Hello again. I last posted when my lovely Damson had problems with depression and being 'flat', treated successfully by Vivatonin. All has been fine in terms of Labrador energy, joy and above all fun. But. She had previously been investigated and treated for several acute pancreatic episodes, as a result if which she has a low GI diet and nothing else. This has worked for the last two years. Two days ago she did a couple of 'prayer bows' and a bit of a follow on runny poo. Yesterday she wasn't right, although had a happy morning walk and normal poo. By early afternoon, she moaned a couple of times, sat outside with me in the sunshine and couldn't settle, ears back, lip licking and a moan or two. Cue visit to vets. Examined, heart rate etc all ok, but tender to touch around pancreas. Given injected analgesic and vitamin B12. Omeprazole given, v small supper and further analgesia late last night. She cried all night - and I mean, all night! Now, part of this may well be a reaction to the analgesia, but she regurgitated pale bile a couple of times. Not much. I have been down this route before with antacids, Antepsin( gaviscon for dogs!) . Due back at vets this morning where she will get much loving support, possible iIV pain relief and fluids...but, this can't go on. Am I bring dramatic if I assert myself again and ask for referral to internal medicine specialist? I did this on a previous occasion and was told they wouldn't see her until she had been on low GI diet for 6 months. I think I've answered my own question, but any experiences others have had would be welcome...sorry for epic post. It's been a long night. Worse for my beautiful Damson.
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Definitely insist on being referred to a specialist. She's been on the low GI diet for 2 years so they can't argue that point again. Kate's dog Sam has pancreatitis and she's been able to control it with diet. Hopefully she will be along and can give you some advice and support. Good luck I hope you get it sorted very soon poor Damson.
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Thanks, Jen. I can be fierce when it comes to my dogs! The vets I have in mind are referral only, but also have skin specialists and she has chronic itchy skin too. I read Kate's posts re Sam, so am hopeful......
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Oh poor you and poor Damson. You must both be feeling awful after such a bad night. Definitely ask for the referral. If she has been on the GI diet for 2 years with no problems, there is something not right now. Let us now how you get on at the vets today. Will be thinking of you.
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Oh dear....so sorry for both you and your pup! I would push for the referral pronto!!!! :-[ :-[
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Hi , I am so sorry that your poor dog is suffering so much , I would definitely be asking for a referral . My Sam had a similar episode about 6/8 month ago, but nowhere near as severe as your poor love . I manage Sams intolerance to fats by feeding him a very low fat diet , lots of raw lean meat and raw fish . He also tolerates low fat cottage cheese very well which is good as its a good source of calcium as well as protein . I also cook lots of veg for him , low GI ones such a sweet potato which both dogs love , squashes are also great as are leafy greens, but do cook them as dogs cant easily break down the cell walls of raw veg . I wish you much luck x
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Poor pup...yes, politely insist on a referral. I do not think your vet can refuse (if you are in the uk). You can also ask to see whatever specialist you want, you do not have to go to the one your vets regularly uses. You can look up qualifications, and make sure you are seeing a real specialist...or ask for a specific vet.
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Having worked for vets, your vet will not mind at all if you ask for a referral. Pancreatitis is very painful and even the most equable of dogs is liable to bite if touched in that area by the vet. I feel for both of you. x
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Thanks everyone for your support. Update: another injection fir relief of pain, and an antiemetic. Much discussion in which I stressed that I didn't want to treat the symptoms, I wanted to find and treat the cause. So, more Meds to help with the acid reflux and productive burping (!), more analgesia to give at home, another sleepless night on the way, another visit to the vet tomorrow and a referral to the gastrointestinal specialist I wanted ( yes, you're all right, they are bound to refer if I ask), but it will be next week until they can see her.....it seems my current choices are limited. My vets don't do overnight hospitalisation, so she'd have to go 20 miles away to be taken care if overnight, should she need stronger pain relief.....I hope I don't have to do that. The thing is, because she had pancreatitis before, we are all assuming that's what this is.....will keep you up to date. Did anyone else who's dog has pancreatitis have constant acid reflux and belching? It's monstrous and obviously distressing.
