Ask Me Help Desk - Pancreatitis or something else

Pancreatitis or something else - ?

I've posted about my dog before. We were scheduled to go to Cornell University this coming week so the Vet School could examine her and hopefully come to a conclusion concerning why she's been so sick.

She's been doing really well and, in fact, I spoke with our Vet yesterday and said she's her old self. Last night she went to bed about 8:30PM, same as always, in our bedroom, at the foot of our bed, on her pile of blankets. I got up and scratched her head at 12 Midnight and 2AM. My husband did the same during the night. As always, she wagged her tail.

When I got up at 7:30AM she was dead at the foot of our bed.

Our Vet is going to autopsy her today.

Our other dog is younger and has never been alone. She's lost.

This really hurts. We did everything everyone recommended, took her to a specialist, gave her her medicine, monitored her diet - and lost her anyway.

As most of you know, she was my late husband's dog. We were alone together for quite a while. It's quiet without her.

Oh, Judy! I'm so sorry to hear that. I had such hopes that things were going to turn around for her! She certainly knew she was loved.

Thomas Jefferson, my soulcat, was almost 15 when he died. He had had a very good last day and even kissed me goodbye (though I didn't realize the significance at the time). Our animals just don't live long enough, and if Thomas isn't waiting for me in heaven, I don't want go there.

Thomas grew up in a cat shelter and decided to adopt me, a volunteer, when he was six months old. He was part Abyssinian and very vocal, was in my face all the time. I understand about the quiet house.

Judy my thoughts are with you during this time. I believe he will be waiting for you on the Rainbow Bridge. It is never easy and I was following the thread and did know you did everything you could do for him. Hugs and hold dear your memories of him in the coming days.

Judy, I am SO sorry to hear this. My heart is aching for you. I had been reading up on pancreatis since the other thread we were on. I am wondering if there was a secondary condition because of the pancreatic attacks?

As you know I lost my Maxie boy a while back, and it's just something your heart doesn't get over. Ever. My deepest sympathies (((HUGS))). And hugs to the other pooch too. <3

I am so sorry to hear this. I was so hoping that you would soon get an answer for her puzzling illness.
You did everything you could for her and she knew that she was much loved.
It's never easy to lose a pet, they are family members, as you well know.
Again I am very sorry for your loss.

Oh wow... I am sorry to hear this. I know what it's like and it definitely isn't an easy situation. You have my sympathies.

I am always so touched when people who love animals group together when there's a loss.

Our Vet just called - the lab work will take a few days but, no question, it was cardiac in nature. In her almost 8years (and she saw the Vet every 6 months for a checkup) on one occasion she had a very rapid heartbeat. It never occurred again, and there was no explanation at that time. He has no explanation now.

In hindsight she was panting during the night and I did get up and open a bedroom window because I thought she was warm. She was a large, shaggy dog and this was nothing unusual.

We spoke briefly about doing a full autopsy/necropsy... but she was a mixed breed, a rescue from a dog fight ring, I don't know where any of her "siblings" are. No one else needs the information. I want her to rest in peace. I said no.

The crematorium has picked her up. We will bury her ashes next week.

Run free, Andi - run free.

I'm so sorry Judy :(

One thing to take comfort in is you know there was no pain involved. One of my parents Danes went over the bridge in exactly the same way, the vet made a good point that if she felt any pain at all she would have woken you during the night.

Sometimes it's easier on both of you this way, although it will take some time for the shock to wear off.

Oh, Judy! I am so sorry for your loss. She was a very lucky fur baby to have you in her life. She was very blessed indeed.

I'm so very sorry, Judy. The only even remote bit of solace is that it was from 'natural' causes, not a matter of the ultimate owner responsibility.

I'm just so glad that she was at the foot of your bed and that you both got up several times in the night to pat her and that she wagged her tail! I know the loss is painful though.

I read a story about a man whose dog always slept in the kitchen while he went upstairs to bed. One night the dog whined each time he started up the stairs, and each time he would go back and sit with his dog, who had had no symptoms of being ill. Towards the wee hours the dog died in his arms. He was at least glad he had been there. The dog knew!

Much love, Joy

I am so sorry Judy :(

She is in a better place now.. No pain, no anxiety from the pain, no fears. She is a healthy, happy dog again. You'll see her again soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

I've posted about my dog before. We were scheduled to go to Cornell University this coming week so the Vet School could examine her and hopefully come to a conclusion concerning why she's been so sick.

She's been doing really well and, in fact, I spoke with our Vet yesterday and said she's her old self. Last night she went to bed about 8:30PM, same as always, in our bedroom, at the foot of our bed, on her pile of blankets. I got up and scratched her head at 12 Midnight and 2AM. My husband did the same during the night. As always, she wagged her tail.

When I got up at 7:30AM she was dead at the foot of our bed.

Our Vet is going to autopsy her today.

Our other dog is younger and has never been alone. She's lost.

This really hurts. We did everything everyone recommended, took her to a specialist, gave her her medicine, monitored her diet - and lost her anyway.

As most of you know, she was my late husband's dog. We were alone together for quite a while. It's quiet without her.

Sorry, for your loss. In the future don't feed your pets ANYTHING but pet food, feeding them even small amounts of people food causes pancreatic difficulties, including digestive enzyme levels, (Amylase and Lipase), to be too high and this can be deadly. These enzymes are manufactured in the Isles of Langerhans. Also on the other side of the pancreas where insulin function is maintained, people food causes diabetes in animals.

Quote:

Originally Posted by klarsenartwork

Sorry, for your loss. In the future don't feed your pets ANYTHING but pet food, feeding them even small amounts of people food causes pancreatic difficulties, including digestive enzyme levels, (Amylase and Lipase), to be too high and this can be deadly. These enzymes are manufactured in the Isles of Langerhans. Also on the other side of the pancreas where insulin function is maintained, people food causes diabetes in animals.

Really? Please post your source about insulin, diabetes, people food.

Quote:

Originally Posted by klarsenartwork

Sorry, for your loss. In the future don't feed your pets ANYTHING but pet food, feeding them even small amounts of people food causes pancreatic difficulties

People food? Chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, vegetables = people food. Or am I eating the wrong things?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

People food? Chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, vegetables = people food. Or am I eating the wrong things?

This person is following me around, opening old threads, because I asked her not to preach on the Boards.

A Mod will step in - intent is clear.

Check the history.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

This person is following me around, opening old threads, because I asked her not to preach on the Boards.

A Mod will step in - intent is clear.

Check the history.

I see that. Am watching.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wondergirl

I see that. Am watching.

It really is sad -

My dog is dead - and she throws that in my face.

Sad - for her, not me. Small people with little lives.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

This person is following me around, opening old threads, because I asked her not to preach on the Boards.

A Mod will step in - intent is clear.

Check the history.

Not what its about. Just trying to chat. I found that you are an interesting person, but if you don't want to communicate with another interesting person that's fine. Why are you so offended?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

Really? Please post your source about insulin, diabetes, people food.

Ask your vet. Did it every occur to you that I might have lost a pet too?!