Pancreatitis flare ups

[theoldfella]

Tango (now 12) was diagnosed with pancreatitis a few years ago.

 He's been a a low fat diet using Purina EN (mousse and biscuit) and chappie. I also use the little tins of tasty toppers (chicken and rice) and occasionally have to resort to a tin of tuna (spring water) to encourage him to eat but his flare ups are becoming more frequent and harder to deal with.
I also use fortiflora. He had blood tests a few months ago and everything was normal.

After his most recent flare up about ten days ago he was put on prednidale and there was a great improvement for a few days but when they stopped he started to regress again, becoming disinterested in food and generally lethargic; his poo has also gone back to very runny. I'm going back to the vet tomorrow and suspect she might suggest blood tests again and she has mentioned a scan before. I assume he can't be on steroids for ever?

Anybody else had similar experience with their dogs and any tips? Thanks in advance, Kevin

[Jaysmumagain]

Hi Kevin sorry to read Tango is strugling.  I asume predidale is prednisolone and a steriod.

If it is it does give a better sense of welbeing and increase the appetite.  Not sure what dose - but my late boy was on 5mg then a low dose 2mg for about 2 years ( but not the same health problem).  He was a grand age of 15 when we lost him.  With him there was weight gain so we adjusted diet by have fresh protein like white fish and boiled rice along with low mixer.  In later years vet saw him for reviews every 3 months as steriod can lead to Cushings.

Do advise you see vet as mentioned and see what is suggested to give Tango a better day to day quality of life.

All the best

[theoldfella]

Thanks for your reply "jaysmumsagain".

Yes, according to Google the prednidale is the same as prednisolone. Very interested to hear about the 2mg dose, I'll try and remember that when I see the vet tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

Best regards, Kevin

[Finvarra]

Can't add anything to Jaysmum, but wish you and Tango all the best.
Lesley

[theoldfella]

Just to update - vet put him on 2mg prednisolone to see how that goes. Said his stomach was a bit tender and quite gassy.

It's been quite weird in the Iast few days with his eating - he recoils at the sight/smell of his food first thing in the morning but then gradually starts to eat a bit mid/late morning, though he's very picky. He's certainly not eating normally but if we go for a little walk after my breakfast (but before he's eaten anything)he's happy to eat treats! He also seems very lethargic during the day, more so than usual.

I'm back at the vets Wednesday so will see what she says then but something clearly isn't quite right😟