Cooper Has Pancreatitis-Vet Not Helping~WWYD? LONG

[Darlin Beauxs]

OK...Long story. First off, Cooper is one of my male Yorkies, 4 years old. I am posting here because this is my favorite dog site. I know I don't post un-bow related things much, but I do read, and I love the helpfulness AND friendliness of this site.

OK..Cooper is 9.5 lbs, but small for his build (long and leggy). HE HAS NEVER BEEN SICK! I have never had to take him to the vet in 4 years for anything but shots. I noticed last week he was acting strangely, running off and hiding, or acting apathetic when I gave him treats. I then noticed he was dragging his butt to the point where the skin on the underside of his tail looked oozy (rubbed raw). So I put some neosporin on it. When I picked him up, he was shaking a bunch. He threw up and had bloody stool that night.

So I take him to the Vet...he says it is just an upset stomach, gives him some Barium. He says it has a dye in it and he Cooper is not acting better the next day, he would do x-rays to see if he had a blockage. Monday ($75)

He did not get better, and had more bloody stool. I took him back to the Vet the very next day. The vet says, nothing to worry about, there is no blockage if he is pooping. He gives him more Barium, a shot of an antiobiotic, and some antiobiotics to give him for the next 3 days. He says at the end of the 3 days if he is not better, bring him back. He did not do x-rays. When I get the bill, I see I am being billed for another vet visit. I don't feel that is fair since he could have kept him and did the x-rays the same day, like the tech told me he would. The bill was a 100, but when the receptionist saw the bill, she just shook her head and took it off, so I paid $50. This was Tues of last week

So, like a good patient, I wait the 3 days. Cooper was playful, but barely eating, still diarreaha & still vomiting. I take him back to the vet last Friday. He gives him more Barium, and says to let him fast for 24 hours, then feed him 1/3 of a can of Science Diet i/d each morning, no other snacks. another vet visit (75)


He seemed to be keeping it down better, and his stools were firm. Then yesterday, Hubby smells something, looks under the bed & sees where Cooper has been vomiting. I take him back to the vet. My vet is out on a conference, and has a retired vet filling in. He takes one look at Cooper, and draws blood. He says he has Pancreatitis, and had me bring him back today after a 24 hr fast to draw more blood to be sure. That was the problem. This was $150 vet visit.

I am so hurt and upset. I have fed him nothing but Merrick since we got him, and VERY little, and VERY rare, food from the table. I wonder what I did wrong. Told hubby ALL treats are cut out until I can figure out what is healthy for him. Poor thing has lost a whole pound as of today. Does anyone know what I should be feeding other than this Science Diet? The fill-in vet said nothing other than no people food, ever.

Here is my other dillema, and I want your honest opinion. I feel like my Vet has been milking me for Vet visits. Would you feel this way? The receptionist, an older woman who has been there 15 years, said she saw what was going on, and thats why she cut my bill. I asked about this vet, but he is retired. Should I change vets?

In all fairness to him, 2 weeks Darcy had a bad seizure. Her Lasik was not doing its job, and her lungs filled up w fluid. Her teeth, a problem since we have had her (a rescue), are infected, which is also adding to her heart problems. The vet does not feel putting her under to clean her teeth would be good for her, because of her age. He put her on Oxygen and upped her heart med & gave her some antiobiotics, she is back to 100%, for her, anyway. This was a 200 vet visit. I am vet poor.

Would you change vets, or try to talk to him about this. :confused: I asked husband, and he said he didn't know what to think. We have been going there for 5 years, every since we got Baxter.

[MaxJack'sMom]

I have had personal experience with this and my first Maltese Max. It was bad and I didn't really understand the full blunt of it, but it can kill your pet very fast if not diagnosed right away. Our poor little Max was so sick but our vet caught it immediately and got him started on the road to recovery.
Now, it is very important that you listen to this......no more table food ever for him!!! Our vet was very vocal on this.
I would have taken him to an Emerg. Vet if the vet had taken days to figure this out. I would start looking for a new vet asap, but that is my opinion.
Good luck and best wishes for a very speedy recovery for your Cooper.

