PDA

View Full Version : quandry....


Mr Chatterboodamn
10-29-2005, 08:02 AM
okay im not really one to take my personal matters to this board but i am having a life/football dilemma...

okay, first... my dog cassie was in the hospital last night. i came home and she had vomited 4 times and vomited water. full panel of tests at the vet. diagnosis: inflamed pancreas. i guess dog pancreas is really volatile. anyway, 800 bucks later, i should be able to pick her up today with a clean bill of health, some low fat dog food, and maybe some anti-biotics. couldn't sleep last night, i love my dog too much... it was really scary. maybe i was up-sold at the vet, and perhaps i was being dramatic, but i had to do it.

here is my dog:

Mr Chatterboodamn
10-29-2005, 08:11 AM
lost rest of post... please delete or send this to da butt


dog is cute

Needa Pass Rush
10-29-2005, 08:15 AM
Sorry about your dog (if this wasn't a joke).

**You can delete your own threads by clicking edit button within your post.

watermock
10-29-2005, 08:20 AM
Sorry about your dog...I think you got sold up the river but you never know quite how to react...I hope the vet told you that no mammal can live without a pancreas....

I think Beezer's house jumping days are over...he's kinda turning into Fat Bastard...

http://photos1.blogger.com/img/104/2808/640/Fat_Bastard.jpg

I'm moving him from corner to LB...

Tredici
10-29-2005, 08:35 AM
okay im not really one to take my personal matters to this board but i am having a life/football dilemma...

okay, first... my dog cassie was in the hospital last night. i came home and she had vomited 4 times and vomited water. full panel of tests at the vet. diagnosis: inflamed pancreas. i guess dog pancreas is really volatile. anyway, 800 bucks later, i should be able to pick her up today with a clean bill of health, some low fat dog food, and maybe some anti-biotics. couldn't sleep last night, i love my dog too much... it was really scary. maybe i was up-sold at the vet, and perhaps i was being dramatic, but i had to do it.

here is my dog:

I've been there. My dog has chronic pancreatis which means it flairs up once in awhile. Which is preferable to acute pancreatis because they seldom survive that. Take a walk through the internet. Either way a severe episode can be life threatening. My dog was so dehydrated from vomiting that she had to take fluids by IV for a couple of days. The vet at the emergency clinic I took her to is a family friend who wanted to find anything other than pancreatis because it is expensive to treat and results aren't always gauranteed.

The good news is, there hasn't been a relapse. You really do have to mind what you feed the little critter from now on. I'm sure she loves the people food and treats as much as mine does, but if her body won't digest the fats then it's a slow, painful death. Sometimes what is good is for them is hard, but watching them be so sick is way harder.

Hang in there. Good luck to you and the pooch!

watermock
10-29-2005, 08:50 AM
I had a friend that was a great car guy at Burt Toyota and he got pancreitis...he was battling it and one day he said he felt really bad...I still blame myself a little because I didn't drag him to the hospital...you just never know...he had a wife and a doc...he croaked that same night...I felt terrible...he wasn't the type to complain but I guess it's horrifically painfull...
He just looked a little pained...not very sick...I knew he had the disease but figured he had adequate care...what do I know about that disease...I should of called an ambulance...he was a 120 percent stand up sort of guy too....VERY repected....oh well...he just said he didn't feel well...I told him to go home and I would take his calls....talk about dragging out ghosts...answering his phone telling people he had died almost killed ME. Sheesh...Every deal he had on the books or ready to close I refused to accept and gave to the company to donate...along with others...manning a dead colleagues post isn't something that's much fun...

Anyway, I hope your doggie recovers....dunno if I would spend that much money of Fat Bastard...he's over on the comforter licking what used to be his balls...

Tredici
10-29-2005, 09:00 AM
Here ya go Mr. Chatter:
CANINE PANCREATITIS

What is pancreatitis?

