Read on Twitter
Wombat having a pancreatitis flare-up this morning. Hadn't had one in a couple of years. This is him before the opioids kicked in.
The pancreas produces fat-digesting enzymes. If it gets inflamed (It's very delicate. A high fat meal is often the trigger), it can self-digest
The pancreas produces fat-digesting enzymes. If it gets inflamed (It's very delicate. A high fat meal is often the trigger), it can self-digest
The drugs are kicking in.
As I was saying, the fat-digesting enzymes can get released INSIDE the pancreas (rather than into the intestine), causing SAPONIFICATION (literally, soap production)!
Wombat has had too many treats lately, & I feel suitably guilty.
As I was saying, the fat-digesting enzymes can get released INSIDE the pancreas (rather than into the intestine), causing SAPONIFICATION (literally, soap production)!
Wombat has had too many treats lately, & I feel suitably guilty.
As well as strong painkillers (which he's very drunk on right now), I've given him an injection to stop him vomiting. The high pressure in the abdomen when vomiting can squeeze the pancreas, causing more enzyme leakage. Damage from these enzymes can be fatal
Enzymes can be released into the abdominal cavity, so damage can be widespread. Depending on how he does, he may need to go on a drip.
Fluid therapy dilutes the inflammatory chemicals, reduces cell damage & is the mainstay of pancreatitis treatment in dogs.
Fluid therapy dilutes the inflammatory chemicals, reduces cell damage & is the mainstay of pancreatitis treatment in dogs.
Wombat is massively needle-phobic, which is why the painkiller preceded any other intervention!
Oral rehydration often helps mild cases, but I'm going to start him on IV. Plus, no more needles, as meds can go through the line!
Pictured- Oralade, tastes like chicken!
Oral rehydration often helps mild cases, but I'm going to start him on IV. Plus, no more needles, as meds can go through the line!
Pictured- Oralade, tastes like chicken!
Very drunk doggo
My wife just pondered "I wonder what it's like having a dog and not being married to a vet"
Good night, pawb. Benefits of having a sleepover with the dogs- if they wake me up I have licence to eat everything I see for the next 10-18 hours. It's how my body works, I don't make the rules!
Pupdate! Wombat has emptied the (sparsely populated) bowl!
We're also getting increased incidence of tail wags. His worst attack, that took 5 days. Feeling positive
We're also getting increased incidence of tail wags. His worst attack, that took 5 days. Feeling positive
Hospitalisation, Mam's-a-vet edition. This boy has no idea how good he has it 
We're off painkillers & ramping down other meds. The pancreas is healing. We are the virus.
We're off painkillers & ramping down other meds. The pancreas is healing. We are the virus.
Is anyone interested I knowing what the pancreas does? Or shall I keep it to myself?
It's my second favourite organ
It's my second favourite organ