[Emma's Mama]

I'm so sorry that your little one isn't feeling well! Hopefully he'll be better soon now that you have a correct diagnosis. Personally, based on what you described, I'd be looking for another vet ASAP. Emma's vet has never continually charged me for office visits if follow-up is needed after the initial visit. It sounds like he was more interested in charging you than figuring out exactly what was wrong with your baby. If you feel like you know the vet well enough to approach him about it, you might start with that, but if you're not comfortable with this vet, I'd move on!

[Morkie4]

Wowser, what an experience!! That had to be scarey and disappointint too! I hear you about the vet thingie........mine charges me every time I go even if it is a follow up and if I go in without an appointment, it is an "EXTRA" $39 in addition to the office visit.........and yes, I am looking for another local vet now. When Toby had the HGE which has similar symptoms like the pancreatitis, he was diagnosised by the emergency hospital......THEY WERE GOOD!!!! But they close when the other vet offices open and open when the other vet offices close.......guess they may have worked something out with the local vets because when you call a local vet after hours, they refer you to the emergency hospital. That one episode of HGE and the emergency hospital cost us $559..........he was there for 6 1/2 hours but they pulled him through. He had vomiting and bloody stools. Well, here is the link to read about it:

http://www.maltesetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7905&highlight=Toby+HGE

And here is the link discussing HGE:

http://www.maltesetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7783&highlight=Toby+HGE

All I know is that the emergency vet got it right the first time!!!!! Treated him appropriately...........and he is 100% himself these days.

I personally would see out another vet........JMHO

I will have to research the pancreatitis.

For me, after Toby's third bout with the HGE, I changed to home cooked food and supplements............I am so for probiotics!!! It has made a world of difference in Toby and the girls and NO MORE HGE!!! This Oct. will be one year since his last occurence of HGE.

I am really sorry you not only have a sick little guy on your hands but a vet that is overcharging you when you are under distress........it's just not right!!!

I do hope that they diagnoised him properly!!! That is the key to "fixing" the problem.

[Darlin Beauxs]

I have had personal experience with this and my first Maltese Max. It was bad and I didn't really understand the full blunt of it, but it can kill your pet very fast if not diagnosed right away. Our poor little Max was so sick but our vet caught it immediately and got him started on the road to recovery.
Now, it is very important that you listen to this......no more table food ever for him!!! Our vet was very vocal on this.
I would have taken him to an Emerg. Vet if the vet had taken days to figure this out. I would start looking for a new vet asap, but that is my opinion.
Good luck and best wishes for a very speedy recovery for your Cooper.

You are right, I should have taken him to the ER vet, but my vet was so nonchalant about the whole thing. I left out that I found a small piece of a "plubber"...(supposedly indestructible HA!) toy, in his vomit on day one. The vet said his stomach was irritated and would take time to calm down.

Yes, I am aware of the seriousness of Pancreatitis, because I have had it myself. I literally thought I was having a heart attack/dying I was in so much pain . I was in the hospital for 5 days with no food, only ice chips, & pain meds thru an IV,and was too sick to care.

That is what makes me so upset, I KNOW it is deadly, and don't understand why he would not do the tests to rule it out.

As far as table food, we were guilty of giving all of them A BITE every now and then, and I do mean rarely. It will not happen again.

The good news is I fed him 1/3 of a can of ID at 2 and he hasn't thrown up!!! I'm praying he is healing :hearter:

[Punky]

First i am glad he got the right diagnose and is doing better and big hug's to the little guy and you also as I know how stressful it is.

If it was me I would switch vet's fast as heck. I had changed horses vet's alot do to missed diganoses until I found the right one.

