Reason for Nomination: Overcoming Pancreatitis
Sweet little Sacha is an 11 year old Miniature Schnauzer who was brought into us back in April feeling very sorry for herself indeed. She was vomiting, had stopped eating and was feeling very depressed. We were worried as her tummy felt very sore and she was dehydrated.
Sacha had blood tests and an ultrasound scan which showed that she had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). The pancreas is an organ which sits next to the stomach and is involved in digestion. Inflammation of the pancreas is very painful, and commonly causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The inflammation can also spread to surrounding organs in the abdomen, causing serious complications. Some breeds are predisposed to this condition, and unfortunately for Sacha, miniature Schnauzers are particularly prone. Sacha also had raised liver enzymes on her blood test, which can be a consequence of the pancreatitis or can be due to an underlying liver problem.
Sacha was given intravenous fluids, strong pain relief, anti-sickness medications, and she was started on support for her liver. She had to stay in hospital for 4 days for supportive care, but she had lots of cuddles from all the nurses, and from her owners at visits. She started eating well, and once she was bright and comfortable she was able to continue her recovery at home with her owner
It’s taken a little a while for this old girl to be back on her feet; despite being brighter at home she was still vomiting intermittently and her liver enzymes were still high on her repeat blood tests.
Sacha had a scan with our visiting specialist which showed that although her pancreatitis had gone, her stomach walls were still inflamed. She has been started on some anti-ulcer medication and is much happier! She is no longer vomiting and is getting back to her mischievous little self.
