[Lara's mom]

My 14 1/2 year old Border Collie/Spaniel X spent about 18 hours with a massive case of the runs and vomiting. So help me, I could NOT believe the amount of poop that came out of her!!! The poop is not watery - more like the consistency of jarred baby food. She was rushed to the Dr. who examined her, took a blood sample, a urine sample and a stool sample. He gave her an injection of something. a drug called tylosin and a prescription tinned food called "id". The change in her is amazing! She stopped vomiting immediately. I had to let the poor thing starve for 12 hours to give her gastrointestinal tract a rest (she was not amused...) and am now giving her a couple of TBSP of the prescription diet every couple of hours. It is obvious that she feels much better. BTW, Dr. Gignac said her kind of pancreatitis was acute rather than chronic. What I can't figure out is how she got it in the first place. She eats a very healthy diet and gets only the best cookies and treats. Any ideas?

[dogs rule]

First of all, I'm glad to hear that she is feeling better.
I was going to say that this was a age related thing, but not knowing what pancreatitis was for sure, I thought I would look it up.
I got this from Wikipedia.

Pancreatitis is caused by autodigestion of the pancreas thought to begin with a decrease in secretion of pancreatic enzymes in response to a stimulus, which can be anything from table scraps to getting into the garbage to drugs,toxins and trauma. The digestive enzymes are released too quickly and begin acting on the pancreas instead of the food they normally digest. Once the process cascades, then inflammatory mediators and free radicals are released and pancreatitis develops, causing amplification of the process.

The clinical signs can vary from mild gastrointestinal upset to death, with most dogs presenting with common gastrointestinal signs of upset, such as vomiting, anorexia, painful abdomen, hunched posture, diarrhea, fever, dehydration, and lack of energy, with vomiting being the most common symptom. These signs are not specific just for pancreatitis and may be associated with other gastrointestinal diseases and conditions.

Acute pancreatitis can trigger a buildup of fluid, particularly in abdominal and thoractic (chest) areas, acute renal failure, and cause inflammation in arteries and veins.

Risk factors although there can be various causes of dog pancreatitis, such as drugs, fatty diet, trauma, etc., the pathophysiology is very complex. Pancreatitis can be idiopathic; no real causation factor can be found. Obese animals as well as animals fed a diet high in fat may be more prone to developing acute and chronic pancreatitis.
Certain breeds of dogs are considered predisposed to developing pancreatitis including miniature schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, and some terrier breeds. Miniature Schnauzers as a breed tend toward developing hyperlipidemia, an excess of circulating fats in the blood. The breed which appears to be at risk for the acute form of pancreatitis is the Yorkshire Terrier, while Labrador Retrievers and miniature Poodles seem to have a decreased risk for the acute form of the disease. It is suggested that genetics may play a part in the risk factor. Dogs suffering from diabetes mellitus, Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), hypothyroidism and epilepsy are at increased risk for pancreatitis. Diabetes and hypothyroidism are also associated with hyperlipidemia. Those with other types of gastrointestinal conditions and dogs who have had previous pancreatitis attacks are also at increased risk for the disorder
Hope this helps you and any one else. It's scary when we see our babies not right.

[CorkyMax]

Sorry to hear of Bailey's bout with pancreatitis and glad that she is doing okay now. Dogs rule--I didn't see your post first as I immediately went searching the web for info and am going to post a link to another good site that may have some 'extra' info. I am sure--Lara's Mom--you being the good doggie mom that you are--will keep a good eye on things esp. after you read this link as it sounds like this can happen easier again after once having it and to be on the look out for the darn diseases it can lead into like diabetes, etc. Hope these things won't happen but best to know up front so if complications arise--You will know what to do.

You can also find many sites by putting-->dogs pancreatitis--and/or dogs pancreatitis causes--or dogs pancreatitis treatment--in your browser.
Here is one good site that has a lot of good info: Dog Pancreatitis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

[Lara's mom]

My sincere thanks to both of you. I did look it up but, I was so upset at the time that I really didn't take in what I was reading. I appreciate the links which I have read thoroughly and now have a much better understanding of. Apart from her age, Bailey doesn't have any of the risk factors associated with getting this condition. It is somewhat of a mystery...