For Max my vet has stayed the same since I was a kid because of of how darn good he is. The office takes no appointment's are taken but surgical so yes I might sit and wait 3 hour's (Emergency seen always right away) He does not sugar coat thing's but when those final times comes he will be there. There are no frill's in his office. They have a crew of vet's that are the most talented I have seen an have no problem with seeing whomever is free.

Now back when I was told Max had a Liver shunt and was going to die and all this other horrible crud and thousands of dollars late all in one night I rush max into him as soon as he opened only to be told "Those vet's don't know crap, he run's a 4.00 urine test and see's Max is having a severe UI infection, sends Max home with a Sub Q fluid on his back due to all the stress he got ran on him in last 24 hour's and some antibiotics for his UI infection. Total cost of my visit including med's 24.00 dollar's.

If it does not feel right going then don't go back and to charge you vist fee's each time that's insane. I would not but all I can do is hope you feel alright with whatever path you choose (a fee each time you walk in for same hing is insane imho)

Hug's and wish I had a better answer but if was me I would be looking for a new one.

[Darlin Beauxs]

.......guess they may have worked something out with the local vets because when you call a local vet after hours, they refer you to the emergency hospital. That one episode of HGE and the emergency hospital cost us $559..........he was there for 6 1/2 hours but they pulled him through. He had vomiting and bloody stools. Well, here is the link to read about it:


I know I am thinking I could have taken him to the ER vet on day one, had it diagnosed, and had him a lot better instead of fooling around with my vet for a week.

I hate to "leave" him, because he has been so good to Darcy, but if I stop bringing the other 2, he will know why. I guess this will have to be a clean break. It feels like divorce.

[Emma's Mama]

I know I am thinking I could have taken him to the ER vet on day one, had it diagnosed, and had him a lot better instead of fooling around with my vet for a week.

I hate to "leave" him, because he has been so good to Darcy, but if I stop bringing the other 2, he will know why. I guess this will have to be a clean break. It feels like divorce.

I know that it can be awkward, but just follow your instinct on what's best for your babies! Hearing stories like yours makes me so grateful to have a wonderful vet for Emma...

[Darlin Beauxs]

First i am glad he got the right diagnose and is doing better and big hug's to the little guy and you also as I know how stressful it is.

If it was me I would switch vet's fast as heck. I had changed horses vet's alot do to missed diganoses until I found the right one.

For Max my vet has stayed the same since I was a kid because of of how darn good he is. The office takes no appointment's are taken but surgical so yes I might sit and wait 3 hour's (Emergency seen always right away) He does not sugar coat thing's but when those final times comes he will be there. There are no frill's in his office. They have a crew of vet's that are the most talented I have seen an have no problem with seeing whomever is free.

Now back when I was told Max had a Liver shunt and was going to die and all this other horrible crud and thousands of dollars late all in one night I rush max into him as soon as he opened only to be told "Those vet's don't know crap, he run's a 4.00 urine test and see's Max is having a severe UI infection, sends Max home with a Sub Q fluid on his back due to all the stress he got ran on him in last 24 hour's and some antibiotics for his UI infection. Total cost of my visit including med's 24.00 dollar's.

If it does not feel right going then don't go back and to charge you vist fee's each time that's insane. I would not but all I can do is hope you feel alright with whatever path you choose (a fee each time you walk in for same hing is insane imho)

Hug's and wish I had a better answer but if was me I would be looking for a new one.
That's why I feel I was being "milked". For his own employee to say it, it must be true.

I was just raised to have enormous respect for doctors, as alot of us are. When he was dismissive to me, I felt like maybe I was just being an overprotective mama. I'm kicking myself for not listening to my heart.

[Morkie4]

.......guess they may have worked something out with the local vets because when you call a local vet after hours, they refer you to the emergency hospital. That one episode of HGE and the emergency hospital cost us $559..........he was there for 6 1/2 hours but they pulled him through. He had vomiting and bloody stools. Well, here is the link to read about it:


I know I am thinking I could have taken him to the ER vet on day one, had it diagnosed, and had him a lot better instead of fooling around with my vet for a week.

