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04-07-2006, 07:44 PM | #1 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Posts: 25
| My Buddy has Pancreatitis My 3 1/2 year old male Yorkie has been diagnosed with Pancreatitis. His main symptom was doing the "prayer position" (kneeling down with his front legs and keeping his hinder in the air). He had done this a few times in the last month...and we took him to the vet. This past Monday, he was acting very strange and did the prayer position again...twice in 15 minutes. He then hid and I couldn't find him. I thought he was dying. He spent two days at the animal hospital and has been given medication to help his pancreas heal. He had an IV with fluids because he was dehydrated from not eating or drinking. They took many blood tests and his lipase levels came back at 2400. Normal levels are up to 800. After two days of only IV hydration, his levels went back down to 600. The vet thinks it is his diet that is causing his pancreatitis...but, he is on Science Diet ZD Ultra Allergen prescription food. He has many allergies so he is on this food...it seems to be very bland and not very fatty. Also, he had to drink barrium so that they could take images of his digestive system to see if he had any blockage. With that they found that he has ulcers. Does anyone have any information on pancreatitis and what they have done to help their little Yorkie out? Mickey & (Buddy the Yorkie!!!) |
Welcome Guest! | |
04-07-2006, 08:02 PM | #2 |
YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Rancho Viejo, Tx
Posts: 2,698
| no, i have never heard of that before. I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you. I hope someone on here can help you out. poor thing. keep us updated on his progress. I will add him to my prayer list. good luck and I hope he feels better soon.
__________________ Buckeye, Ahia, Tressie, Archie & LDenise Dogs are really people with short legs in fur coats |
04-07-2006, 08:03 PM | #3 |
YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Rancho Viejo, Tx
Posts: 2,698
| Sorry .....I forgot to welcome you to YT.
__________________ Buckeye, Ahia, Tressie, Archie & LDenise Dogs are really people with short legs in fur coats |
04-07-2006, 10:50 PM | #4 |
YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA
Posts: 2,992
| This is a very good article about pancreatitis in dogs and cats. It is a little long --but that's okay. It's informative. Interestingly - I found the very last paragraph something that we should all read ---if we read nothing else.. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Pancreatitis One of the functions of the pancreas is production of digestive enzymes. These are the enzymes that break down ingested foods into molecules the body can digest. These enzymes are carefully handled by the pancreas in order to prevent them from damaging the pancreas itself or surrounding tissue. When these self-protective mechanisms break down for any reason, the result is leakage of enyzmes which damage the pancreas and any surrounding tissue they reach. This breakdown is called pancreatitis. There are a number of things which can initiate or facilitate enzyme leakage, so pancreatitis can occur for a number or reasons. Often, it takes a combination of precipitating factors to cause pancreatitis to occur in a dog or cat. High fat diets, obesity and lack of exercise are the most common "life-style" contributors. Miniature schnauzers are predisposed to pancreatitis due to a tendency to have high levels of lipoproteins in their blood streams. Corticosteroids and azathioprine medications may contribute to the tendency to develop pancreatitis. Hyperadrenocorticism, a naturally occurring overproduction of corticosteriods that is fairly common in dogs may also lead to an increased susceptibility to pancreatitis. Anything that interferes with blood supply to the pancreas or release of digestive enzymes by the pancreas may lead to pancreatitis. For some reason, pancreatitis does not occur, or is not recognized, as often in cats as it does in dogs. The "typical" pancreatitis patient is middle-aged or older and overweight. There may be a slightly higher prevalence of this problem in female dogs but it does occur commonly in both sexes. Often, the family has just had a party or a big holiday meal when this disease strikes. This is not a disease that restricts itself to any particular scenario, though. It often occurs in patients that do not fit the typical profile and it has highly variable clinical signs. Any time a dog appears to be exhibiting signs of unexplained pain, pancreatitis must be considered. Vomiting is common with pancreatitis. Depression can be severe. Affected pets may seem restless or be reluctant to move, they may seem weak, irritable, have diarrhea or simply refuse to eat. Many owners recognize that their pet is very ill but may be baffled by a lack of symptoms to explain their pet's discomfort -- they just know they don't feel well. When your vet examines your dog and suspects pancreatitis, she will look for abdominal pain that seems to be centered in the portion of the abdomen that is partially covered by the ribs. Dehydration is common in patients with pancreatitis. Rapid heart rate and rapid breathing are sometimes seen with pancreatitis. Poor circulation in capillaries may lead to redness of the gums and eye linings. Confirming a diagnosis of pancreatitis can be frustrating. Currently, there is no single reliable diagnostic test for this disease. Often, amylase and lipase levels are elevated in the bloodstream. Unfortunately, this seems to happen slowly in comparison to the progress of the disease so a pet may be pretty ill before the enzyme levels elevate and in some cases of pancreatitis an elevation in these enzyme levels doesn't occur. Often, blood tests that help evaluate liver and kidney function are slightly elevated as well. White blood cell counts are usually high. Ultrasound exam of the pancreas, if your vet can do this, is helpful in diagnosis. X-rays are often taken to make sure other conditions are not causing the pain, such as intestinal obstruction, but usually it is not possible to be sure a dog has pancreatitis based on X-ray changes. Pancreatitis