Jackson's not feeling well. :(

[Maximo]

Sorry to hear that Jackson may still need more fluids. I believe there is little risk of under-feeding and great risk of over-feeding.

I agree with others who posted above that even if it appears that Jackson wants activity or more food, don't be tempted. As I wrote before: rest does a body good when it comes to any type of ailment or injury; helps the body to repair and recoup. Encourage Jackson to rest, take it easy.

[MaddiesMommie]

Originally Posted by Britster

Thanks, I am going to go through and respond individually.

But just wanted to point out, I hope it didn't seem like I was more concerned with his food BRAND, because I totally am not at this point. I wasn't planning on going to the vet and asking like a trillion questions about future food and diet and all that. I am obviously concerned about getting him BETTER!

But even simple things I can't really get out of the vet. I wanted to be certain I'm not feeding him too MUCH food... OR too little. There is not even an amount that I am supposed to w/ the wet food, I am not sure if he's strictly on wet, how much he's supposed to have per day, etc. He just doesn't give me specific answers in regards to the kind of stuff that I need to know NOW because I want to do everything in my power to get him better and am so scared that I am going to make a mistake and mess something up or something. I feel like he's not being very specific and if it weren't for YT, I'd probably be REALLY clueless right now.

So that was my point. I feel like even things that I need to know he skims thru real fast. Like he walked in the room, scared me half to death by saying "Well we want to do sub-q fluids for the next 2-3 days" and I'm like.... uhhh what is that? Last time I heard the word fluids he had to stay overnight. Scared me for a split second there...

I didn't think that at all. I just understand something like this can be overwhelming and I think you SHOULD have lots of questions. You want what is best for Jackson and your questions and concern show that.
He probably doesn't expect somone your age, no offence intented, to be as educated and concerned about your dog as you are.

[Ellie May]

Because the vet sent home kibble, that is probably what they are expecting you to feed. Unless they told you to feed canned, I'd just coat the pills in it. If they told you to give it as meals or exclusively, that would be different.

Didn't the vet say something about 1/3 meals?

[Britster]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Honestly, it sounds like this vet is being very thorough. Some vets are not so great about a lot of questions...and maybe you will find one you like better later on. For now, I think he sounds like he is on top of things.

Pancreatitis to a vet is pretty cut and dry....the dog needs his tummy rested and his body as well. Rest and fluids.

Homestly, the last thing to worry about is exercise and what you will feed him when he is better. Priority number one right now is to get him past this illness! That is what this vet is focusing on!

Subcutaneous fluids are often used. My vet prefers a longer hospitalization at the start with IV fluids because what is happening to Jackson is what often happens. It takes a bit longer for the levels to improve when using subcutaneous fluids.

You certainly could make an appt with the other vet if it makes you feel better but I personally think it is a bit of a waste of money since this is the standard of care that the vet is offering. Just my thoughts...and hey, it's your pup and your money!

I would stop long walks and help him learn to be a bit of a couch potato for now!

Totally agree. I do think this vet is being very thorough and I am so thankful for that.

Like I said, I hope it didn't seem like I was going to be too pushy with the food issue or anything. I am content feeding him the E/N for now and not planning on doing any major switches anytime soon.

I definitely agree- getting him better is #1!

This is just such a huge change for me. It's hard for me to see him seemingly healthy and not provide him the exercise and stimulation he's used to - he is the farthest thing from a couch potato. When he's bored, he goes and finds things to chew. lol. So this is just hard for me to keep him under control. I feel like I have a puppy all over again, LOL. Maybe a little easier.

I know the protocol would be no different and I'm sure a 2nd vet would have the same opinion. I'm not planning on switching during this treatment. But for the future, I'd like someone easier to talk to.

Originally Posted by Ellie May

I think you do need to find another vet that you can talk to, but I'm not sure this is the right time. As Linda said, it is what it is and all vets should be saying about the same thing. Some will be much more open to your thoughts and want to answer questions for you, but the protocol will still be the same. So yup, time to find another one after this acute case is over if you aren't really happy with them... The answers that they gave you were very short for what I would be comfortable with.

I'd be very concerned that the number has gone up. Prevention of an immediate relpase is the top priority. You might get away with SQ fluids, but the problem is he is still getting food, so his pancreas is still working hard. Hoping for you and him that the numbers go down, but if things stay the way they are you may be looking at more IV time.