I hate to "leave" him, because he has been so good to Darcy, but if I stop bringing the other 2, he will know why. I guess this will have to be a clean break. It feels like divorce.

But you have to do what you have to do! The one thing that turned me off of my vet was the fact that when Toby came down with the HGE the second time, the vet had "ALL THE INFORMATION" from the emergency hospital vet and when I told him it was HGE again........he sort of second guessed what it might be.......I INSISTED that he treat it as HGE and he did. The third time Toby had the HGE.......there was a stand-in vet and I told him straight off that it was HGE.........he sent me home with some Science Die t l/d and that was it. I said what about anit-vomiting, anti-diahrea and antibiotics. The stand-in vet said he didn't think it was HGE again...........I looked him right in the eye and said I KNOW IT IS!!!!!! I left and told the front desk I would be back, the vet didn't give him the proper treatment. Well we got home and we were in the door about 10 minutes and Toby threw up. I called and they said if he continues to call and bring him back. I said how many times does he have to throw up to be treated????? They said give it a few more times. I said we are working on number 9 ......... they said bring him in. I did and took every paper towel of vomit and bloody stools I had thrown into the garbage to show that stupid vet!!!! THEN he treated him like he should have. I swore that after that situation, I would never every go back...........HE lost FOUR customers when he lost my business!! So don't feel bad about it. It's his own fault.

[Darlin Beauxs]

Thanks Carol, I see you have experienced the same thing. I have made up my mind to keep buying Darcy's Lasik, heart med, and incontinence meds from him, but when it comes time for another vet, I am going to get recommendations from my friends here, and make the switch.

With you having 4 dogs, I know you know the cost we have with 3, one being a Senior Citizen :p It does seem that people like us on this forum (dog lovers & owners of multiple dogs) would get the red carpet treatment at the vet.

[Punky]

That's why I feel I was being "milked". For his own employee to say it, it must be true.

I was just raised to have enormous respect for doctors, as alot of us are. When he was dismissive to me, I felt like maybe I was just being an overprotective mama. I'm kicking myself for not listening to my heart.

Well you are now and don't beat your self up. Great big hugs to you and your family. I understand how you feel and if there is anything I can do please let me know.

Some like to write a letter why they leave a practice but I tend to have already said what I wanted to say and then walk out. My pets come first not how a vet is going to pay his mortgage.

[Zo zo's mom]

I am so sorry Amy!! I know this must be hard on you too. Hard to see the little ones feeling rotten. I agree that you should find a new vet. You want someone who HEARS you and doesn't dismiss your concerns so easily. It's unfortunate that it has come to this, but you pay good money for sound advice and peace of mind. I had an issue with a fill in vet once and I raised a big stink and it is in the girls' files that they are never to see her again.

Here's hoping Cooper gets better quickly.

[Darlin Beauxs]

Thank all of you, you are making me feel better. Cooper has made a pile of pillows on the couch and is sleeping on top of it. I know I should let him rest, but I have picked him up and hugged and kissed him a hundred times today. :D It took 3 dogs for me to get mine!!! He never leaves my side, when i go to bed at night it doesnt matter whats going on, he runs and gets in the bed with me, and husband says once I am sleeping, he comes back out with him ;)

[Morkie4]

Just to let you know.........I was with this vet for over 8 years..........but I felt it was time to move on. I even asked about a discount for multiple dogs and they just smiled and said no.........so I'm moving on! :)

[JiJi's Mom]

Oh my Goodness, I hope everything is better by now. Poor baby :(

[Punky]

Just to let you know.........I was with this vet for over 8 years..........but I felt it was time to move on. I even asked about a discount for multiple dogs and they just smiled and said no.........so I'm moving on! :)

whoa no discount for more then one? I have always got one for just having two

[JesBred]

I'm sorry I am just seeing this thread.. How awful what you and Cooper have gone through!! Maybe you could get the retired vet's info and see what other vets in the area he would suggest since you trusted him and he was quick to diagnose!!