is harder to diagnose in cats because they are less likely to have high enzyme levels and either hide pain better or experience less pain, making the need for testing less obvious. Pancreatitis can be acute and only occur once in a dog's lifetime or it can become chronic and keep returning over and over again. It can be a rapidly fatal illness or a mild attack of pain that resolves in a few hours or a day or so. It can cause tremendous side effects, including shock, blood clotting disorders, heart arrythmias, liver or kidney damage and death. I think that chronic disease with varying levels of pain and secondary side effects is the most common form of pancreatitis. Fortunately, most of the time dogs with chronic pancreatitis problems do not die from the attacks. It is possible to lessen the severity and frequency of attacks in many of these dogs by managing their diet and exercise. Less commonly, pancreatitis strikes with a sudden severe fury that creates severe secondary problems, particularly with blood clotting and shock. In these cases, it can be fatal. It is not clear whether these are entirely separate disorders or different manifestations of the same problem. In cats, chronic pancreatitis is often associated with feline infectious peritonitis or toxoplasmosis and it may be beneficial to try to rule out these conditions if pancreatitis is suspected. It is important to take pancreatitis attacks seriously, especially the first one. Pain management seems to help a great deal in preventing escalation pancreatic attacks, based on our clinical experience. Totally restricting food intake (no food) for 24 to 72 hours seems to help a great deal as well. This may be due to a decrease in stimulation of the pancreas to release digestive enzymes. Fluid therapy to prevent dehydration and help maintain circulatory function is usually necessary. Medications to control vomiting are often used. Many veterinarians use antibiotics in an effort to ward off secondary infections but this may not be necessary in milder cases as bacterial infections do not commonly accompany pancreatitis. Corticosteroids are not thought to be helpful in treatment of pancreatitis. It may be necessary to use intensive medical therapy for serious side effects of the disease or even surgical intervention in really severe cases of pancreatitis. In miniature schnauzers, medical control of the lipid levels may be beneficial and is sometimes possible using medications. Once the patient seems to feel better, oral fluids are given. If no vomiting occurs in 12 to 24 hours, food can be offered in small quantities. Most pets can go home once they are willing to eat and drink again. Bland diets may be beneficial in some patients but we usually recommend returning to the patient's normal diet as long as it wasn't likely to be the cause of the problem due to fat content. Diets moderately high in fiber may be beneficial in lessening the number or severity of attacks in chronic pancreatitis. Weight loss and increasing exercise are also very likely to help prevent future attacks. Keeping your pet away from the table during traditional holiday meals can be very helpful, too. AT LEAST READ THIS MUCH...................... ----------------------------------------------------------------------- It is very important to remember NOT to feed your dog when it is showing signs of abdominal discomfort or unexplained pain. It is almost painful to think of the number of times dog owners have said to me "she wouldn't eat, so I gave put a couple of tablespoons of bacon fat on her food...... or gave her a bowl of ice cream...... or a bowl of milk....... or a couple of pieces of ham....... " This is the worst thing you can do if your dog has pancreatitis. Learn to let them help themselves heal by not eating when their body is telling them it isn't a good idea! This can be the difference between a 24 hour attack of mild abdominal pain and 5 days in our hospital treating severe pancreatitis. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Carol Jean |
04-07-2006, 11:04 PM | #5 |
Our Blessings R Many Donating Member | I am so sorry to hear that Buddy has this, oh is it ever painful. This happened to me nine years ago,I was in the hospital for 11 days, it was terrible. Mine was caused from passing gall bladder stones. I sure pray he is doing much better, and that he will be fine with no reoccurances. Please keep us posted on how he is doing, Patti welcome to YT glad you found this site it is the GREATEST. Last edited by Baby Blessing; 04-07-2006 at 11:06 PM. |
04-08-2006, 03:39 AM | #6 |
Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member | Poor Baby... your baby may need a special diet etc. and it can be a lifetime of being careful ....but at least you know what the problem is and can act accordingly.....I'm sorry to hear about this and wish you all the best ....it's so hard seeing them sick. |
04-08-2006, 03:41 AM | #7 |
No Longer a Member | My Gizmo went thru Pancreatitis over a year ago. It is miserable and makes you feel so helpless to watch. I wish I could have taken it for Giz. His doctor said it was probably from the abundance of people food that he ate. Heck I even gave him his own hamburger patties, even rice and gravy because he didn't want that awful dog food. I thought I was pampering him but I was hurting him. Since then he has only he has endured HGE a couple of months ago, and I have been up with him last night hoping he is not trying to go thru it again. I bet my neighbors think I am a crazy lady when I take him for walks and stop to examine his poo after he has done his business. I called yesterday every couple of hours to ask the kids how their lil brother was feeling...but I digress.. The important thing is catching these things in time and being very picky what goes in those little stummies. You sound like a very attentive mommy and have not made the mistakes I did. He is lucky to have you. I will pray for his complete recovery and give him puppy hugs from "The Gizzard". |
04-08-2006, 04:17 AM | #8 |
My2Pearls Chelsey & Chanel YT Donator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: N
Posts: 4,097
| Hi and welcome to YT Hope your baby feels better real soon... It's hard seeing them unwell.
