|
Welcome to the YorkieTalk.com Forums Community - the community for Yorkshire Terriers. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. You will be able to chat with over 35,000 YorkieTalk members, read over 2,000,000 posted discussions, and view more than 15,000 Yorkie photos in the YorkieTalk Photo Gallery after you register. We would love to have you as a member! Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today! If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please click here to contact us. |
|
| LinkBack | Thread Tools |
10-14-2018, 04:21 PM | #1 |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| Pancreatitis scare I forgot I haven't shared our story yet here on YT. Sept 17, on a Monday morning... Jackson woke me up early (unlike him- he loves sleeping in) before my alarm went off. He just peed though. But he was... off. I went to feed him breakfast before leaving for work and he ate a little bite of it and then stopped. THIS DOG LIVES FOR FOOD. so I was like uh oh. Went to work and then got home and he wasn’t totally himself still. He ended up throwing up one time around 5pm. It was kind of light brown. Fasted him, as he did not want dinner anyway. Around 1am he threw up again. Took him outside and he ate a ton of grass. He woke up again around 3am and threw up 2 small piles - all yellow bile with grass in it. Then around 4am he pooped (not watery but VERY soft serve) and threw up 2 more small times in the kitchen. He slept from 5-7 am and then I called our vet immediately as soon as they opened. Vet ran full blood panel, heart worm/lyme test (he was due anyway), fecal, etc. I'm almost sure that he got a fatty piece of steak that my stepdad dropped on Sunday night which is likely what caused this to "go off". People who have been here a while may remember when he was around 2yrs old, we had a similar incident after he ate way too much people food at a family BBQ (before I knew better). It was pretty much suspected pancreatitis but once we saw our regular vet (who wasn't open when the emergency happened on a Sunday years ago), she was not so convinced, long story yada yada. Through the last 8 years, I still continued to feed him "regular" pet food and treats but always kept an eye on fat levels just in case (I wouldn't do freeze dried etc, things that are really high in fat). Anyway I was paranoid about it also because the week prior, he had woken me up and acted like he was going to throw up but then never did. So my thinking is something was festering and then the fatty piece of steak did him in unfortunately. I had walked upstairs to my bedroom to grab my phone, came back downstairs and I saw him out on the porch gulping something off the floor. So, quick back story. We had finally found a vet we ADORED and loved and trusted. She was at a primarily holistic vet but they did practice traditional medicine as well. Well she left the practice about a year ago to do hospice dog care. Ever since, we haven't had much of a reason to see the vet so we don't have a "regular" one we are familiar with or see anymore. Well I was not at all happy with the one I saw. She DID give him sub-q fluids and anti nausea shot as well as take home anti nausea meds (Cerenia). She was very nonchalant about it all and it just rubbed me the wrong way. I asked about doing the CPL test (pancreatitis specific) and she did not think it was necessary. She basically just told me to continue feeding him chicken & rice. Well Wednesday morning, he woke up with WATERY diarrhea at 6am. At this point I was very very worried. Called our vet when it opened and they said they'd have vet call me. She did not call me back until almost NOON (I called at 8am). At which point she told me his bloodwork looked good, the lipase levels were slightly elevated, indicating pancreatitis. I briefly mentioned getting a prescription food for him and she told me she doesn't believe in RX diets and just do chicken and rice for a few weeks and then he can go back to his regular food I mentioned his current food (Victor dry food) is 18% fat (I was wrong- it was actually 16%) but she goes on to tell me 18% fat isn't even that high. Which even *I* know for pancreatitis prone dogs, is incorrect. Jeez!! ANYWHO... He slept from 6am-noon Wednesday and then I took him out and he had fire hose diarrhea again with some blood in it, then he had more of it again at 1:30pm. Called our current vet office back and she was going into surgery and said she'd get him some medicine for his stomach that I could pick up. I asked when, they couldn't give me a time when it'd be ready or any other info. I told them I live 40 mins away so I needed to know when to come. At that point, took it upon myself to call a different vet that I found that was a lot closer to my house, had AMAZING reviews, AAHA accredited... very happy with, he was very thorough and explained everything in great detail, was super willing to explain things. Jackson began feeling much better that Wednesday evening after seeing this vet. He took his metronidazole he prescribed, and ate some of the prescription canned food & dry kibble (Royal Canin GI low fat). He was acting like he was starving. By Thursday, he was nearly back to "normal". No more vomiting. More of a formed poop. By Friday he was 100% himself. That was definitely a worrisome week. Whew. Anyway, it's been 4 weeks and he's been doing fantastic on Royal Canin GI Low Fat canned and dry EXCEPT for he literally is acting STARVEDDD. I had been having to feed him like 5x