I know how hard it is to find a good vet.. When I lived in Georgia I went to three different vets before I found the "one" and 8 months later we moved to CO :( That's what sucks about the military, the vets on base are always cheap but they only do shots etc. and you have to book days in advance to get in so you always need to find another vet go to for surgeries and advanced care.

I do hope you don't have to much trouble finding a great vet to diagnose and give Cooper the help he needs. I think when you find a great vet to help Cooper you will be more willing to take the others there too ;)

[Morkie4]

Just checking for an update on little Cooper?? Hope he is doing better! :)

[Darlin Beauxs]

So sorry I haven't updated, I have been super busy with orders :D WHich is a good thing!!!

Cooper seems to be doing much better. I am down to my last can of ID food, and I am mixing his kibble with it as the vet instructed. He is keeping his food down!

Tomorrow he will go back on just kibble. I am keeping my fingers crossed he will keep his food down. I do know he has cried and whined by his toy box alllll day, so that is a good sign!

I am going to give him a little play time before Hubby gets home...we are going out to eat for my b-day tonight :)

[JesBred]

Great to hear Cooper is doing better!!

Will he have to go on meds for pancreitis?? Is it a permanant condition??

[Punky]

YAY That is wonderful new's to hear! So happy for him big smooches for him :)

[Darlin Beauxs]

No, no meds for it, he just has to be on a strict diet no people food...I have to monitor him closely and if he throws up or has runny poops again, bring him back. He ate some solid kibble today. My husband threw out his fav treat (chicken wrapped around a sweet potato) because he wasn't chewing it, and throwing up big chunks. I have really limited their treats, and the ones they get are hand fed by me, in tiny tiny pieces. I don't want him upsetting his tummy!

Thanks so much for all of your concern! This is such a special forum!

Hugs,
Amy

[CinttisLuke]

I just read this thread! sO happy to know he is doing better!!! Hugs to little Cooper for being such strong little baby:hearter:

[Eklectic]

I am so happy for you that he is feeling better.:)

As far as being fussy about your vet, when we moved here I went to see a vet that was recommended with our lab to have his nails done.
Well, I did not like how they handled him and never went back!

You have to feel good about your vet, you have to trust your vet. With all the fluffs I have, I NEED to know the vet is there for my babies!

I guess I am lucky in that my vet is a breeder as well and she KNOWS how you feel when your baby is sick. Also gives me discounts where she can and scrips for on line buying!

[Morkie4]

I am so happy for you that he is feeling better.:)

As far as being fussy about your vet, when we moved here I went to see a vet that was recommended with our lab to have his nails done.
Well, I did not like how they handled him and never went back!

You have to feel good about your vet, you have to trust your vet. With all the fluffs I have, I NEED to know the vet is there for my babies!

I guess I am lucky in that my vet is a breeder as well and she KNOWS how you feel when your baby is sick. Also gives me discounts where she can and scrips for on line buying!

I think I will move to Canada! :D

Amy, so glad that Cooper is feeling better. Soo funny to me that pancreatitius and HGE have such similar symptoms and yet you are not to feed him any people food and that is "all" I feed Toby! Sort of confusing and don't quite understand it but ya gotta do what works for your fluff!!! Just so long as they are doing well, that is the most important thing!

[JesBred]

That is good to hear that Cooper is eating solid food and feeling better!! :)

I hope he can make a full recovery and never look back!! ;) (I know I tell you this all the time but I just LOVE all your fluffs names!!)