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up So sorry to hear this. Unfortunately (maybe not) I don't have any experience of this but really really hope you get this under control soon. x
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Oh poor you and poor Damson,I'm hope your night was easier,it must be terrible to see her in so much discomfort.Our gastro issues have only been sensitive tummy issues where something 'off menu' causes a dose of the runs so I'm not able to answer your questions re the burping etc.Im glad you've got your referral so even though it's hard dealing with her symptoms and discomfort you are hopefully on the start of getting down to the cause and this flare up won't occur again Very best wishes X
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Poor love, I really feel for both of you , my lad didn't suffer like this at all , with reflux , hoping you both feel a little better this morning x
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Hi there my old dog (15) who passed away last year had pancreatitus, took us ages to diagnose it though and unfortunatley it was probably too late for us to do much about it by then, but my understanding is it is fat and not sugar that causes the issue. Apologies if I have this wrong but my understanding of GI is this is about sugar absorption into the bloodstream. Anyway, I was advised to look for low fat foods less than 10 per cent fat. I used to cook sweet potato and chicken for Barns but also pumpkin is very good too. You can find it pureed in cans but look for the unsweetened variety. I did also use a canned or kibble variety of dog food called I/D which is designed for exactly this but it's expensive and only available from the vets so it's ok when recovering from a bout of illness but not really sustainable long term, in which case you need to go with food low in fat. Good luck, I hope this was useful and I wish you and Damson all the best for a speedy recovery.
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up [quote author=LisaB link=topic=10264.msg151011#msg151011 date=1426939791] Anyway, I was advised to look for low fat foods less than 10 per cent fat. I used to cook sweet potato and chicken for Barns but also pumpkin is very good too. You can find it pureed in cans but look for the unsweetened variety. I did also use a canned or kibble variety of dog food called I/D which is designed for exactly this but it's expensive and only available from the vets so it's ok when recovering from a bout of illness but not really sustainable long term, in which case you need to go with food low in fat. [/quote] Is that Hill's Prescription Diet i/d? If so you can by it on the internet from various sites for delivery not just from your local vet. You just nee to confirm that you are using under vet recommendation. I've just ordered some of the j/d for Juno for delivery here in France, not cheap but cheaper than local vets.
Damsons Diagnosis following reflux... :-[hello all, and thanks for the food tips and general well wishes. Damson is as of today an inpatient at a specialist veterinary hospital where they have the skills and capacity to investigate her gastric and oesophageal state as well as her pancreas, endocrine and neurological issues, if any. I am aware she has some laryngeal paralysis and am concerned her reflux products may have been aspirated...the frightening possibilities are endless so I am not going to dwell on them or think 'what if it's this or that' until we know more. I hope that I gave found the best possible place where they can join up all her many afflictions ( they are going to the dermatologist to check out her skin flare ups too), and come up with a plan of action and support. She's in for 36 hours this time round and will go back if they need yo do more than diagnostic procedures. I hope I am right to take her there. They inspire confidence, all are consultant specialists in their fields. I have made it clear that it's not what can be done, it is what should be done for her....will let you know more when I know more. Sharing experiences and outcomes isn't just cathartic, it means those of us who love our dogs so dearly can learn from each other. Fingers crossed for Damson..
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Big hugs, you must be so worried, even if you know she's in the best place. Try to keep yourself busy until you get her back, so you don't dwell on the "what if"s.
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up sending all the healing vibes we can muster from America for you.... has anyone sent a request out to the lambies yet????
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Thinking of you and Damson as she undergoes all the tests. Fingers crossed for some reassuring news tomorrow on the diagnosis.
Re: Pancreatitis.....another flare up Fingers crossed for you both, and hope you can get a treatment plan sorted for Damson soon, sounds like she is in the right place
