Partial Or Total Obstruction Of The Intestine

[Liquorice nose]

I have spent the last couple of hours at the vet.

My boy has been a bit unwell since yesterday and was in pain this morning when we woke up.

X-rays show a piece of bone fairly high up in his intestine.

They going to do Barium studies on him this afternoon to see whether it poses an obstruction.

I was warned that it could end in bowel surgery which absolutely terrifies me.

Are there other option that could be tried first to move that piece of bone safely without cutting him open straight away.

And if it comes to the worst should I leave him with a normal vet? Or are there any specialists out there that might be better qualified to give him the care and attention he might need.

I am sitting here worried sick waiting for the call and need to be able to make an informed decision.

[Liquorice nose]

Just had a call from the vet.

The Barium study had a positive outcome. There is no obstruction

However, his lipase and amylase are way up. We are now dealing with Pancreatitis

I now have another question . Has there been any extensive research done on pancreatitis in dogs?

Reason I 'm asking;

Both my male dogs were desexed when they were older. (I was showing them)

The first one developed pancreatitis shortly after. And now Kobi, who was desexed last week is going through the same.

Is it possible that either desexing older dogs or aneasthetics in older dogs could have a negative impact and make them more prone to develop pancreatitis?

Or is it just pure bad luck?

[Stitch]

I don't know much about pancreatitis but can only suggest that you Google Canine Pancreatitis if you haven't already and see what comes up.

That should give you the most recent publications.

Good that your dog doesn't have to have an op. though!

[poodlefan]

What breed are your dogs?

Some breeds seem more prone to it than others.

Diet also plays a role.

[Nekhbet]

depending on the obstruction. Sharp and hard to pass obstructions risk tearing the intestine or the constant contractions can lead to pain, or an intussuseption (where the bowl folds in on itself) so mostly vets will open up.

As for the pancreatitis, what has their diet been on so far? If they are a similar breed it could be genetic, remember also they could have been showing little to no symptoms and after the anaesthetic which put their body under stress it was a little more pronounced.

Diet changes will be required for both of them but in the mean time avoid fatty foods!

[Liquorice nose]

As for the pancreatitis, what has their diet been on so far? If they are a similar breed it could be genetic, remember also they could have been showing little to no symptoms and after the anaesthetic which put their body under stress it was a little more pronounced.

Diet changes will be required for both of them but in the mean time avoid fatty foods!

Their diet is pretty well balanced and shouldn't have caused it. But certainly will now be tightened quite a bit more.

I had a long conversation with the vet today and she actually said something similar to you to the fact that surgery/anaesthetic/ stress might possibly act as a trigger. But to little is still known about pancreatitis.

I also talked to a long time breeder and friend of mine. We ended up researching the breeding background of both dogs - and came up with some interesting facts in their particular lines.

Thanks Nekhbet

Would you know of some good references on diets for pancreatitis. I know the basics such as low fat, small meals, but would love some more thorough advice and different options . We for example can't use dry food in any form or shape for the boy.

[Nekhbet]

the diet will depend on what they are sensitive too, what is the % of fat they can take before inflammation occurs. Is he completely allergic to dry food?

Their diet is pretty well balanced and shouldn't have caused it.

maybe for the average dog but he may have slowly been on the decline, as I said, and now his ratios are not right. I would be feeding low protein, low fat small meals. Try alternative meat sources such as rabbit, roo, turkey and fish instead of the traditional fatty domestic animals.

Conversely you can pre-simmer the meat in water, let it cool slightly and pour off the fat to decrease the content again.