Ask the Veterinarian/Maltepoo/ Pet

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Expert: - 2/26/2010


Question
Hi, my maltepoo is 2 1/2 years old. I fed him pork last night, (3 pcs).  Today, he is not playful and makes noise as if in pain. I think it is bec of the pork (which I now regret giving). I have not given him this type of food before.  How can he be treated?

Answer

inflamed pancreas
Your dog is probably very sick. He could have pancreatitis, which is not only painful but can be fatal.

You need to get him to your vet for treatment.
I am going to refrain for scolding you for giving him the pork but let me tell you that a HUGE percentage of dogs that get sick from this condition, which is an acute (sudden) attack of inflammation of the pancreas.

This can cause the pancreas to start to secrete enzymes (which is what it does for food) and it starts to digest itself- which is why it hurts so much and can be fatal.

Never feed your dog anything from the table- period. Some breeds are very prone to getting this condition and smaller dogs of most breeds are. Dogs are meant to eat one thing all the time, no surprises. Surprises cause this problem.

He needs some medications to slow down the pancreas and stop the inflammation. He might even need fluids.

Call your vet now and get him in.
Here is a picture of an inflamed pancreas.  

Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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