Tummy Trouble
The Patient
Kona, a 14-year-old male neutered Rottweiler/Shepherd mix, came to see us at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care due to a poor appetite and lethargy. Over the previous three days, he had been eating poorly and was more listless and sleepy than usual. He had lost 5 pounds since his last visit just a few months prior.
The Patient
Kona, a 14-year-old male neutered Rottweiler/Shepherd mix, came to see us at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care due to a poor appetite and lethargy. Over the previous three days, he had been eating poorly and was more listless and sleepy than usual. He had lost 5 pounds since his last visit just a few months prior.
The Case
During the physical examination, Kona seemed reluctant to stand but was able to do so with some assistance. He exhibited signs of moderate dehydration, had a low-grade fever, and showed some discomfort upon abdominal palpation. His owner reported that he hadn’t vomited but was drinking a small amount of water and refusing all food, even when hand-fed.
To gather more information, I recommended taking some X-rays and running laboratory tests. I performed four X-rays—two of his chest and two of his abdomen. Whenever I see a senior dog like Kona with weight loss and a poor appetite, I become concerned about the potential for serious metabolic diseases or cancer. Fortunately, his X-rays appeared mostly normal. There was a slight loss of detail around the back of his liver near the pancreas, but no masses or free fluid in the abdomen were evident. His chest X-rays were clear, with no signs of cancer.
The lab work indicated a few elevated liver enzymes along with two elevated pancreatic levels, and he was borderline anemic. I diagnosed Kona with acute pancreatitis. The pancreas is a small yet vital organ located just below the liver and adjacent to the stomach, responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones, primarily insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it leads to a condition known as pancreatitis. Symptoms typically include fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and general malaise. Common causes can be a fatty meal or dietary indiscretion, but Kona’s strict diet and background suggested otherwise. The exact trigger in his case remains unclear.
The Case
During the physical examination, Kona seemed reluctant to stand but was able to do so with some assistance. He exhibited signs of moderate dehydration, had a low-grade fever, and showed some discomfort upon abdominal palpation. His owner reported that he hadn’t vomited but was drinking a small amount of water and refusing all food, even when hand-fed.
To gather more information, I recommended taking some X-rays and running laboratory tests. I performed four X-rays—two of his chest and two of his abdomen. Whenever I see a senior dog like Kona with weight loss and a poor appetite, I become concerned about the potential for serious metabolic diseases or cancer. Fortunately, his X-rays appeared mostly normal. There was a slight loss of detail around the back of his liver near the pancreas, but no masses or free fluid in the abdomen were evident. His chest X-rays were clear, with no signs of cancer.
The lab work indicated a few elevated liver enzymes along with two elevated pancreatic levels, and he was borderline anemic. I diagnosed Kona with acute pancreatitis. The pancreas is a small yet vital organ located just below the liver and adjacent to the stomach, responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones, primarily insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, it leads to a condition known as pancreatitis. Symptoms typically include fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and general malaise. Common causes can be a fatty meal or dietary indiscretion, but Kona’s strict diet and background suggested otherwise. The exact trigger in his case remains unclear.
The Treatment Plan
I provided subcutaneous fluids to assist with rehydration and administered an injection to help manage nausea for 24 hours. Kona was sent home with medications for nausea to be started the following day, a pain reliever, and an appetite stimulant. I instructed his owner to monitor him for diarrhea, as it can occur with an upset stomach.
For the next few days, I recommended a bland diet consisting of multiple small meals. Suitable options for bland foods for dogs include scrambled or hard-boiled eggs, lean chicken or turkey breast, low-fat cottage cheese, lean ground beef, white rice, pasta, or potatoes. Foods to avoid include rich, fatty meats, sauces, and cheeses. If preferred, I can provide a highly digestible canned prescription dog food to aid in his recovery.
Most cases of pancreatitis can be effectively managed with medical treatment and usually do not require surgical intervention. The focus is to allow the body time to heal while providing supportive care.
The Treatment Plan
I provided subcutaneous fluids to assist with rehydration and administered an injection to help manage nausea for 24 hours. Kona was sent home with medications for nausea to be started the following day, a pain reliever, and an appetite stimulant. I instructed his owner to monitor him for diarrhea, as it can occur with an upset stomach.
For the next few days, I recommended a bland diet consisting of multiple small meals. Suitable options for bland foods for dogs include scrambled or hard-boiled eggs, lean chicken or turkey breast, low-fat cottage cheese, lean ground beef, white rice, pasta, or potatoes. Foods to avoid include rich, fatty meats, sauces, and cheeses. If preferred, I can provide a highly digestible canned prescription dog food to aid in his recovery.
Most cases of pancreatitis can be effectively managed with medical treatment and usually do not require surgical intervention. The focus is to allow the body time to heal while providing supportive care.
The Outcome
The following day, I called Kona’s owner to check on his progress. While he developed diarrhea and remained somewhat inactive, he had begun to eat by hand and was drinking water adequately. I prescribed an anti-diarrheal medication that she picked up from our hospital.
When I followed up a few days later, Kona was gradually returning to his normal self; he began eating on his own and was engaging in his regular activities. He expressed enthusiasm for his usual walks and resumed playtime with his dog housemate. Thanks to his owner’s attentive care and prompt action when noticing his illness, Kona made a complete recovery.
If your dog is showing signs of discomfort or unusual behavior, do not hesitate to reach out to us right away at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care.
Contact us today at (657) 756-5683 or visit Love.vet for more information.