a day to keep him satisfied. He would be relentlessly whining by his bowl at like 9pm if I didn't give him some more. He's always loved food but this was insanely annoying lol. He used to eat 1/2 cup of kibble per DAY plus a few spoonfuls of wet but the foods were all like 430+ kcal/cup. He would also get a few treats (like maybe a dental chew or something) so we were having to account for those calories. the RC is only like 240 kcal/cup or something so I doubled the amount of food as well (he is getting 1 cup of kibble plus maybe 1/3 of the can? maybe a tad more). He is 18lbs though. When we went for our re-check with our new vet, asked him about other foods, he suggested SD I/D, as it's still low fat but not as low as RC and it's slightly more calories. So we just started feeding I/D "Naturals" RX and I/D low fat canned stew and wow, he is not acting starving anymore. It seems to satisfy him now. We placed a big order through our vets pharmacy so we can see what he does best on- so I've got some Purina EN cans, RC low fat canned (this his fav canned- he LOVES it) and the SD I/D canned. He also gets a little bit of boiled chicken (vet said said this is fine) for "treats" or to satisfy him a bit more as well. I just wanted to also note my journey with food through the years has made such a 360. Even prior to this I had begun feeding Science Diet Sensitive Skin/Stomach to my other dog. I had recently stopped feeding Acana due to the DCM taurine issues popping up in dogs with foods high in legumes and was super happy with Victor but wondering if the switch to Victor had anything to do with the attack or not. WHO KNOWS! But either way, I find it hilarious how adamantly against these foods I used to be! Live and learn, I've grown up a lot through the years and learned not everything is so black and white. What is important is my boy is back to himself and feeling fantastic. We took 2 weeks off our agility class we had just signed up for and went back to our first one last week and we used our RC kibble mixed with some boiled chicken breast. He was literally SO excited to be back in the game- he was barking his head off out of excitement wanting it to be his turn. Nothing makes me happier than to see him feeling so good. Just thought I'd share our story with our YT family as I've learned so much from this site and how to be my dogs best advocate.
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier |
Welcome Guest! | |
10-14-2018, 05:27 PM | #2 |
Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md
Posts: 23,247
| Glad he is doing better
__________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart! |
10-15-2018, 05:25 AM | #3 |
Donating YT 100K Club Member & Top YorkieTalk Poster! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: western KY
Posts: 108,935
| So happy to hear Jackson is doing well now..he is beautiful
__________________ Betty & Micah my love + Yogi |
10-15-2018, 10:02 AM | #4 |
Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Brownstown MI USA
Posts: 18,650
| Good to hear he is back to normal. We all know how stressful it is when our little ones are not feeling well.
__________________ Max & Sasha's daddy |
10-15-2018, 11:03 AM | #5 |
YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: AZ
Posts: 928
| Oh my goodness. You have both been on quite a journey. Glad to hear things are looking up. --KatysMom |
10-15-2018, 05:37 PM | #6 |
Wee Winston Wiggles Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Kewanee, Illinois
Posts: 9,666
| Confidence in and open communication between vet and pet owner is essential, I totally understand where you're coming from there. Sorry Jackson's been feeling poorly, but so happy he's doing better now. I'm a true believer of the prescription diets, there is definitely a place for them for various health concerns. Also agree with getting that second opinion as an advocate for your dog. Stay well now Mr Jackson and keep on enjoying life!!!
__________________ As Ever, Kathy Intruducing Bentley Winston and Spencer: RIP My Sweet Angels |
10-16-2018, 07:37 AM | #7 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA
Posts: 4,285
| Glad the Britster is back to himself! And, yes the low fat pancreatitis prescription food are lower calorie. We had this problem with Cali when she was diagnosed and is so o active with her agility,luring, and tracking. She does best on the Royal Canin kibble but we have to be sure she is getting the calories too. Cali just turned 10 also!
__________________ . Cali , and Cali's keeper and staff, Jay No, not a "mini" Yorkie - She loves to motor in her Mini Cooper car |
10-17-2018, 03:18 PM | #8 | |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| Quote:
And yes we just got back from agility class (he rocked it, btw!! Love Yorkies, they put forth so much energy, even at 10) We have been using the RC kibble mixed with the boiled chicken w/ success!! Then it keeps him guessing, he does not know which one he is going to get - the chicken or the kibble. I'm glad Cali can relate to Jackson's problems! I am worried he is going to get fat LOL... I feel like I am over feeding! But I guess I will keep feeding what I am until I see how his weight fluctuates.
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier | |
10-17-2018, 03:22 PM | #9 | |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| Quote:
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier | |
10-18-2018, 07:53 AM | #10 |
Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: E.Stroudsburg, Pa.