The pancreas is a vital organ which lies on the right side of the abdomen. It has two functions:

1)to produce enzymes which help in digestion of food and,

2)to produce hormones, such as insulin.

When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the disorder is called pancreatitis. It is a disease process that is seen commonly in the dog. There is no age, sex, or breed predisposition.

There are two main forms of acute (sudden onset) pancreatitis: 1) the mild, edematous form and, 2) the more severe, hemorrhagic form. A few dogs that recover from an acute episode of pancreatitis may continue to have recurrent bouts of the acute disease, known as chronic, relapsing pancreatitis. The associated inflammation allows digestive enzymes to spill into the abdominal cavity; this may result in secondary damage to surrounding organs, such as the liver, bile ducts, gall bladder, and intestines.

What causes it?

The cause of pancreatitis is not known; however, there may be several contributory factors. It is often associated with a rich, fatty meal. In some cases, it may be associated with the administration of cortisone; however, some dogs with pancreatitis do not have exposure to either.

Under normal conditions, digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas are activated when they reach the small intestines. In pancreatitis, these enzymes are activated prematurely in the pancreas instead of in the small intestines. This results in digestion of the pancreas itself. The clinical signs of pancreatitis are often variable, and the intensity of the disease will depend on the quantity of enzymes that are prematurely activated.

What are the clinical signs?

The diagnosis of pancreatitis is based on three criteria: clinical signs, laboratory tests, and radiographs (x-rays) and/or ultrasound examination. The disease is typically manifested by nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If the attack is severe, acute shock, depression, and death may occur. Laboratory tests usually reveal an elevated white blood cell count; however, an elevated white blood cell count may also be caused by many other things besides pancreatitis. The elevation of pancreatic enzymes in the blood is probably the most helpful criteria in detecting pancreatic disease, but some dogs with pancreatitis will have normal levels. Radiographs and ultrasound studies may show an area of inflammation in the location of the pancreas. Unfortunately, many dogs with pancreatitis will elude detection with any of these tests. Consequently, the diagnosis of pancreatitis may be tentative in some cases.

How is pancreatitis treated?

The successful management of pancreatitis will depend on early diagnosis and prompt medical therapy. The mild form of the disease is best treated by resting the pancreas from its role in digestion. The only way to "turn off" the pancreas is to withhold all oral fluids and food. This approach is accompanied by intravenous fluids to maintain normal fluid and electrolyte balance. In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs are sometimes administered. The presence of shock necessitates the immediate and intense use of intravenous fluids. Antibiotics are also indicated in many cases.

Will my dog recover?

The prognosis depends on the extent of the disease when presented and a favorable response to initial therapy. Dogs that present with shock and depression have a very guarded prognosis. Most of the mild forms of pancreatitis have a good prognosis.

Will there be any long-term problems?

There are three possible long-term complications that may follow severe or repeated pancreatitis. If a significant number of cells that produce digestive enzymes are destroyed, a lack of proper food digestion may follow. This is known as pancreatic insufficiency and can be treated with daily administration of enzyme tablets or powder in the food. If a significant number of cells that produce insulin are destroyed, diabetes mellitus can result and insulin therapy may be needed. In rare cases, adhesions between the abdominal organs may occur as a consequence of pancreatitis. However, most dogs recover with no long-term effects.

-Slap-
10-29-2005, 10:22 AM
okay im not really one to take my personal matters to this board but i am having a life/football dilemma...

okay, first... my dog cassie was in the hospital last night. i came home and she had vomited 4 times and vomited water. full panel of tests at the vet. diagnosis: inflamed pancreas. i guess dog pancreas is really volatile. anyway, 800 bucks later, i should be able to pick her up today with a clean bill of health, some low fat dog food, and maybe some anti-biotics. couldn't sleep last night, i love my dog too much... it was really scary. maybe i was up-sold at the vet, and perhaps i was being dramatic, but i had to do it.

here is my dog:
I'm glad everything worked out. Think about how much joy she brings to your life day after day. Where are you going to find that for 800 bucks?

