Jackson's not feeling well. :(

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Hey if anyone can fight this you and Jackson can. Jackson was fit and healthy when he got this, and we know healthy organisms fight disease better than unhealthy organisms. Look at all the dogs that are grossly obese, just because people want to give them extra love. This disease is not due to poor diet; otherwise all those dogs who were fed greasy table scraps would get it.

Thanks Nancy!

I saw two obese dogs in the vet today. Made me very sad...

The tech, who was a really nice guy, was also really surprised when he asked me what food he was on and I responded quickly with the answer and even the formula name. He goes, wow... most people say "Ummm.. it's on aisle 6 of the grocery store, top shelf in a big blue bag!" and have no clue what their dog even eats. He was impressed with me and said I was a good pet parent, lol, so that made me feel better.

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I agree with Nancy.

Really like this post. Sums it up perfectly. His stomach should be no different after he heals a bit. It's a question of whether pancreatic enzymes are breaking down his food properly or trying to break down the pancreas itself. So even if there is no vomiting or diarrhea, there is still a chance that something is going on.

A little bit of "fear" is okay with pancreatitis. It's better than not being worried and so not being strict. Honestly, if the smallest little pea sized piece of a forbidden food is eaten, it can theoretically put him back in the hospital. Very life threatening in some cases... Ellie has had it a couple times and the last one was somewhat hard on her. That is the week that I fed some white meat chicken and then some white potato. Went off a couple hours after the potato. No idea what the trigger was, but she sure as heck doesn't get either one of those things anymore! That's how crazy it can get.

Some have one case and are just fine. They do fine on their regular food as long as owners are careful with treats. Others can't go back to their regular food (vet doesn't want them to or they can't tolerate it). Fifteen % fat isn't high. Might be a little high for some vets' liking. Ellie went back on 18% fat after an episode. She did okay as far as the pancreas went, but when changing whatever ingredient around (forget what I did), it didn't help matters. I'd hesitate to stick with 18% if I was in the same situation again. I'd also hesitate to stick with 15%. But bc this is the first time, the vet may be okay with it.

Rx diets don't work for all and pups can have flare up on them also, but they are usually a good idea. I'd go to rx or possibly homecooked food for pancreatitis before all else. That's JMO.

I regret all the crap that Ellie used to get too. Can't change it now though.

There are canned foods that he can probably have and you can bake treats for them, but they will mostly be rx.

For Ellie's pancreas and intestines (it's different because we are concurrently dealing with intestines and food allergies), the only thing that is working now is HA. Not even homecooked was cutting it. In all honestly, I don't like this food for a few reasons (I do like the lack of animal fat coating it though!), but it works for her and that's good enough for me. Not recommending this food at all, but just shows sometimes only one single foods seems to work. Other times several foods could work.

Great post, Crystal. I feel confident that we can get through this a-okay. I will certainly be very strict with his diet from here on out, no doubt. My dad has also agreed and said, okay that is something we can manage. It may even be good for their dogs, one is overweight that they have now, so I think we can all do this together. I, luckily, have a very understanding family and they all know how much I love Jackson and they love him back, so I have faith that all will listen in regards to his health and well being.

I guess we will just take it as we go along. I know Natural Balance has lower fat foods, too. I'm just looking into different options tonight, out of not being able to sleep and I'll discuss with vet tomorrow. I am obviously going to go with his suggestions first.

On all sites I've read about it tonight, all have Yorkies and Silky Terriers listed as being common breeds who get this. I think Shelties, GSD's and a few others were included.

[Ellie May]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

Does a dog develop pancreatitis from the food or does food create an episode due to the underlying issue?

I think it's the latter. Nobody really knows exactly what causes it, but there are triggers. Good question.

Because diet is very often a major contributor to an episode, it's really best that no dogs are given certain things because we don't know who is predisposed to it.

Brit, I'm quite sure every one of us has regretted something that we did related to our dogs. You're not alone.

Trying to think of E's other triggers. I think fairly lean roast beef was one and possibly a Frosty Paw was another. Never again on those things!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by 107barney

Brit,
Last year when Barney had the pancreatitis and I did the consult with Dr. R for his diet, some of the things she told me were --
1. We don't know all the foods that trigger pancreatitis - it is not just fat
2. Pancreatitis can smolder for a very long time
3. Each pancreatitis attack is worse
4. It can become life threatening

I know that the second bout of pancreatitis is probably why my Barney has some liver damage since the liver lives right next door to the pancreas. Barney's blood work did not return to normal for almost a year, and I might have never known that if I was not keeping close tabs on it because he acted just fine. And that was with being VERY strict and taking direction from the vets like it was a directive from God. Just to illustrate, recently I fed him some of Daisy's food which is higher in fat. His triglycerides rocked up to 1360 and his liver enzymes went nuts. Just from food. When a dog is prone, a dog is prone and you don't always know what is going on in their body unless you happen to draw blood during the time it is happening. I was probably starting a fire.