Posts: 67,929
| So happy to see Action Jackson back to being his lil ole self.
__________________ Joan, mom to Cody RIP Matese Schnae Kajon Kia forever in my A House Is Not A Home Without A Dog |
10-26-2018, 11:04 AM | #11 |
Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: TX
Posts: 2,799
| Pancreatitis is definitely scary. We almost lost Tatum a couple years ago when a "well meaning" family member decided to feed her cheesecake at a big family gathering (hosted by us at our house) because "she loved it so much". Ugh. I had spent a good 10 minutes telling everyone that she could NOT have people food and then it got ignored. That was on Saturday evening, she started acting a little sick Sunday morning and she was at the vet first thing Monday morning. Vet said if we would have waited a few more hours, she wouldn't have made it. She was "in the hospital" for 5 days with fluids and everything they could do for her for the pancreatitis. Since then, she got no treats except Cheerios occasionally, no bully sticks, and only Science Diet K (for kidneys). She had some serious damage done to her kidneys and over the last two years, declined in weight slowly (6 lb to probably under 4). She was still acting happy and not uncomfortable so we didn't take any extreme measures until she had a couple seizures about a month ago and passed away quickly. I'm not saying this to scare you. She really did have a happy life after the diagnosis but she was 14 years old and just couldn't keep compensating for the damage done. Just watch the fat content. I'm glad you have a vet now you like. That's always important.
__________________ ~ Angie |
10-26-2018, 04:26 PM | #12 | |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| Quote:
So sorry for the loss of your sweet girl. I have no reason to risk anything - he is energetic as ever, thriving in agility, going for long hikes and walks, a very happy active thriving boy at 10. I'm fine feeding the RX foods if they keep working for him as it sounds like they did for your girl. We have some cans from each to see which one he 1. likes best 2. does the best on. So far, his favorite palatability wise is the RC Gastro Low Fat canned and kibble. He also loves the SD I/D Stew as well. The Purina E/N is least favorite taste wise. He gets a little boiled chicken and 99% fat free ground turkey. That's it. My vet suggested Cheerios too but he doesn't usually like stuff like that but maybe he will learn to. He will only ever get 10% fat or less on a dry matter basis, that is our vets suggestion. Our biggest problem now is that he is hungry ALL THE TIME. He acts starving. Like way more starving than usual. I've been feeding 4 small meals a day (1/4 cup of kibble 4x per day) plus probably 1/3 of the can. He is 18lbs so it's probably OK for him. I know it's all a learning curve. I'm going to keep an eye on his weight and see if he gets too heavy or too skinny. I feel lucky that he didn't require hospitalization and recovered within 3-4 days. I know a lot of them do not.
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier | |
10-28-2018, 07:19 PM | #13 |
T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England
Posts: 9,816
| I just popped on YT tonight and saw this post. I'm sorry to hear Jackson was under the weather. I used the RC gastro kibble for Barney and he loved it, I just fed him several meals. He also ate very bland home cooked food. Ultimately, his pancreatitis was well managed and he only had two acute episodes in his 16 years of life. So hopefully Jackson will go on to have many more years of good health. As an aside, funny about the turn around on dog food. I feel the same way....Barney and Daisy had home cooked foods from the time they were puppies until their passing (16 and 16.5 years old). Teddy also ate home cooked food for about 8 years. Nowadays, Teddy, along with his brother Winston and his brother ClydeMonster as he we affectionately address call him, eat Royal Canin Mini. We barely go to the vet these days and they love it. I can't believe what I used to do (pressure cook chicken, make big pots of rice, etc...and I had a freezer with all their meals in portioned zip lock bags). LOL I'm happy with the kibble.
__________________ Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy |
10-28-2018, 07:30 PM | #14 | |
Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland
Posts: 17,814
| Quote:
I don't even know who I am anymore when I am recommending Purina Pro Plan and RC over most other foods these days lol. My biggest problem I'm having right now w/ Jax is the hunger. He never used to literally cry and whine at his bowl at 10pm and he won't go to bed until he eats even more lol... I may have to resort to home cooking eventually if it can "Satisfy" him more *sigh* but if one of these RX kibbles can do the trick, I'm happy to continue feeding. I know homecooking is a lot of work lol. He LOVES the RC Gastro canned and the kibble- he even takes it as treats! So even if we do some homecooking, I'll likely keep this food around for convenience.
__________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier | |
Bookmarks |
|
|
Thread Tools | |
| |
|
|
SHOP NOW: Amazon :: eBay :: Buy.com :: Newegg :: PetStore :: Petco :: PetSmart