My dog is back in the hospital -- again :(

[Samurai_Writer]

He was in Friday morning to Monday morning. The vet released him because he was keeping food and water down and seemed energetic. Monday evening he threw up twice, and refused to eat, although drank some water. I took him back Tuesday morning.

He's been in since Tuesday morning and is unable to keep anything down. They have had him on IV and are running more tests. The earliest he'll be able to come home, if he can keep food and water down for 24 hours, is Saturday.

He was diagnosed with pancreatitis last Saturday, in case you haven't seen the earlier threads. I am visiting him every day before work. He is kind of listless, but other than that, doesn't seem to be in any pain.

Bella

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Is he diabetic? Pancreatitis is very common with diabetes in dogs.

[Samurai_Writer]

4. No, he's not diabetic

The doctor has run the full-spectrum of tests on him... twice now. No diabetes. No nothing, except the elevated enzymes indicating pancreatitis.

[Heidi]

2. RadFemFl, is it OK if . . .

I light a candle for your boy? (I generally ask first, because it seems to me like being put on somebody's prayer list without permission. :eyes: )

Just went through a similarly traumatic situation with my beloved boy cat Ginger, so I'll be thinking of you both.

[Samurai_Writer]

3. Sure Heidi

I'm an atheist, but good thoughts and energy are always welcome.

[Heidi]

6. I'm sure . . .

that, having grown up in the "south" (sort of), I've been on more southern Baptist prayer lists than I (a sorta Buddhist) would care to know. That's why I always ask. I believe in collective consciousness and the interconnectedness of us all, but I respect others' wish not to be involved in any of that, if you know what I mean.

Good vibes coming to you and your boy, my friend. :hug:

[Benhurst]

8. ...

:hug: and wishes for a good outcome from an agnostic member of DU.

[GreenPartyVoter]

5. I am sorry *hugs*

[barb162]

7. what are the ultrasounds and Xrays showing? Any blockages, etc.

any organs abnormally enlarged?

[Samurai_Writer]

9. No, no blockages

No enlarged organs that I can remember, either. I'm not functioning on much sleep the past week, so it's kind of all blurring together.

[sinkingfeeling]

10. Bella, the best place for him is a vet hospital where they can give

IVs and monitor him. I'm part of a canine diabetes board and many, many of those dogs have had severe pancreatitis. It may take up to 10 days to get it under control. Wishing you and your 'boy' the very best.

[roguevalley]

11. damn, honey. this is so awful. I will send good thoughts.

[El Fuego]

12. I'm sorry...

:hug:

[Samurai_Writer]

13. UPDATE -- Friday

I went to see Magic this morning. He didn't look good at all. His abdomen is very bloated, and he's lost even more weight. He didn't throw up again yesterday, and was able to keep some food and water down. However, he's very listless and depressed.

The vet is doing more bloodwork this morning and taking him to have an ultrasound done. He had xrays, which did not show any blockages. At this point, it's not looking very good. I just want him to be better and come home. :(

Bella

[Samurai_Writer]

14. ANOTHER UPDATE -- bad news :(

The vet ran another series of blood and urine tests this morning. His abdomen has become bloated and he also has low blood sugar, so she recommended I take him to the bigger animal hospital to get an ultrasound done.

The results of the ultrasound were not good. He has a massive growth pressing on his pancreas (which is why my vet thought it was pancreatitis). The fluid in his abdomen was bloody. When they examined it, it was filled with cancerous cells. They wanted to do exploratory surgery, but basically told me even if they got the big tumor out, it would most likely not do much for him.

I called my vet, and she talked to the animal surgeon at the hospital. She told me if I wanted to do the surgery, she would do it tomorrow, no cost, if I wanted to do it for peace of mind. But, it probably would not do any good.

So I took him home, and am going to have to have him put to sleep tomorrow. He is not eating, losing weight, and very listless. He's gone downhill very quickly -- he was doing fine until about 2 weeks ago, and now he doesn't even want to get up and go outside.

Needless to say, I'm very upset. But I am going to spend tonight with him, and make sure he knows how much I love him. He is absolutely the best dog I've ever had.

Bella

[Blue Diadem]

16. I'm so sorry Bella,

I'll be thinking of Magic and you. It's so hard losing a beloved pet. :cry:

[Samurai_Writer]

15. self-delete