Wilbur is a 7-years-old French bull dog whose vomiting started a week ago. He cried when his abdomen was pressed and he had refused to eat for the past several days. Also, water consumption had declined.
He was a very sick dog when brought to the hospital. Several abnormalities of his serum chemistry profile suggested he might have acute pancreatitis, for the blood study showed dehydration, inflammation, and stress. He was started on intravenous fluids to rehydrate him and sustain kidney function. An overnight blood test confirmed the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Next morning all food and water consumption was stopped and drugs were administered to depress stomach-acid production. Acidic stomach contents passing into the small intestine can aggravate pancreatitis so it must be controlled. Also, he was given a low dose of antibiotics as insurance against infection in the region of the pancreas. Intravenous fluid therapy was altered to provide essential energy and protein building blocks to help with healing. He was maintained on this program for two days. Then, drugs were dispensed to prevent vomiting and continue reduced gastric acidity and he was sent home. Such treatment would permit him to eat and drink without aggravating the pancreatitis and still facilitate continued healing.
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