Don't pay attention to the feeding amount on the Purina bag. Go with what you were feeding him even if there is a slight difference in calories, and reduce it. 1/2 cup of kibble is what he normally got, so it is too much for now.

Did the vet say to feed like 3 small meals or did they say that eating a few kibbles here and there was okay?

Thanks. The number went up from Monday's results. So it's not higher than the initial exam but it's a bit higher than when they did blood and he was released from the hospital.

I sincerely don't know how I'd afford another night in the hospital. I literally have... well, you don't even wanna know, how much left to my name right now. I am looking at second jobs right now and can't even afford my college bill so I probably won't be going next semester now. So I really hope we can get by with these sub-q fluids.

And that's the thing... the vet did not tell me anything about how often to feed, 3 small meals, eating here and there. I am just not sure what to do. He ate 1/4 cup around 10am and I've been scared to give him anymore food since that is half the amount already. He's only had some canned food while taking his medication and I just gave him 5 kibbles right now before bed. I think tomorrow, I will split the 1/4 into 3 meals, but it just seems like... so little, lol. But I guess that's what he needs.

Originally Posted by ArmaniMan

You could start feeding him all his meals from the kong- this way he gets the benefit of a "chew" treat but he is only get the food he is allowed to have. You could even buy 3 or 4 of them and break his meals up, freeze them all the night before and give them to him throughout the day.

Otherwise just don't give in to him- dogs learn to adapt pretty quickly- he needs his rest.

Thanks! I've thought about this. I actually do have 3 Kongs. There is no recommended amount for the canned food on the can so I'll have to ask the vet how much canned should be fed every day as opposed to kibble. It may be better to strictly do canned for the purpose of chewing, in the Kong, and also the added moisture, correct?

[Britster]

Originally Posted by MaddiesMommie

I didn't think that at all. I just understand something like this can be overwhelming and I think you SHOULD have lots of questions. You want what is best for Jackson and your questions and concern show that.
He probably doesn't expect somone your age, no offence intented, to be as educated and concerned about your dog as you are.

Oh, definitely. I think that is most likely a big part of it. He probably doesn't expect me to pay that much attention to the small details and he's just doing what he has to do to get Jackson better.

But I think all the techs realize, lol. I called like 3x after I dropped him off and had my dad call once (to give his CC number but he asked about him too lol) and when I got there to pick him up the tech said : "7:30, right on the dot! I knew it'd be you!" lol

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Because the vet sent home kibble, that is probably what they are expecting you to feed. Unless they told you to feed canned, I'd just coat the pills in it. If they told you to give it as meals or exclusively, that would be different.

Didn't the vet say something about 1/3 meals?

I really have no idea. They haven't really told me. I bought 4 cans today and they were fine with it and didn't even ask how I was using it, etc.

And I don't even remember lol. My mind is gone. I feel like he said give 1/3 of usual meal but I can't be sure.

[yorkieusa]

Brit, Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and Jackson and everything you're going through. Sending you my best wishes.

[Maximo]

You can always call the office tomorrow and leave a message for the doc that you would like direction on how much kibble/canned food per day.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by megansmomma

Here is my opinion for what it is worth. While Jackson was healthy he needed more calories because he was burning more with his activity level. So you are comparing a healthy Jackson to a sick Jackson.

Let's compare if you were to get the stomach flu. You become very sick, tired, not wanting to eat or even more around a lot. After a few day of feeling like you are about to die you begin to feel a little better. You decide to get out of bed and move about a little, maybe get a little snack because you feel like you are starving. But within a very short time you begin to not feel well again so you go back to resting. Slowly, you increase your activity and your appetite returns a little more each day. I've got to be honest it has taken be weeks to feel back to normal after some of the flues I have had.

So now apply this to Jackson. Of course he wants to go back to his normal activity and when he isn't feeling well after a little exercise he cannot figure out for himself that is what caused him to not feel well again. He wants to eat but when he does he probably isn't feeling well but doesn't realize that little extra he ate is making him not feel well again. So it's up to you.

