PSA: pancreatitis and dogs

[Cavalier Girl]

Just to add, pancreatitis can lead to diabetes down the road. My 1st English Springer had it at 11 years old and spent 2 weeks in ICU down at NC State Veterinary Hospital. I stayed in a hotel as close as I could and visited her every day they'd let me. Some days, they'd say she just wasn't strong enough. She developed diabetes about 6 months later, which we were warned might happen. She lived until she was 15 1/2. I still miss her 25 years later.

Edited to add to Irishgal's food recommendations, venison is a good source of low fat meat.

 

[caruava]

I had not idea there was a link between pancreatitis and diabetes. Thanks for sharing, springer spaniels are such lovely dogs. All spaniels are.

I give a cooked meal each night (alternate my cook ups between beef and chicken). In the mornings they get Ziwi peak which has green lipped mussel. I alternate between venison, lamb & mackerel, and beef. I think in top of fat, another thing to consider is salt. I cringe when I hear that they give their dogs leftovers from dinner.

Anyway I'm not expert. I was giving my cav kibble for the first few years of his life and still feel guilty for it. It wasn't until a friend at the time educated me, that I learnt. His health and appearance (minus the genetic issues) were a complete 180 once I changed his diet.

 

[Irishgal]

I had not idea there was a link between pancreatitis and diabetes. Thanks for sharing, springer spaniels are such lovely dogs. All spaniels are.

I give a cooked meal each night (alternate my cook ups between beef and chicken). In the mornings they get Ziwi peak which has green lipped mussel. I alternate between venison, lamb & mackerel, and beef. I think in top of fat, another thing to consider is salt. I cringe when I hear that they give their dogs leftovers from dinner.

Anyway I'm not expert. I was giving my cav kibble for the first few years of his life and still feel guilty for it. It wasn't until a friend at the time educated me, that I learnt. His health and appearance (minus the genetic issues) were a complete 180 once I changed his diet.

I’m so glad you listened to your friend. I have given up trying to help people understand a biologically appropriate diet for dogs and cats. Too many just say “we have fed kibble his entire life with no problems”. But their pet may have lived longer or had less trips to the vet… but I no longer try.