Pancreatitis....again?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

My poor Hudson has had 2 bouts of pancreatitis. The vet believes that he just can't handle the higher fat diet (which puppy food is). So, after the last one, she suggested I switch to adult food, slowly of course. Right now, he's about 1/2 puppy, 1/2 adult. We don't feed treats hardly at all, not even one a day. He has bully sticks occasionally, but he has a very dog healthy diet. He's eating Blue Buffalo Wilderness. He's never eaten people food, which pancreatitis can also come from. He finished his last meds for pancreatitis last week. Yesterday, diarrhea started again and continues today.

At first, I thought he was just nervous from being at the groomer's all day on Tuesday. But when it continued today, I knew he was really sick. I feel so bad for my little guy. We are heading to the vet this morning, and I am frustrated with having the same expenses for the same issues.

Has anyone's doodles had this? Any other cures/suggestions? He had two accidents on the floor during the night...and this never happens. He just looked at me like "I'm so sorry". It's the saddest thing to watch him be sick again. He acts pretty normal but continues to have diarrhea. Any advice? Thank you!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

The 15% fat seems a little high to me, especially now.   I have no idea where the 22% protein recommendation is coming from.  When Guinness's protein content is much higher than that.  It sounds like he has a fairly mild case....hopefully he'll be back to himself real soon.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I've got fingers crossed here too.  Good luck and let us know.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Sorry to hear this. hope he gets better soon!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

I hope Hudson's feeling better soon! There's nothing sadder than a sick little doodle.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Andrea, the link is to an article on Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, which is an entirely different (and much much worse) disease than Pancreatitis. :) EPI is incurable, chronic, and very serious.

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

The problem with pancreatitis is about inflammation and leakage of enzymes and other fluids into the abdomen and feeding pig pancreas will do nothing to help this. Animals intensive care to get through these bouts. Enzymes are not what's needed to cure pancreatitis.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Although there are instances where the pancreas recovers from EPI, they are not common. But pancreatic insufficiency, if caught in time is treatable with pancreatic extracts containing the proper enzymes , which are deficient. The treatment is lifelong but the animal can do well.

[F, Calla & Luca]

The idea that pig pancreas can help pancreatic cancer of any kind is simply ludicrous I have to say. She may have dosed her dog but I am positive it did no good whatsoever in terms of cancer.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I see no reason to get nasty about this. I am not a fount of all things scientific or medical nor do I claim to be.  But I did go to school for 21 years and I am a board certified anatomic and clinical pathologist although I haven't practiced pathology for many years. Do you have any scientific evidence? If so I would very much like to learn something.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The hesitation I have with the Wellness Healthy Weight formula is that it's grain-heavy and has a very low protein level as well as low fat.

It's only been 2 weeks, and it does take time to reduce the fat levels in the blood, regardless of what kind of food you try. If his levels are slightly lower after only two weeks, I'd stay with it for a while longer. In the meantime, I'll see what I can find that might have a lower fat level with a decent protein level. Most anything is going to be fish based.

What else is Hudson getting besides the kibble, as far as treats, etc?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Baby carrots make a great fat-free treat if he'll eat them. Many dogs love them. Some dogs like other fresh fruit or veggies, a lot of them go crazy for melon. More tips on this in the Food Group.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Watermelon and apples are absolute favorites for my guys. Plus the watermelon is easy to digest - Taquito and Peri will literally come running from wherever they are and sit at my feet whining for watermelon.