~Crash~
10-29-2005, 10:28 AM
how true slap I had a dog die the other day after $500 and it was just a pet and I would have spent more to save it .My wife really loved that dog and he gave here real joy .

-Slap-
10-29-2005, 10:57 AM
how true slap I had a dog die the other day after $500 and it was just a pet and I would have spent more to save it .My wife really loved that dog and he gave here real joy .
I'm sorry, Crash. I know you're about the biggest animal lover around. That dog was lucky to have you for an owner.

Meck77
10-29-2005, 11:58 AM
okay im not really one to take my personal matters to this board but i am having a life/football dilemma...

okay, first... my dog cassie was in the hospital last night. i came home and she had vomited 4 times and vomited water. full panel of tests at the vet. diagnosis: inflamed pancreas. i guess dog pancreas is really volatile. anyway, 800 bucks later, i should be able to pick her up today with a clean bill of health, some low fat dog food, and maybe some anti-biotics. couldn't sleep last night, i love my dog too much... it was really scary. maybe i was up-sold at the vet, and perhaps i was being dramatic, but i had to do it.

here is my dog:


Sorry to hear that man. I know where you are at. I left for NY and my dog could hear just fine. Now she is deaf. She's about 14 years old and I've had her since she's been a pup.

Then just yesterday something happened to her leg or foot I can't tell but she can barely walk. I'm afraid I'm going to lose her soon.

Dogs are family. I hope your dog gets better.

Needa Pass Rush
10-29-2005, 01:18 PM
Just a thought about dogs. It is a humane thing to put your 4-legged friend down when they are really suffering. I have had to do it 3 times. The first time I handed off my friend and walked away.... never knowing what happened after that.

Subsequently, I was with the other 2 dogs as they were euthanized. I found that knowing how peacefully they passed was a comfort and helped in the mourning process. Either way it takes a lot of inner strength to put your friend down...... but it is the humane thing to do when the time comes.

baja
10-29-2005, 01:36 PM
Sorry about your dog...I think you got sold up the river but you never know quite how to react...I hope the vet told you that no mammal can live without a pancreas....

I think Beezer's house jumping days are over..<b>.he's kinda turning into Fat Bastard...</b>

http://photos1.blogger.com/img/104/2808/640/Fat_Bastard.jpg

I'm moving him from corner to LB...

Isn't it interesting how pets emulate their care givers after a time.

Mr Chatterboodamn
10-29-2005, 09:28 PM
Wow, for an abortive post I sure got a great response... i knew there were a lot of dog lovers on here. anyway, an update:

i just picked up cassie from the hospital... she stopped vomiting all together and started to hold down her food, water, and oral medication. so they released her to me... she is definitely worn out and a little weak. i fed her the provided low-residue dog food and she perked right up. she feels a lot better and i can tell she is happy to be home.

anyway, the moral of the story is that you shouldn't feed your dog people food no matter how much they love it or how cute they are when they beg. i seriously could not resist giving my dog meats anywhere on the fatty gradient. i was scolded by the vet and corrective actions were taken. my vet luckily was more thorough than a real doctor so i think she did a good job. the total bill was $468, which was about 200-400 less than their estimate range. it was worth every penny... i think of dogs as having just as much soul as people...

I attached a picture of her, if you're curious what she looks like.... haven't been able to pin down the breeds involved, but she is like a small golden retriever/river otter.


(again BIG thank you to everyone on here for your support (and research too, Miss italian 13!)...you guys are really great to people who are having real stress in their lives.


the football portion of the quandry was whether to go to the chargers/.chiefs game with my friend tomorrow as he had an extra ticket... i decided i should be around for cassie and give her some tlc.

ludo21
10-29-2005, 09:38 PM
And dont forget you gotta be home for the Broncos game :thumbs:

Good news about Cassie, after my dog Cindy died i wish i had spent more time with her, so dont forget that. Spend time with her while you can.

Good looking dog btw.

