Re pancreatitis by Dr. Kay

[k9diabetes]

In Dr. Nancy's Kay's post on avoiding holiday pancreatitis in your dog, there was a quick but good description of what pancreatitis is

http://speakingforspot.com/blog/

When a dog eats, enzymes are released from the pancreas into the small intestine, where they are activated for food digestion. Sometimes, for reasons we do not understand, these enzymes are activated within the pancreas itself, resulting in the inflammation of pancreatitis. In addition to rich or fatty foods, certain drugs, hormonal imbalances and inherited defects in fat metabolism can also cause pancreatitis. For some dogs, an underlying cause is never found. Classic pancreatitis symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite and activity levels.

[CarolW]

Re: Re pancreatitis by Dr. Kay

In Dr. Nancy's Kay's post on avoiding holiday pancreatitis in your dog, there was a quick but good description of what pancreatitis is

http://speakingforspot.com/blog/

Natalie - thanks for the pointer. It's so important for this time of year. People with diabetic dogs probably need to watch their families and guests, and perhaps, to lay down the law at times!

Dogs enjoy a little treat as much as a big one! It's partly the symbolic sharing of food that makes them happy! Especially if marked with ritual, as in some little chant we make up.

"One for me; one for you."

(THAT version can't go on for long without endangering the dog; haha!)

What I generally do when dispensing after-holiday-meal treats is, chant,

One .... (feed treat)
Two .... (feed treat)
Three .... (feed treat)

All gone! I'll call you for the next one, next time!

And who knows when "next time" is! Open-ended promise! Not very meaningful for dogs!

Wed, 9 Dec 2009 06:52:07 (PST)