My 6 year-old mutt, Pablo, stopped eating last Monday. He has been prone to hunger strikes lasting 2-3 days in the past due to his pancreatitis. Tomorrow will be the 9th day of no eating and the vet is at a loss for what to do with him now.
They have performed x-rays, an ultrasound, a ct scan, blood panels, stool testing and everything appears normal. He completed a round of antibiotics as a precaution. He was drinking plenty of water at home and the vet says he is well hydrated.
He has been at the vets for the past 48 hours receiving an IV drip that automatically dispenses his medication at regular intervals. Thinking about him all alone in a cage overnight is breaking my heart, but I know it's for the best.
Tomorrow they will perform a barium test as well as start a round of steroids as a last-ditch effort to reduce possible inflammation in his system, although I understand the steroids could aggravate his pancreatitis and make the situation worse.
The vet has suggested Pablo can go up to 3 weeks without food, so the clock is ticking. I'm looking for stories from owners in similar situations that might help us get down to the bottom of this issue.
UPDATE! The steroids caused a huge improvement and P has received an official diagnosis: Addison's Disease. He will have to have daily low-dose steroids and monthly injections for the rest of his life, but he seems to be on the mend and is back home now. Thanks everyone for your kind input.
They have performed x-rays, an ultrasound, a ct scan, blood panels, stool testing and everything appears normal. He completed a round of antibiotics as a precaution. He was drinking plenty of water at home and the vet says he is well hydrated.
He has been at the vets for the past 48 hours receiving an IV drip that automatically dispenses his medication at regular intervals. Thinking about him all alone in a cage overnight is breaking my heart, but I know it's for the best.
Tomorrow they will perform a barium test as well as start a round of steroids as a last-ditch effort to reduce possible inflammation in his system, although I understand the steroids could aggravate his pancreatitis and make the situation worse.
The vet has suggested Pablo can go up to 3 weeks without food, so the clock is ticking. I'm looking for stories from owners in similar situations that might help us get down to the bottom of this issue.
UPDATE! The steroids caused a huge improvement and P has received an official diagnosis: Addison's Disease. He will have to have daily low-dose steroids and monthly injections for the rest of his life, but he seems to be on the mend and is back home now. Thanks everyone for your kind input.