Boxer with possible pancreatitis

[abbeyrd4u]

This is Abbey's mom and I am new to the board. I've found this is a wonderful place to visit to get info on Boxers from toys to health. Unfortunately this new member comes with a bit of a problem. I have a beautiful, loving 4 1/2 yr. old female fawn boxer named Abbey, that might have acute pancreatitis. I will not know for sure for about a week, as the blood test for the TLI has just been sent off to Texas A&M. This test will determine how well the pancreas is functioning. I would not have known any of this without having blood work done prior to having her teeth cleaned. Her Lipase ( a digestive enzyme) level, which should be between 200-1800 was 4180 for that reason her vet suspects acute pancreatitis.
I would love to hear from anyone whose Boxer has this disease, and an insite on how they are coping. Any information will be appreciated. Like all of you here at Boxerworld we think of our boxer as our baby.

Thanks,
Abbey's mom

 

[boxers4life2001]

Sorry to hear Abbey might be sick. Is she showing any signs of pancreatitis? I have never dealt with this with any of my baby's but I do recall reading several threads on here of others who have. If you do a search (little blue button top right corner) for pancreatitis you should be able to find a lot of info and stories about it from other people who have dealt with it. Good Luck and let us know what the vet says about Abbey!!!!!

~Carrie~

 

[abbeyrd4u]

Thanks Carrie

Thank you so much Carrie, for your reply.. Abbey hasn't shown any signs of pancreatitis besides her lipase level was extremely high. I will do as you suggest and do a search for other memebers whose boxers have this same problem. Thanks for explaning how to do a search as I wouldn't have known otherwise. You've been very kind, thank you so much.
Abbey's Mom

 

[jfirly]

My 3yr old male was diagnosed with Pancreatitis in December. His lipase level was off the charts!!!! We immediately had to switch to a low fat and low fiber dog food (fat: about 8%) (fiber: about 4-6%). We were told to restrict all dairy products, limit people food, and no more fatty treats! Since we made these changes, he's been doing great!!!!!!!!!

P.S. - as far as symptoms go > we knew something was wrong when we'd feed him something high in fat (that we didnt realize was so fattening) and he'd lick his nose uncontrollably, convulse and vomit! He'd also eat a lot of grass. This would go on for hours. It was quite frightening! Im surprised your dog didnt have any symptoms w/ his lipase level being so high!!!!!

Good luck!
Jen

 

[boxer17]

jfairly,

Which brand of dog food did you switch to? Did you ever end up finding a dog food that was good for your dog? We are trying to find a food that is low in fat, but that he likes as well. Right now he is on Solid Gold Holitique Blend, but doesn't seem to like it very much and we are trying to decided whether or not to switch him to Wellness Fish and Sweet Pototoe. It has more fat, but you also feed half as much as the Solid Gold.

Let me know anything you can.

Thanks,

Bailey & Abby's Mom

 

[abbeyrd4u]

Thanks Jen for the infomation. Sorry to hear that your dog was so sick. Abbey shows no signs of pancreatitis except the lipase level being so high. All other blood work was fine and she isn't overweight or anything like that. She has been on Science Diet ever since she was a 8wks old, but when she was about 2yrs. old our Vet recommended we switch her to Science Diet light..she gets a cup of dry in the morning (sometimes she eats it sometimes she doesn't) and 2 cups of dry mixed with 1/2 can of pedigree can (usually chicken) with a little water mixed in as well. Perhaps I should not add the pedigree. I will know more in about a week.
Thank you so much for your input..it was greatly appreciated. Hope your little fella is doing well.
Thanks
Abbey's Mom

 

[jfirly]

Actually Abbey - I also put in Pedigree wet dog food & warm water with Harley's dry food I just make sure that it has 3% fat content instead of 6% (some Pedigree flavors are higher in fat than others)! He gets Vitarx Weight Management dry dog food > 1 cup in the a.m., 1 cup in the afternoon, and 1 cup in the evening..........with 2tbsps of the Pedigree w/ each meal for flavor. This change has helped dramatically and his coat is as shiny as ever! Best of luck!

Jen

 

[abbeyrd4u]

Thanks for the info.. I didn't realize that pedigree had different levels of fat .. I should have thought about that. I will check the label next time I pick up some. I like the idea of feeding three times a day.. small amounts..would probably be easier on the stomach. I will certainly remember these tips you have given me. Thanks so much.. and Abbey thanks you too!