I'm not telling you this to scare you, but the bully sticks and fatty treats have to go. A two year old having an acute pancreatitis attack that landed him in the hospital is serious enough in my mind to conclude he is predisposed. I know he ate some things he shouldn't have, but it is not like he ate a couple of sticks of butter or a turkey leg.

As far as being a failure, I don't see you in that light at all. You took your dog to the vet and he is getting the care he needs.

Amen to that! Good job, Momma!

[Ellie May]

ETA:

Reading Cathy's post reminded me to say that it isn't just fat. Potato "may have" triggered Ellie. Plain white potato... Who knows..

You'll get the answers that you need at the vet tomorrow, I'm sure.

[Princess10]

Since Princess was ill I've been trying to find a good, informative site to reference. Do those of you that are knowledgeable about pancreatitis have a certain place you could refer us to to learn more? Or have you just learned it through exp.? It'd be nice to have a sticky or something in the YT Library.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I think it's the latter. Nobody really knows exactly what causes it, but there are triggers. Good question.

Because diet is very often a major contributor to an episode, it's really best that no dogs are given certain things because we don't know who is predisposed to it.

Brit, I'm quite sure every one of us has regretted something that we did related to our dogs. You're not alone.

Trying to think of E's other triggers. I think fairly lean roast beef was one and possibly a Frosty Paw was another. Never again on those things!

I did worse than that before I knew better.....a bit of sausage from a sausage mcmuffin Also had a problem with Frosty Paws...never again on those things.

I have learned since that "treats" are really not a necessary part of their diet. It is how we feel about them.

[107barney]

Here is an interesting article and they happen to mention Yorkies as being prone
Canine pancreatic disease: What's new in diagnosis and therapy? (Proceedings) - Veterinary Healthcare

[Princess10]

Originally Posted by 107barney

Here is an interesting article and they happen to mention Yorkies as being prone
Canine pancreatic disease: What's new in diagnosis and therapy? (Proceedings) - Veterinary Healthcare

Thanks, I'm going to check it out. An article I found said they're prone as well.

[Ellie May]

The things that Ellie used to get before we knew better, um, I won't even post about!! I told Brit via PM bc I'm too chicken to tell everyone.

Those Frosty Paws are bad business IMO!

[Princess10]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

The things that Ellie used to get before we knew better, um, I won't even post about!! I told Brit via PM bc I'm too chicken to tell everyone.

Those Frosty Paws are bad business IMO!

You're not still doing it-I'd think it's safe to come out.

[My lil friend]

We have had one bout of this at our house with one of the poodles. It was several years ago and involved brisket ,Thanksgiving and a large gathering at our house. When people come over to eat I simply tell them that NOONE feeds the dogs but me. My reasoning is he went from ok,to almost dead in about 2hrs, 3 days in an ER facility,across town and $1000+.
I do feel very lucky that it hasnt ever happened again,in part because Noone feeds the dogs but me.
I do hope that your baby will get to come home tomarrow. I also hope that you will get some rest so you can have a good meeting with the vet and be able to take in all of the information that he/she gives you.
I will keep you both in my prayers.

[lisaly]

This is but one of the times too numerous to count that you have demonstrated your love for Jackson. You will do whatever it takes to protect him from harm and provide him with a wonderful life full of love and adventures. It is such a scary and hurtful feeling to see one that you love so dearly ill and in pain. Jackson will overcome all of this because he has you caring for, loving, and looking out for him. Try to keep your chin up. I hope Jackson comes back to you very healthy soon.

[capt_noonie]

Brit, look, as of now, SEVEN pages of concerned YTer's. We worry about Jackson just as much as you do! You are NOT a bad pet parent. Things happen many times and it is out of your control. Know that you know Jax is predisposed to this condition you can be an ever BETTER pet parent. When Uni was diagnosed, no she did not have to stay over night, but I did have to bring her back the next day. We didn't know what it was until the bloodwork came back. She had diarrhea for a few days before I brought her in I should have brought her in at first sign. You are doing the right thing. Sell those bully sticks! LOL.

Just work on getting him better. Worry about treats later. Remember I told you Uni learned all her tricks when she was a puppy solely on kibble? She didn't get any treats until she was about 2 1/2 yrs old. Don't give into the puppy eyes! LOL You guys can do this! You and Jax have an unbreakable bond. He will know what you are doing is what's good for him.

[alaskayorkie]

Just seeing this! So sorry to hear about this, but I know Jackson is in the best hands with you on his side. Hoping for a speedy recovery!

[Mom to Hot Rod]

Brit,

Just seeing this. So very sorry that Jackson is going thru this. Please do not ever think that you are a bad mom...if anything, you are one of the best doggie moms out there.

Since relatives seem to have minds of there own when it comes to giving "treats" to Jackson at family gatherings, maybe you can make up something to drape over Jackson saying, "Please do not feed human foods". Don't know if it would work but at least they might get a chuckle and talk with you about it and you could explain it to them.

Hope that Jackson starts to feel better quickly. I know you must be beside yourself missing him. Hugs.