Bless both of you for taking the time to research this condition for one VERY panicked mom!!! Please know that I truly appreciate it.

[Lunareclipse]

Wow, that's pretty serious. I hope your pooch pulls through.

[Lara's mom]

Thanks Luna. She is about a thousand times better than she was even a day ago. I swear, my vet is a miracle worker. She has stopped vomiting and is eating that yucky ID diet. The poop is still not normal but is no longer coming out of her "by the buckets full." As long as she doesn't start vomiting again, she won't have to go into the hospital and can continue to be treated at home.

[dogs rule]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

My sincere thanks to both of you. I did look it up but, I was so upset at the time that I really didn't take in what I was reading. I appreciate the links which I have read thoroughly and now have a much better understanding of. Apart from her age, Bailey doesn't have any of the risk factors associated with getting this condition. It is somewhat of a mystery...

Bless both of you for taking the time to research this condition for one VERY panicked mom!!! Please know that I truly appreciate it.

You're very welcome Lara's mom:
You had every right to panic.
If I may, speak for just about everyone here, that we all want are fur babies to be happy, healthy, loved and will do just about anything for them.

[CorkyMax]

Ditto-Dogs Rule! Glad to help as much as I can--I love all dogs and want them to be healthy and happy.

[reeskujo]

I'm so glad to hear she's going to be ok!..It's so scary when they get really sick like that..She' a lucky girl to have such an attentive and quick acting mommy!!

[Lara's mom]

I think the scariest part is that she is a very old dog. My vet didn't tell me until after she really rallied and started recovering but, at her age, often they don't recover...My girl has strong genes!!! I feel like the luckiest person in the world today. Bailey has been out for 2 short walks, she's eating that smelly tinned ID food, she isn't throwing up, she doesn't have neverending runs, and she seems much like her usual self. She is still weak but I believe that will improve as I'm able to feed her more. Right now she is only getting a couple of TBSP every couple of hours as to not irritate her gut.

[CorkyMax]

Good, Good! The bright spot in today's posts!

[Lara's mom]

Just had the girls out for a walk and Bailey had the first normal formed poop since Friday!!! Stunk to high heaven because of that prescription food but, it was NORMAL!!!

[Lunareclipse]

YaY! I'm happy for you.

[Lara's mom]

Thanks SO MUCH to all of you!!! You guys are just the BEST!!!

[dogs rule]

This is excellent news. You did say that Bailey was a Border Collie X.
They have to be one of the heartiest and strong willed dogs around, with just alittle bit of stubborness. I know my Islander was.

All the best

[Lara's mom]

She must be tough. She's made it 14 and a half years with no major problems...This really scared me though. She was so sick!

[lange]

Originally Posted by Lara's mom

I think the scariest part is that she is a very old dog. My vet didn't tell me until after she really rallied and started recovering but, at her age, often they don't recover...My girl has strong genes!!! I feel like the luckiest person in the world today.

Don't forget she was also well taken care of thanks to you! Great news that she is doing well now. Hope she keeps at it and can eventually settle back to the yummier foods.

[Lara's mom]

Just got the result back from the fecal sample. On top of everything else, she's picked up girardia...I think I'm going to lose my mind...

[CorkyMax]

Oh Pam! Poor Bailey---Get well fast Bailey.

I imagine you have checked out this latest development on the net so won't give links --unless you want them. And just a reminder--check out the meds that you have been prescribed---I'm sure you already have. Do you need to get probiotics too to help make the immune system healthy because of the use of antibiotics? Do you have to get the rest of your pets treated too? From one of the sites I scanned--It sounds like you have to treat them all or quarantine them. Keep us posted Pam--Hope things brighten up for you and Bailey.

[reeskujo]

Oh poor Bailey!!...I'm so glad she has you as a mom to take such good care of her...Hang in there Pam!!