Jackson's not feeling well. :(

[Maximo]

Brit, you did the right thing getting Jackson in today to see the doctor. I am so sorry that he has to stay overnight, but as you wrote, he is in good hands. Sending prayers for Jackson's speedy recovery and return home.

Keep yourself busy tonight and get some rest.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by 107barney

I'm sorry Brit. I know it is so upsetting to leave them but this is the best for pancreatitis in my opinion. I had to leave Barney for 4 days the first time he had it and the second time we took him home but it was easier on him in the hospital. Going forward I'd reconsider high fat kibbles or treats like bully sticks. Pancreatitis gets worse each time and it is best to try to avoid it.

Thanks so much! He is on TOTW Sierra Mountain for the past 2 months or more which is 25% protein and 15% fat or so. What do you think is a good fat percentage to stay at now that this happened? I will ask the vet tomorrow all of these questions as well.

I am also unsure if it's 'acute' or 'chronic' etc. I've gotta write down all my questions tomorrow for vet. What do you think I should ask?

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I'm sorry Brit. You did the right thing for your boy and he will be home with you in no time.

Just a caution, even though he will almost certainly appear to recover completely, he will "never" be a normal dog after this. Recurrent episodes are quite common. He will need to be closely watched around food for life. No fatty or greasy anything for life including chews (also things like cheese). Treats are questionable. I know people get their pancreatitis dog home, see that they look normal, and ease up on the strict diet. It ends up landing the pups right back in the ER. Ellie doesn't seem to be able to tolerate lean chicken and white potato anymore! All pups are different.

Welcome to the pancreatitis club.

Thanks, Crystal. You are always so helpful.

I just feel terrible because he had SO much crap on Friday. I feel like a terrible doggy mother right now because I'm too 'nice' to tell people not to feed him plus I wasn't monitoring him closely enough. Do you think the chocolate did him in the most?

I will ask the vet what is advisable for him treat-wise and diet-wise. And what people food is okay and not. I am definitely going to be strict from now on to avoid this in the future.

[capt_noonie]

Ah brit I'm so sorry to hear the news. You will have to be very careful from now on. I remember you give Jackson steak and hot dog before, you can't do this anymore, its not worth the risk. I give Uni Honest Kitchen Preference, its the lowest fat food I've found. No more dog treats, I give her fruits and veggies she loves just as much.

I would show the aunt the vet bill. Maybe that will help the family realize its not ok to "spoil" him. Even though jax is a bigger yorkie he is still a York and a small dog. Hope he gets better really soon.

[capt_noonie]

Oh I was gonna say, I don't think it was the chocolate as you said it was in a brownie. I do.t think that would have enough cocoa powder in it to make him this sick. I think it was the greasy sausage your aunt gave him. She could have given him even more that you didn't see. BIL used to give Uni all kinds of stuff, till she got sick. Now he is better and only gives plain bread bits or fruit. No meat. The only meat she gets is plain boiled chicken.

[Ellie May]

This is an acute case. It can become chronic.

Acceptable fat % varies. Your vet will be able to give you some idea. Some dogs can go back on their regular food and some can't. The food that he is put on, if it works, then you do not want to change it at all unless there is a flare up. Changing foods can irritate things.

It may have been a combination of things that set it off. Chocolate is fatty.. But he wouldn't have needed all of that to set off a case. Sometimes it happens without a food trigger and sometimes just one tiny piece of something can send them into a potentially fatal attack. Ellie used to get everything under the sun from the table. One day it was just too much. Dogs just can't process fat as well as people think they can and some get it for other reasons.

You aren't a bad owner by any means. For your next doggie you'll know that most things are best avoided.

Wouldn't worry about treats at all right now. Just dog food (or the other option is a pancreatitis diet balanced by a veterinary nutritionist made by you). One food that works and stick to it. Wouldn't want to be giving treats for months and maybe skip them entirely. Be extremely cautious with canned/wet food and always convert to a dry matter basis if your vet gives you a fat % to stick to. Most foods from the pet store are not great for pancreatitis patients. Ask the vet about chews. Bully sticks probably need to go in the garbage. No pig ears or the like. Way too fatty. And it's adding things in that aren't needing and can trigger a flare up.

[horsnaround]

Originally Posted by Britster

Well, guys, sort of bad news.

I am so sad -- I had to leave him overnight. He does indeed have pancreatitis. I am so glad I brought him in. He will be monitored and hooked up to IV's all night.

His poor stomach hurt so bad. The vet touched his abdomen and he yelped. Also, blood came out on the thermometer when he took his temp. X-rays came back okay, no blockage or anything. Bloodwork showed high levels of a few things (liver was fine) but he was really dehydrated. I may have forgot the paper at the vets so I will know the exact stuff tomorrow as I don't know the proper wording. I was too much of a mess when I was leaving there. I've never left him overnight anywhere except my dads house... I cried when I got into my car It's so weird here without him... but I know he is getting better so I feel like he is in good hands.

I am sure he is in good hands but makes me so sad. It is hard to leave them when you know they need you most. I can understand how empty your home must feel without him. Sending hugs and prayers for both of you

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by roseylovestosho

Would you guys mind sharing what treats (if any) you might consider to be healthy enough for dogs with pancreatitis. Not only for Brit, but for all of us who might be putting our dogs at risk

I think this really varies among dogs, but IMO the best treat is the non-existent one.

I know Ellie can tolerate non starchy veggies like lettuce and green pepper. Might not work for any other pancreatitis patients though.

Because you never know what will set a particular dog off, sometimes it's best to just not chance anything. Meat, dairy, and anything starchy/sugary really concerns me.

People don't listen well and kids drop things on accident, so Ellie is constantly supervised, crated, or held when around others. When she gets something that is on the forbidden list, I sometimes induce vomiting (this of course should only be done if that is eomething a vet and owner have discussed).

[DvlshAngel985]

I'm so sorry Brit. You must be so lonely without him. Keep yourself busy for now. Jackson is in good hands, and all you can do is wait. *HUGS*

[yorkieusa]

Brit, I'm sorry Jackson is sick. I hope he does well after this and is back to feeling great soon.

[gidget529]

Ladyjane posted a recipe on how to bake the canned prescription food for pancreatitis into treats/biscuits for pancreatitis/GI issue pups. I thought this was brilliant! Wish I would have know this while my Cricket was alive (she had chronic pancreatitis)!

[jadabug]

Brit I am so sorry that Jackson has to stay in the hospital, but he is in good hands and it is for the best. I know you are an amazing Mom and you will do what is best for Jackson and his health. Keep yourself busy tonight and I am praying for Jackson that he gets to come home tomorrow. I am so glad you got him in today.

[Rhetts_mama]

Oh Brit, I'm so sorry that Jackson is having problems. Thankfully you caught it early. I'm sure he will on the mend and home with you in no time.

[RileyDC]

I'm So Sorry Jackson had to stay overnight. He is in the best hands, possible and I am sure he will be back home, in no time. Sending Prayers for a Speedy Recovery. xoxoxo

[Taryn0405]

Awww Britt I'm so sorry to hear Mr. Jackson is having belly troubles. At least at the vet, he's in the best care. Granted I'm telling you that and I know darn well that I would have been bawling my eyes out if I had to leave Gizzy too.

You did the right thing, I'm glad that you were to quick to get him in and that it sounds like an acute case.

Sending hugs and Gizmo licks your way! Keep us updated!

[time2go]

Sorry to hear about Jackson. He is right where he needs to be now as hard as it is. My girl, Gracie, is recovering from her latest bout and surgery because of it. Sending good thoughts your way.