Sam has been to the Vets yet again , this time for tests and also a very long consultation to look back at his history . He has suffered from bouts of diarreah all his life , it clear for a while and then returns with a vengeance , the common factor seems to be fat , or rather the intolerance of fats . My Vet now thinks that Sam has pancreatitis , which is an unpleasant syndrome and whilst there is no cure, it can be greatly helped by a low fat diet, plus short term steroids to reduce inflammation in his gut . I am advised to very gradually reduce his kibble, replacing with rice or potatoes for bulk , and raw lean meat , fish or even low fat cottage cheese to replace the proteins lost by the reduction of kibble . Its a bit of a blow to be honest , but we will do all we can for Sam to try and ensure that it doesn't get any worse , bless him xx
Re: Poorly lad Poor Sam, and not a nice post for your 6000 post milestone. I'm sure there are people on here who have had experience of pancreatitis in their dogs and who will be able to offer you advice, but from Willow and me, big hugs.
Re: Poorly lad Oh dear, so sorry to hear this, Kate! :'( You certainly have been going through the wringer lately, first Millie's eye and now this. I suppose we can be grateful they both weren't at once. :-\ Sounds like you have a plan of treatment at least, that has to be somewhat comforting. Such a worry when these things happen, sending hugs to you and cuddles to Sam.
Re: Poorly lad Aww....Kate. Glad you at least seem to have an answer though. Hugs to you and big Sam x
Re: Poorly lad I am sorry to read that Kate. Sounds like pancreatic insufficency and I seem to remember there is some medication for that? It is such a worry when our beloved dogs are ill x
Re: Poorly lad Oh Kate what a terrible time you and your dogs are having Big hugs for you all, I hope now you know what it is you can get it under control and Sam can put it all behind him and get on with having fun xxx
Re: Poorly lad Oh poor Sam and poor you - it's such a worry when they're unwell isn't it. Hope the new eating plan helps.
Re: Poorly lad Oh Kate I'm really sorry to read about Sam,I wasn't around on the forum yesterday.He looks such a picture of health too....I know you will face this head on and do everything to control it for him,sneidn you my best wishes xxx
Re: Poorly lad i am really sorry to hear of another problem for you and Sam. I know that you'll manage his diet to keep him well.
Re: Poorly lad Poor man Is it likely to be painful? I hope it can all get settled down with the new routine.
Re: Poorly lad Poor old Sam. But you do have a diagnosis, and can move forward with the new diet. Big hugs.
Re: Poorly lad poor Sam...I hope his new diet helps him now, its horrible to find out our pups arent well but hopefully the treatment plan will help him
Re: Poorly lad Oh Kate I am so sorry, I really hope diet can sort this out for the lovely Sam, will he need medication too? BIG {{hugs}} from us xxxx
Re: Poorly lad Thanks all , low fat diet for now, until we have all results back , if it is an insufficiency issue, then yes, there are enzymes that can be given . Vet seems to think that its not an insufficiency , in which case no medications can help , just very low fat and hope that it doesn't get worse . It is ironic that he looks so fit and well , but I have often worried that he has always been too quiet, too laid back and calm , just had a feeling that he wasn't 100% healthy , that there was something wrong . The oft sessions of upset tummy had been blamed on his habit of scrounging and eating revolting finds , that will all have to stop now , eyes in back of head comes to mind :
Re: Poorly lad Ah you know him so well Kate,has he felt poorly with it do you think?he will be feeling a lot better now you have got the start of the idea of what is wrong.....no more mushy seagulls on the beach for you Sam ! X