__________________ Proud member of the crazy club |
04-08-2006, 05:54 AM | #9 |
♥♥beats @ my feet! Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: PA
Posts: 4,814
| My Lucy (passed on) had developed this after having eaten some fat off a picnic ham we had been picking on for a few days. She got so, so so sick. I won't get in to all the details but I will say this: I WILL NEVER EVER EVER GIVE A DOG PORK FAT AGAIN! It is just not worth it. Lucy used to be a little "garbage disposal" She was always begging for something or cleaning the floor eating everything! She pulled through it but it was hard. Since her, we have gotten 2 goldens and now Mayzie and I am very adamant about what they can and cannot have to eat. The only "human" food I will let them eat is healthy stuff in moderation like green beans, carrots, cottage cheese and cheerios--oh and Peanut butter on heartworm day. I feel for you and will be praying that Buddy gets better real soon! Here's to better days ahead for Buddy! Jamie |
04-08-2006, 06:08 AM | #10 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Posts: 25
| Has anyone had a dog die from pancreatitis and/or complications of pancreatitis? Thank you to everyone for responding so quickly. Buddy is displaying some signs of discomfort today...I will keep an eye on him...and if he keeps this up, I will be taking him to the vet again! I feel so helpless...I just wish he could talk!!!
__________________ Mickey & My Buddy (the Yorkie!!!) I love my Yorkie!!! |
04-08-2006, 11:33 AM | #11 | |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: NJ
Posts: 739
| Quote:
I hope your Buddy has a complete recovery. Jessica | |
04-08-2006, 11:50 AM | #12 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Posts: 25
| To Jessica (prettypuppypink), What is HGE? Mickey
__________________ Mickey & My Buddy (the Yorkie!!!) I love my Yorkie!!! |
04-08-2006, 12:19 PM | #13 | |
Our Blessings R Many Donating Member | Quote:
| |
04-08-2006, 03:46 PM | #14 |
Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Posts: 25
| They did bloodwork on Monday & Tuesday...Monday his lipase was 2400, on Tuesday it was back down to 600. Normal range is up to 800. More bloodwork will be done on Tuesday (3 days from today). I took him for a car ride today and he seemed to enjoy it...he usually does. We also took him for a walk, which he also enjoyed! He is eating as I am typing, so that is a good sign. I just worry about him so much...I think illnesses affect little dogs quicker and harder than big dogs...maybe that's just my own theory...but it doesn't take much to affect my little guy. I will keep an eye on him...if something seems out of the ordinary, I will be calling the vet! I talked with a lady that I know who actually gets pancreatitis herself...she said it is VERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYYY painful....which just breaks my heart for my Buddy.
__________________ Mickey & My Buddy (the Yorkie!!!) I love my Yorkie!!! |
04-08-2006, 07:38 PM | #15 |
Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Doggieland
Posts: 14
| Pancreatitis! Advice? Hi everybody. I have a 1 year old yorkie.Morix started to feel bad on Tuesday. He didn't want to eat or drink. He vomited some yellow fluid, and then came the diarrhea. I took him to the vet and they gave him some IV fluids while running some tests. (blood work, parasites, x-rays), everthing came out normal. I finally transferred him to a 24 hs care hospital ( I should have done that in the first place) and he had a Pancreatitis test. The values came out a little bit higher than the normal range, but not much. The doctors think it is pancreatitis but I really think they are not so sure....Anyway, I was in the TWILIGHT ZONE for 5 days, and I ended up spending $800 in each facility. The most frustrating part is that they were not sure of what was going on and I saw him deteriorating every passing minute.... This is the second time I has happened to me and in both cases he didn't eat anything out of his diet (Royal Canning for Yorkies) so I do not know what caused it. Now he is eating 2 tsp of Hills prescription diet, and takes Pepcid Ac every 12 hs and Tylosing powder every 8. (during 2 weeks). After that I have to pick a sensitive diet (Dr. recommended Sensite Royal Canning). Does anybody know how to prevent this? Should I get pet insurance? if that is the case, which one? I am really scared now that this could happen again.... |
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