[mom2boo]

So sorry Cooper has been so sick,hope he's better by now. Boo had pancreatitis 3 yrs ago. It was awful. Thankfully the vet did catch it. All bills totaled over $800 but I didn't complain,I was just glad Boo got through it ok. He didn't have any diarrhea,or even bloody stool. He just vomited a lot, was in severe pain & could not eat. He had to fast for over a week,nothing put a prescription beef flavored fluid for several days after that. I was so scared I even took him to a 2nd vet when he didn't get well quick enough to suit me. This vet gave him the Barium & also an injection. This treatment was like a miracle,he was finally lots better. We never knew what caused him to have pancreatitis,but we suspect he got into the garbage.Cooper should have more bloodwork done in about 6 mths to make sure his blood sugar is ok. Pancreatititis can sometimes cause damage that leads to diabetes.

[Darlin Beauxs]

Wow, Mom2Boo, you really went thru it. I just want to clarify it is not the money that had me upset, it is the fact that I had to go back 4 times and on the fourth visit, with a different vet, he was diagnosed. I hate he had to be in pain/suffer that long for no good reason.

[Darlin Beauxs]

That is good to hear that Cooper is eating solid food and feeling better!! :)

I hope he can make a full recovery and never look back!! ;) (I know I tell you this all the time but I just LOVE all your fluffs names!!)

Thank You! I named them all alphabetical (I'm the "A", lol), Baxter, Cooper, and Darcy Darlin, just picking out names I liked. I get comments all the time how snobby and British their names sound, lol :lol2:

[Punky]

((((Cooper Tropper))) many hugs and kisses from my family to you. Get better soon so we can see happy pictures of you romping around playing :)

:ghug::hearts6::ghug::hearts6:

[anglzkissed79]

IMO, I agree with other posters about finding another vet. My vet has never charged for follow up visits. My "nephew" Snowball had pancreatitis years ago (he was being fed Science Diet) and it took the vet 15 minutes to diagnose Snowball. Snowbs diet was changed over to I/D for wet food and Flint River Ranch for dry. He passed away the beginning of the summer and I miss him terribly. But he seemed quite happy on both foods.... Hope that this helps!! Here's to a speedy recovery!

[Darlin Beauxs]

Thanks so much to all of you for your concern. I meant to update this thread sooner, but I have been busy with the bows and furkids.

Unfortunately, Cooper got sick again Thursday. :( He had finished all of the I/D canned food, and had been eating the Merrick dry for about a week. He seemed to be doing fine. I hate it, but I gave him a dehydrated chicken strip--this has been their 9 pm treat forever. He threw it up, and threw up over and over, not even being able to hold water down.

Husband said to take him back to the same vet, since he had been diagnosed there. He was so sick, we were most concerned with him getting help FAST. He had gained the lb he lost back, in 2 weeks time, so he was getting better. The vet took blood & said it was for a pancreatic test, and gave him more barium. He came back in and said it was just an "upset stomach" and not pancreatitis. he didn't offer me any suggestons when I asked about what to feed him or what could cause it. he said continue feeding the same food after 2r hours. He was not concerned at all.

When I asked to see the test he gave him, it was a white little box like a pregnancy test. I asked him why he did not do a complete blood work up like the other vet, and he said it wasn't necessary.

Now that husband sees what I am dealing with, he agrees it is time to change. I bought 6 cans of the I/D canned, and a bag of the kibble. That is all he has been eating, and no vomiting since. I am following him outside and watch him like a hawk to make sure.

As we were leaving, one of the vet techs followed us outside and gave us the name and number of the vet she uses, in case I have more problems. She said that none of the staff brings their pets to him because he says everyone should have sense enough to take care of their own animals. :confused: I don't doubt this since he is so dismissive of me.

I threw the chicken strips away. I know this is minor, but they all 3 cry for their treat at 9, and it breaks my heart. I can't give it to 2 and not Cooper. I dont know what treats I can give him and not make him sick. I have been trying to research other foods, but just may stick with the I/D. I read the ingredients, and it seems like a crappy food, but he can hold it down, so I guess it would be ok. I will have to change all 3 over to it, because feeding Cooper separately is stressing the other 2 out they think he is getting something better. This is a nightmare.

