Upset Stomach(2)

The single most important treatment in pancreatitis is to withhold all food, water and oral medication for anywhere from 24 hours to five days depending on the severity of the pancreatitis. Anything entering the stomach will spark the pancreas into producing digestive enzymes because the pancreas is especially sensitive during this time.

Dehydration is a major concern with pancreatitis so fluids must be introduced either intravenously or subcutaneously (under the skin). All medication will be introduced this way as well so that the stimulation to the pancreas is kept to a minimum.

Highly digestible and low-fat food is reintroduced gradually – a teaspoon every two hours to begin with is not unheard of in severe cases of pancreatitis. If the food stays down and no diarrhea develops from the introduction of food, your vet will send your pet home with specific feeding instructions that must be followed.

Once a pet suffers from pancreatitis, it is more prone to developing it again or it becoming a chronic condition. Small, frequent meals of a moderate to low fat food are recommended as is keeping your pet at its ideal weight. Avoiding table scraps and high-fat food as well as over-processed treats full of preservatives such as bacon and pig’s ears will keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come. Long term dietary management is key to avoiding this potentially chronic condition and the overall good health of your four-legged companion.

It is Christmas day the following year and you decide you want to give your dog a treat. The gizzard and heart from the big bird look tasty with no visible sign of fat so you boil them up in a bit of water, mince the meat and add a small amount to your dog’s kibble over the next few meals, spreading out the treat while avoiding last year’s disaster. Your faithful companion gobbles down the kibble with a wag of his tail, his doggy way of saying ‘thank you and Merry Christmas to all and to all, a good night!’