Brinkley ate half of a 7 lb smoked pork butt...

[Heather & Brinkley]

and now I think he's feeling "off" to say the least.  On Saturday, my husband spent 10 hours slow smoking a pork butt.  The hubby and h is friends ate what they wanted and then returned to the kitchen to find Brinkley far reaching his doodle body so he could get to the remainder of the pulled pork.  Hubby put it up higher than normal but this was one determined doodle!!  Like I said, this happened Saturday-- it's now Tuesday and he really doesn't want to eat much. Is this normal this late in the game?  He seems a little sluggish but he'll heat a treat... he'll eat cheese... but he didn't want his food this morning.  He's seems more low key than normal-- sleeping more- but he still has pep when he's up.  

 

He's pooping smaller logs (sorry TMI) than normal but he's still going.  We leave for a cruise on Friday morning and I really am hoping this is something that passes quickly and that it isn't more than an upset tummy. Would he still be feeling off three days later.  Last night was the first time we realized he was feeling off. 

 

Geez.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Eating that much pork can bring on pancreatitis, and some of Brinkley's symptoms (the lethargy, the lack of appetite) are consistent with pancreatitis. I would get him to a vet to be checked out, especially if you're planning to leave town. Pancreatitis can be life threatening. One of our other DK members' dog became seriously ill with it from eating boneless pork spareribs. And it's important that you not give him any cheese or other high fat foods in the meantime.

I hope it's just an upset tummy, but I wouldn't take a chance with this.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I would be a little concerned about the possibility of pancreatitis which can be triggered by a very high fat meal.  When Guinness had it (and we never figured out how he got it) he did have the loss of appetite and lethargy, but he also had some vomiting and diarrhea.  I don't think I'd be feeding him cheese right now.  If he won't eat his food, it's probably because his stomach is upset.  I'd just be sure he stays well hydrated and watch for any other signs (like diarrhea or vomiting).  Here's hoping he starts to feel better....and enjoy your cruise.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Okay, t hanks.... we are leaving for the vet now.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think that's a great decision....please keep us posted.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Good luck!!!

[Sue, Lola, Pongo & Hubby]

Good luck, Heather!!! Hopefully it's just an upset tummy...these things always seem to happen right before a trip...Lola always gets into some sort of trouble before we go away somewhere! Keep us updated!

[Heather & Brinkley]

He was clinically dehydrated and had more bad bacteria than good in his fecal test.  He doesn't have a blockage and they said we caught it way early so he's on meds now to prevent it from turning into a pancreatitis. They said if gone untreated, he would have most likely gotten pancreatitis by the weekend. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Wow, I'm so glad you caught this.  He should start to feel better with the meds.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm glad you brought him in! Hope he feels better soon!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

KUDOS to Karen!! I would have never know about what it could lead to-glad you took him in!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Really glad you took him in.  Where is he staying while you are out of town?

[Heather & Brinkley]

I used to work at a bridal shop part time to keep me busy when my husband was in school... I met some fabulous people and one of those girls has kind of turned into our pet sitter.  She is 24 and still lives with her parents so she enjoys the mini vacation from living with the parents along with the extra cash we pay her... and she ADORES Brinkley.  He's not one for boarding or kennels so it helps to keep him in his space and have someone come to him.  She is actually coming over tonight to see him again so she sees him before we leave on Friday.