My dog is being hospitalized for pancreatitis

[Samurai_Writer]

My dog, Magic, is a cocker spaniel, 5 years old. Earlier this week, he stopped accepting his milkbones, and even a small slice of cheese which he usually loves. He seemed lethargic and depressed, and on Friday threw up yellow bile. I rushed him to the vet, and she kept him overnight, running all kinds of tests and xrays. She called me this morning and told me he has a severe case of pancreatitis. He is undergoing the initial treatment for it -- nothing by mouth, IV fluids and IV drugs. She's going to call me at 3pm and tell me how he's doing. He might have to be there a few more days.

I've been reading about canine pancreatitis, and it isn't good. some dogs recover, but they have to be fed a special diet and given meds. There's no cure, and an acute case can flare up again.

I've been going through some of my own personal trauma and physical problems recently, and if I lose my dog right now, I don't know what I'd do. I had to put my beloved cat of 15 years to sleep about 2 months ago, too.

Bella

[madmax]

1. Chin up, Bella

My first Yorkie got into a pan of duck fat my husband left on the deck after grilling. He was very, very sick. Vomiting, bleeding from the rectum. I slept on the kitchen floor with him for a few hours and finally realized if I didn't act fast he'd die. Took him to an all night Vet. They did the IV fluids and tests etc. and didn't offer much hope. He pulled through and thereafter I kept him on a diet of dry Iam's food for the rest of his life. He was 4 when this happened and lived to be 18 years old. So, keep the faith.

I know how much a pet can mean to some of us. Magic is in our prayers, plus some good vibes to you and your fuzzy baby. :hug:

[Samurai_Writer]

5. I just don't understand how he got it...

He's not allowed table scraps except for an occassional small slice of cheese. I'm vegetarian anyway, so he wouldn't get any animal fats from my diet. I have had him on Pedigree adult dry and one small pouch of Pedigree choice cuts every few days as a treat. But I did hear Cocker Spaniels are prone to this condition. 3 more hours before I hear from the vet. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Bella

[madmax]

8. We're with you Bella

in spirit and thought. Every animal loving DU'er is with you. :hug:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. My cat got it about a year ago.

He was pretty sick -- it was complicated by the fact that he's diabetic -- and he was in and out of the vet's for about a month. He recovered, though, and he's fine now. I understood that dogs and cats (and people) have more or less the same symptoms and prognosis, and I was told it could come back, but so far it hasn't. He's been getting his regular diabetic diet, and he's been OK. Veterinary medicine is as advanced as human medicine these days, and they can do wonderful things. Hope your dog gets better soon.

[bicentennial_baby]

3. Oh sweetie

Let's hope for the best, 'k? I know you've had a rough time of it lately, and this must be awful for you. I'll send all my good thoughts to you and the lil' pup today. Stay strong. :hug:

[tonekat]

4. I had a cat who had it too

But he lived for at least 3 or 4 years after being diagnosed with pancreatitis, and finally passed at 18 yrs this past December.

I wish the best for you and Magic.

[Pool Hall Ace]

6. Thinking good thoughts for you and Magic.

Hang in their, both of you. :hug: :hug:

[El Fuego]

7. Hi RadFem, I'm really sorry to hear that.

I hope he is OK, at least your dog is relatively young. Let us know what happens.

Sorry to hear that you've been having troubles, I hope things get better. :hug:

[livetohike]

9. Take care RadFemFl

:hug: You did the right thing in taking him in as soon as you noticed something was wrong. Magic is young and I'm sure he will respond to the treatments.

Hang in there.

[RebelOne]

10. I'm so sorry and I am hoping your doggie will recover.

I know how you must be feeling. If my Rottie became critically ill, I would be devastated. I lost another Rottie in 1999 because she had an blood immune deficiency disease and it broke my heart when she died. But at least she died in her sleep with no pain.

[Samurai_Writer]

11. UPDATE on Magic

The Vet just called and said he is doing OK. He doesn't seem to be in any pain and is energetic. She's going to keep him until Monday to finish the treatment and see how his enzyme levels are Monday morning. So hopefully he will be recovered and be able to come home on Monday!

Bella, who goes to collapse from exhaustion and worry now that she knows her puppy is likely to be OK.

[bicentennial_baby]

12. Yay!

So happy for you! Now, go rest!

[madmax]

13. Great news, Bella!!

:hug:

Magic is a tough cookie.