A High Commitment Team Dedicated to Caring for Your Pet
CASE #11
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Muppet
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Muppet is a 6 year-old spayed female schnauzer. She began vomiting
one day after enjoying a rare treat of table scraps. Vomiting can
be a sign of serious illness and Muppet had become dehydrated due
to excessive fluid loss. As a result, she was hospitalized and some
lab values were examined to determine the health of her internal organs.
This labwork confirmed that Muppet was suffering from acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, is a potentially life threatening disease that usually causes vomiting as an initial symptom. Dogs with pancreatitis also experience fever, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Commonly, an episode of pancreatitis occurs shortly after a fatty meal (gravy, bacon grease, ham, etc.) The increased fat intake causes severe inflammation of the pancreas as digestive enzymes are released. Although any breed is susceptible to pancreatitis, the schnauzer is particularly vulnerable. If you have a dog that periodically experiences episodes of vomiting or lethargy after eating table scraps, then they may be suffering from chronic (or long-standing) pancreatitis. In these dogs, it is especially crucial to limit food to a high quality commercially prepared diet. Fortunately for Muppet, pancreatitis is usually a treatable condition if caught early. These patients require intensive IV fliud therapy and careful attention to pain control if they are to recover. More advanced cases may require plasma transfusions During the course of treatment, food is withheld to avoid stimulating the inflamed pancreas. Thankfully, Muppet's owners were keen to the early signs of disease and she is a pancreatitis survivor! |
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2627 Cordes Drive Sugar Land, Texas 77479 24-Hour Emergency Care for Our Clients Phone:(281) 980-3737 Fax: (281) 265-5584 Email:info@lexingtonpethospital.com |
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