Mr Chatterboodamn
10-29-2005, 09:39 PM
I've been there. My dog has chronic pancreatis which means it flairs up once in awhile. Which is preferable to acute pancreatis because they seldom survive that. Take a walk through the internet. Either way a severe episode can be life threatening. My dog was so dehydrated from vomiting that she had to take fluids by IV for a couple of days. The vet at the emergency clinic I took her to is a family friend who wanted to find anything other than pancreatis because it is expensive to treat and results aren't always gauranteed.

The good news is, there hasn't been a relapse. You really do have to mind what you feed the little critter from now on. I'm sure she loves the people food and treats as much as mine does, but if her body won't digest the fats then it's a slow, painful death. Sometimes what is good is for them is hard, but watching them be so sick is way harder.

Hang in there. Good luck to you and the pooch!

Tredici, it takes an episode like this to really kick you in the ass... i thought i was doing a good thing by letting her eat meats, but i really learned my lesson. she's just too cute to deny... and you can tell it makes them so happy, but you just have to be the uncool parent for their own good in this case.

you're right about the diagnosis treatment plan for pancreatitis... it's very flimsy and expensive. i guess something in her bloodwork (lipase) was extremely high, which usually means foreign object or pancreatitis... they use the x-rays to look for the objects (duh). i liked this vet because she basically asked me about 40 questions about the dog while she felt around and did the dehydration neck pinch...

they had her on an IV to re-hydrate her and gave her some other drips...

the home treatment is actually kinda funny... low fat diet, amoxicillin, a stomach coating drug (forgot name), and some human zantac heartburn medicine...

Mr Chatterboodamn
10-29-2005, 09:49 PM
I'm glad everything worked out. Think about how much joy she brings to your life day after day. Where are you going to find that for 800 bucks?

you know, it wasn't even a question for me... that's why i think i suspect i was being upsold on treatment over there. i was just like "do whatever you need to" and i was upset. but since it was less $$$ and after reading the article tredici put up there, they followed the protocol to a T and i dont care as long as she is well and happy again.

can't give you more rep yet but thank you man.

listopencil
10-29-2005, 09:56 PM
Just a thought about dogs. It is a humane thing to put your 4-legged friend down when they are really suffering. I have had to do it 3 times. The first time I handed off my friend and walked away.... never knowing what happened after that.

Subsequently, I was with the other 2 dogs as they were euthanized. I found that knowing how peacefully they passed was a comfort and helped in the mourning process. Either way it takes a lot of inner strength to put your friend down...... but it is the humane thing to do when the time comes.


Man. We just had to do that a couple of years ago. Otis, the half Black Lab and half Pit Bull. Best dog ever. He lived to be 14 years old and it just got too tough for him. My wife took him in. I couldn't do it.

Needa Pass Rush
10-29-2005, 10:32 PM
Man. We just had to do that a couple of years ago. Otis, the half Black Lab and half Pit Bull. Best dog ever. He lived to be 14 years old and it just got too tough for him. My wife took him in. I couldn't do it.


awwwwwww, listo, I'm sorry, man! I hope the Broncos can lift your spirits today! Tough losing a buddy, for sure.

Pat Bowlen
10-29-2005, 10:39 PM
Mock works at Burt Toyota?

ClevelandBronco2
10-29-2005, 11:06 PM
the football portion of the quandry was whether to go to the chargers/.chiefs game with my friend tomorrow as he had an extra ticket... i decided i should be around for cassie and give her some tlc.

Cool decision. I'd trust you with my kids.

Hey, what's your address? I'd like to know where to send the taxi the next time one of them is barfing repeatedly...

Bronco Yoda
10-29-2005, 11:52 PM
Good decision Mr Chatterboodamn. You can watch the game on tv with your best friend!

I hope the cute little guy pulls through. Our Pets are like our family. Then again... maybe a wee bit more..... 'cause I have plenty of family I'd blow off for a Bronco game...lol