MEET ABIGAIL (AND MARLEY, TOO)
EVEN IF IT’S NOT YOUR DOG’S FIRST TIME PANCREATITIS CAN’T WAIT
That’s about all there is to know about me. If I see you, I’ll be sure to let you give me a scratch. You’re welcome!
It’s probably no surprise that we enjoy our wellness visits most. We love seeing our patients and pet parents when everyone is happy and healthy. But our primary job is to help animals when the bad stuff happens, and we see some conditions more than others. A dog with pancreatitis comes through our doors about once a week, and they’re usually very ill. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, and it usually results in symptoms of nausea, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. “Sometimes people bring their dogs in because they think their back hurts,” Dr. Clark says. “They’re actually hunching up their back because their stomach is sore.” Whatever symptoms your dog starts experiencing, it’s crucial to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. “Treating pancreatitis is usually very successful,” Dr. Clark says. “But the complication rate is unpredictable. It’s a bit like COVID-19. Most people have no complications whatsoever, but some people have such an inflammatory response that it kills them.” Worse, pancreatitis can come back, and pet owners can get complacent. “Sometimes we get nonchalant with animals who have a successful treatment, and people assume it will be a good outcome every single time,” Dr. Clark notes. The condition can also recur quickly, and many people don’t want to bring their dog back after only a few weeks. This choice can sadly be deadly. “Even when it’s a recurrent matter, the disease does not have the same presentation every time,” Dr. Clark explains. Cats can get pancreatitis, too, and the condition can become severe if left for too long. But the situation is generally less emergent than dog cases. While dogs with pancreatitis usually become acutely ill very quickly, the condition is harder to notice in cats, who are more likely to experience general malaise, fatigue, or lack of appetite. If your pet loses interest in food, it could be a sign of something serious, so we always recommend bringing them in as soon as possible. We understand that veterinary care can get expensive, and it can be challenging to find the time to bring your pet to our office. But we wouldn’t tell you to do it if it wasn’t in their best interest. A lack of action can result in an outcome none of us wants. “Don’t make assumptions that everything will be fine,” Dr. Clark says. “Time is usually of the essence.”
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all ingredients. If needed, add water to make the dough workable, but ensure it remains dry and stiff. 3. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 1/2-inch-thick sheet. Cut into 1/2-inch square pieces or use a cookie cutter to make individual treats. 4. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper, and place cookies an inch apart. Bake for 40 minutes, or until hard, and let cool before serving.
– Dr. Jevon Clark
406.755.6886
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