dog is on she has had pancreatitis, it is called the holistique blend it has 6% fat which is low for a decent food, much better than science diet

06-21-2009, 06:04 AM	#20
djbaker Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 11	I will try the mashed potatoes and broth. Thanks for the suggestion. This morning she drank some water and sniffed the food, but would not eat it on her own. I tried both a low fat kibble and a low fat canned food.

06-21-2009, 03:02 PM	#23
djbaker Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 11	Nikki has always been a picky eater and has never been overweight. She always maintained 51/2 to 6 pounds until now. I am curious if the meds she is on makes the food taste different or smell different. She will smell the food and turns away. I am very aware of her limitation to fat now and have been syringe feeding her accordingly. Would love to see her eating something on her own. She does drink water on her own now which is a major improvement. Thank you for your advice. I will be talking with the vet tomorrow - can't imagine what the next steps will be.

06-23-2009, 11:35 PM	#30
lillymae YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,544	Pancreatitis Avoid fatty foods, fruits, butters and vegetable oils because their digestion stresses the pancreas. Give digestive enzymes with meals, give additional vitamin C complex with bioflavonoids and vitamin E complex. Avoid cold foods; serve foods at room or body temperature. Feed several small meals instead of 1 or 2 large meals, so as not to over stress the pancreas. The pancreas is important in the digestion of fats, and it produces insulin. Animals with chronic pancreatitis can become diabetic as the organ malfunctions.