When I fed Baxter Science Diet (breeder & vet reccomended) and I didn't know any better, he was allergic to the corn and broke almost all his hair off down his spine. It upsets me I have to go back to this brand.

I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has on foods.

[minniex3]

I'm sorry Cooper is sick :( hope he gets better soon....

[Zanadu'sMom]

:( I don't know how I missed this thread. I am so sorry about Cooper. Sending positive thoughts and many prayers to you both :(

[Morkie4]

I threw the chicken strips away. I know this is minor, but they all 3 cry for their treat at 9, and it breaks my heart. I can't give it to 2 and not Cooper. I dont know what treats I can give him and not make him sick. I have been trying to research other foods, but just may stick with the I/D. I read the ingredients, and it seems like a crappy food, but he can hold it down, so I guess it would be ok. I will have to change all 3 over to it, because feeding Cooper separately is stressing the other 2 out they think he is getting something better. This is a nightmare.

When I fed Baxter Science Diet (breeder & vet reccomended) and I didn't know any better, he was allergic to the corn and broke almost all his hair off down his spine. It upsets me I have to go back to this brand.

I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has on foods.

As far as the treats go, perhaps some type of distraction would help to get them out of the habit of looking for that night treat. Maybe a short walk, playtime, etc.......it is sooooo hard when you have multiple dogs. I know when Toby came down with the HGE, it was suggested that I start him on home cooking (and no the vet did not suggest it). Once I started, I thought like you and figured if I cook for him, I would have to cook for the others as well. Well, let me tell you, they don't mind one bit. :lol2::lol2::lol2:
What is so special about the I/D food that works for fluffs with pancreatitius??? Is it the limited ingredients or lack of certain ingredients??? You will have to refresh me about the type of food it is and contents. Have you tried "canned" verses kibble??? I know that Toby continued to be sick when I fed him kibble but I have been feeding him canned with the home cooking and it seems to suit him just fine. I use either Evo Venison, Wellness Core or Blue Buffalo........they have no grains. All the fluffs love them. So between the three brands, I can get venison, turkey, chicken and fish. I stay away from Beef as Toby does not deal well with it. And Kallie gets itches from lamb. But they still are getting a nice variety.

Sorry to hear that Cooper had issues again.......it's never east to watch them deal with illness. HUGS TO COOPER!!!!

[Darlin Beauxs]

As far as the treats go, perhaps some type of distraction would help to get them out of the habit of looking for that night treat. Maybe a short walk, playtime, etc.......it is sooooo hard when you have multiple dogs. I know when Toby came down with the HGE, it was suggested that I start him on home cooking (and no the vet did not suggest it). Once I started, I thought like you and figured if I cook for him, I would have to cook for the others as well. Well, let me tell you, they don't mind one bit. :lol2::lol2::lol2:
What is so special about the I/D food that works for fluffs with pancreatitius??? Is it the limited ingredients or lack of certain ingredients??? You will have to refresh me about the type of food it is and contents. Have you tried "canned" verses kibble??? I know that Toby continued to be sick when I fed him kibble but I have been feeding him canned with the home cooking and it seems to suit him just fine. I use either Evo Venison, Wellness Core or Blue Buffalo........they have no grains. All the fluffs love them. So between the three brands, I can get venison, turkey, chicken and fish. I stay away from Beef as Toby does not deal well with it. And Kallie gets itches from lamb. But they still are getting a nice variety.

Sorry to hear that Cooper had issues again.......it's never east to watch them deal with illness. HUGS TO COOPER!!!!


What do you cook for them? Is it the same food over and over? I bought some boneless skinless chicken breasts & some rice, but put the chicken in the freezer until I could decide what to do.