Back to you being sick and not eating like normal. Your survive with less intake while not feeling well and so will Jackson. I really think you are putting too much thought into his food intake and comparing it to his normal activity levels. He will not suffer eating less but he will not get better eating more. I believe are stressing yourself out over the larger picture and need to just concentrate on how he is doing each day. Worry about a food change when the time comes and from the sound of it that will not be for a few more weeks. He is still under doctors care and they are monitoring him very closely with bloodwork and office visits. You need to believe they are taking excellent care of him for the issue at hand. Take a big step back and look at how Jackson is doing today. I think you will realize that he is improving with the care they are giving him.

Yes, this makes complete and total sense!!!

Totally agree with the text in bold

Originally Posted by ladyjane

The top priority now is making sure he does not end up back in trouble again!

For sure!

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Sorry to hear that Jackson may still need more fluids. I believe there is little risk of under-feeding and great risk of over-feeding.

I agree with others who posted above that even if it appears that Jackson wants activity or more food, don't be tempted. As I wrote before: rest does a body good when it comes to any type of ailment or injury; helps the body to repair and recoup. Encourage Jackson to rest, take it easy.

Thank you. So very true. I am so paranoid that I gave him too much and that's why his levels were up a bit or something.

I wish there was a way we could explain to dogs that we are doing this for their benefit!

Originally Posted by yorkieusa

Brit, Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and Jackson and everything you're going through. Sending you my best wishes.

Thank you!

Originally Posted by Maximo

You can always call the office tomorrow and leave a message for the doc that you would like direction on how much kibble/canned food per day.

I'll be in there again tomorrow... so I could ask when I go in, I suppose. Maybe I will let them know I'm curious about feeding him his meals through the Kong so am wanting to do 100% canned or something.

I'll also be in there again Sunday and Tuesday.

[AllDogBoots]

I agree with Cathy about writing questions down on a piece of paper. While the vet may be giving your dog very good care I believe that you are also paying for a service, which includes having your questions answered.

Also, is a 20 minute walk too much? I imagine that's about a mile or so.

[Ellie May]

Because they said feed less than you normally do and original sent you home with kibble, "I" would just coat the drugs in the canned. For kibble, I'd do about 1/4 cup broken into 3 meals..just til tomorrow afternoon when the vet can explain exactly what to do.

[TxVicki]

Just want you to know I'm still thinking about Jackson and you. I know he will get better soon.
I have been this thru this with my late Molly who had Chronic Pancreatitis and IBD and a few other problems. I won't give any opinion as each dog is different in they what eat and how much and what med's to take.
Just wanted you to know I was thinking you all. Praying for a great outcome. Sending hug's to you both

[Britster]

Originally Posted by AllDogBoots

I agree with Cathy about writing questions down on a piece of paper. While the vet may be giving your dog very good care I believe that you are also paying for a service, which includes having your questions answered.

Also, is a 20 minute walk too much? I imagine that's about a mile or so.

Thanks- yes I agree.

And we did a very slow 20 minute walk, it was not a mile. I stopped at a little pond 5 minutes from the vets office just so he doesn't always think that getting in the car = going straight to vets. lol. Is that thinking too much into it? I just don't want to cause these bad associations because Jackson is so smart about that kind of stuff. So I wanna keep this as positive as possible for him.

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Because they said feed less than you normally do and original sent you home with kibble, "I" would just coat the drugs in the canned. For kibble, I'd do about 1/4 cup broken into 3 meals..just til tomorrow afternoon when the vet can explain exactly what to do.

Ok, I will definitely do this. Thanks!

[Britster]

Originally Posted by TxVicki

Just want you to know I'm still thinking about Jackson and you. I know he will get better soon.
I have been this thru this with my late Molly who had Chronic Pancreatitis and IBD and a few other problems. I won't give any opinion as each dog is different in they what eat and how much and what med's to take.
Just wanted you to know I was thinking you all. Praying for a great outcome. Sending hug's to you both

Thank you so much!! *hugs back*

[AllDogBoots]

Originally Posted by Britster

Thanks- yes I agree.

And we did a very slow 20 minute walk, it was not a mile. I stopped at a little pond 5 minutes from the vets office just so he doesn't always think that getting in the car = going straight to vets. lol. Is that thinking too much into it? I just don't want to cause these bad associations because Jackson is so smart about that kind of stuff. So I wanna keep this as positive as possible for him.

I forgot to offer well wishes!! Sorry.

I understand the mentality of the car. I believe that when Max was a puppy and I had taken him to the vet so many times in the car that he now fears getting in. He'll get over it just like Jackson will.