A Little Nervous.....

[pgcor]

I have one diabetic, Pip and now my other dog is showing digestive problems. We took him to a specialist vet right away - because I've learned not to trust much of what I hear.....

Anyway, all of my dog's tests came back within normal range except for Lipase which is 3194 and the range is 200-1800.

I contacted the Vet via email and was told: No this shouldn't be a concern. We often see slight elevations in this number.

I didn't think that number was a slight elevation?

Anyone have any thoughts????

[bgdavis]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

I would have concern. Does the test indicate which of the lipases are high?

Found this:

High Levels
Similar to low lipase levels, elevated lipase level is also one of the major health problems for dogs. High levels of lipase could be an indication of one of the many dog health problems. The most common health problems are the gastrointestinal diseases like gastritis, bowel obstruction, peritonitis, visceral manipulation, neoplasia, hepatic diseases, etc. Several types of medications and acute pancreatitis in dogs are also some of the reasons that might elevate the lipase levels. When a dog is suffering with high lipase levels, he might show some signs and symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, kidney diseases (and failure in worst cases), nausea, loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, etc. When a dog owner finds a set or one of the aforementioned symptoms in the dogs; he/she should take the dog to a professional veterinarian for proper diagnosis.

Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/lipase-levels-in-dogs.html

Bonnie and Angel Criss

[pgcor]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

Hi Bonnie:

We brought Newman in because he's had chronic diarrhea and not vomiting. That alone bothered me. That's why I went straight to the specialist vet.

His lab results don't indicate a specific lipase..... I can include part of it here:

GLU 103 70-143
BUN 18 7-27
CREAT 1.2 0.5-1.8
Bun/Creat 15
PHOS 3.7 2.5-6.8
CA 10.4 7.9-12.0
TP 7.0 5.2-8.2
ALB 3.8 2.2-3.9
GLOB 3.2 2.5-4.5
Alb/Glob 1.2
ALT 117 10-100
ALKP 155 23-212
GGT 1 0-7
TBIL 0.6 0.0-0.9
CHOL 264 110-320
AMYL 806 500-1500
LIPA 3194 200-1800
I Stat EC8+ Canine

[pgcor]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

I'm sorry....I meant to say that he has both diarrhea and vomiting. Although he does (excuse me here) eat his vomit back up.

eww I'm making myself sick.

[bgdavis]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

I'd be concerned about the possibility of pancreatitis, with vomitting and such. With Cushings' dogs who develop pancreatitis, it was always recommended that food be withheld. Fluids should be given and sometimes even electrolytes.

Pancreatitis can be deadly if severe. Does Newman have any abdominal pain? Is he overweight? Being heavy seems to stress the pancreas more.

I'd take him off food for a while.

Bonnie and Angel Criss

[pgcor]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

I can't believe the specialist would not recommend that. Although I think I will do that.

He's giving him Pancur, which is a broad-based parasiticide. Yes, he is overweight and since last year has been on a special diet. But the poor guy isn't losing any weight. I have been more careful with his diet than any dog I've ever owned. I walk him after work ever day for 1 mile.

I think I will switch him to the BARF diet or some other raw food when he eats again. I hope that won't hurt him. The Vet just told me to add pumpkin to his diet. I do that anyway.

Yikes, I hope there's nothing in my house causing this.

[pgcor]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

I forgot to say thank you Bonnie! I appreciate your help!!!

[bgdavis]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

Just thinking about what we learned with Cushings' dogs, it is recommended to start them back on food after 24 or so hours with cooked chicken and rice.

You might check out the internet for more information, but we're only guessing that Newman's problem is an inflamed pancreas.

Bonnie and Angel Criss

[momofdecker]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

Sorry to hear your boy is not feeling well. There is a test for pancreatitis...SPEC cPL - Decker's was sent out with a bunch of other bloodwork which took a few days for results. Can't remember if some vets can do a snap in house SPEC cPL test or not. Hope Newman starts feeling better soon.

[Rubytuesday]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

I wouldn't recommend whole bones as part of the BARF diet. While some dogs can manage them I would hate to find out in a dog who is already compromised that he had a problem breaking the bones down. If you bought the raw food already prepared balanced formulation though, I think most makers grind their bones.

You still want to check the food though. I was buying from a local maker and their grinder wasn't good. Big sharp pieces that were just too scary. I think Patty used Primal, so I am sure that one would pass muster.

I definitely agree with the recommendation to fast him and electrolytes wouldn't hurt. I hope he feels better real soon.

Tara

[Patty]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

Pam,
I sent you a PM yesterday after losing a post here I was trying to make on my phone. Hope to hear some good news on Newman. Please keep us posted!
Patty

[eyelostit]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

I'm sorry....I meant to say that he has both diarrhea and vomiting. Although he does (excuse me here) eat his vomit back up.

eww I'm making myself sick.

I hope things are better, I always love your posts, ya they like to eat that, must be a surivival instinct.

Take care,
Dolly

[eyelostit]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

I'd be concerned about the possibility of pancreatitis, with vomitting and such. With Cushings' dogs who develop pancreatitis, it was always recommended that food be withheld. Fluids should be given and sometimes even electrolytes.

Pancreatitis can be deadly if severe. Does Newman have any abdominal pain? Is he overweight? Being heavy seems to stress the pancreas more.

I'd take him off food for a while.

Bonnie and Angel Criss

Just saying Hi Bonnie, haven't been here for awhile.

Sorry to slide in here Pam, I know you understand, we're all nuts.

[pgcor]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

Dolly! I'm always glad to hear from you and glad to read about your little Pippy

[buddingartist]

Re: A Little Nervous.....

Pam

Just catching up here, how's Newman doing?

Louise