I used to feed about 1/3 Merrick canned to dry kibble, but gave up the wet food after Baxter got kidney stones. All the research on the internet, plus the vet, said canned is not the best thing for dogs with kidney stones, because they will not drink as much water when they eat wet food. :confused:

The I/D is turkey meat, and rice. Plus some other yummy ingredients like pork fat :mad: But, he does hold it down. He eats the canned, and eats around the kibble as much as he can, then Baxter and Darcy jump in his kennel and eat the dry up because they think it is special food LOL

You are right, so frustrating to have multiple dogs, and one on a special diet. I have pretty much decided to do home cooking, supplemented with a small amt of kibble.

Any suggestions/recipes you can pass on would be most appreciated!

BTW, Carol...did you see my thread in the "For Sale" section...I am offering a $25 store credit, and I have boutique bows!! Details in the thread!

[Morkie4]

Amy, I use a various meats for their protein................I have had a couple of people ask me about home cooking so I will make a separate post regarding the home cooking foods. BUT, I have reread the thread and you indicated that the vet said NO people food!!!!! Home cooking is all about "people" food.....that is all I use when I make home cooked meals. I put Toby on home cooking but he had HGE which is similar to pancreatitis but not the same.

Sooooooo, before you start, I would check with the vet (hopefully you have found a new vet by now) and see if home cooking would be an option. All I know is that Toby has been so much better since I switched. He has only had one or two episodes of vomting blood needing medical care but a trip to the vet clears it right back up. I think things would be a lot worse if I returned to feeding him kibble. (But needless to say, it is still scarey when it happens :( :( :()

Just remember that you need to provide several supplements to their diet when you home cook. After doing it for almost a year, I can do it in my sleep!:lol2::lol2::lol2::lol2:

[Darlin Beauxs]

[QUOTE=Morkie4;190903]Amy, I use a various meats for their protein................I have had a couple of people ask me about home cooking so I will make a separate post regarding the home cooking foods. BUT, I have reread the thread and you indicated that the vet said NO people food!!!!! Home cooking is all about "people" food.....that is all I use when I make home cooked meals. I put Toby on home cooking but he had HGE which is similar to pancreatitis but not the same.

Sooooooo, before you start, I would check with the vet (hopefully you have found a new vet by now) and see if home cooking would be an option. All I know is that Toby has been so much better since I switched. He has only had one or two episodes of vomting blood needing medical care but a trip to the vet clears it right back up. I think things would be a lot worse if I returned to feeding him kibble. (But needless to say, it is still scarey when it happens :( :( :()


What he meant by that was nothing fatty, like bacon or french fries. He asked me what we fed them, and I told him 99.9% of their diet was dry kibble. We never fed them much table food at all, but after Baxter had to have surgery for kidney stones, we took away the wet food AND most of the treats they got, just limiting them to the chicken strips. I was guilty of slipping them a french fry or 2 when on the rare occasion I have Wendy's (maybe 2x per month)

What we think really kicked this off is my Mother in Law and 2 pre-teen nephews spent a week with us prior to Cooper's getting sick. I cooked 3 meals a day (wow that was work), and I think they were all slipped some bacon, sausage, etc. I know I caught them once and asked them to please only give them bits of scrambled egg if they wanted to feed them. But you know how kids listen ;)

Since the second bout was brought on after chicken strips, I threw them out, too. I have read many bad things about chicken strips made in China. So I am either going to switch to another brand, or try making them myself. At least then I will know they were made with "pure" not spoiled chicken, and weren't sprayed with any fat or chemicals.

[JiJi's Mom]

Poor Cooper :(

I hope he does get better and maybe the other vet will sympathize better than your previous one.

[anglzkissed79]

.

I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has on foods.

I would go back to feeding him the I/D. Snowball was on that since he was a puppy and never had any digestion problems. As for the dry food, we used to order a HUGE bag from a company called Flint River Ranch. http://www.flintriver.com/ is their link. The I/D may be a tad expensive (I think it was 25 bucks for a case of 12?) but it's cheaper than a vet bill.