Advice please!

VioletBliss

Hi everyone. This post isn't bull terrier related, but has to do with my bullies brother. Chopper is a 12 year old westie, who has come down with a very severe case of pancreatitis. Long story short, this happened overnight, my vet seems to think he got into a toxic frog or lizard possibly drug up from the hurricane, (we have a retention pond behind us.) he went to bed fine Monday night, vomited white foamy stuff on Tuesday a few times, which he's done many times before after he gets ahold of a frog, so we just watched him all day, then Tuesday he started with the diarrhea, so to the vet we go. CBC done, numbers are off the charts, his wbc was 33,000... Normal is 17,000, immediately started him on fluids, heavy antibiotics, anti vomiting meds, etc. as of today, we are continuing this process, with a very slight decrease in wbc count. Still not eating, ice chips and force feeding. Of course and understandably, the vet won't tell us what to do. What do you guys think?? I'm so lost about this. He's not a young guy any more. Has anyone ever gone through pancreatitis with any pets?
Just searching. Thanks.

BulliesofNC

There can be so many factors that caused the sudden issue with Chopper. Frogs are harmless to dogs and most toads are too. There's only two types of toads here in USA that can be harmful to dogs. The Colorado River Toad (Bufo alvarius) and the Marine Toad (Bufo marinus). However, these two types of toads are specific only to certain areas. All toads put out a small bit of toxins which can cause a dog to foam at the mouth. My bullies have bit into toads several times and most of them have learned to stay away from them unless they wish to receive a nasty taste in their mouth. None of my bullies have gotten sick from toads or lizards.

Normally most dogs with this issue have Chronic Pancreatitis which comes on slowly over time and is usually due to a bad diet. Your dog sounds like it has Acute Pancreatitis which comes on quickly and is often more serious. The cause may never be known. Medications, Diet, and Genetics are the leading causes of pancreatitis.

I pray Chopper gets well soon and there are no lasting affects but pancreatitis is a bad disease. Please keep us updated.

VioletBliss

Thank you, Steve. I was just going to come on and see if I could delete my last post, and I saw yours. I was feeling kinda silly for posting it after I thought about it. I realize people just don't know how to respond, but I thank you for your kind words. Sadly, we lost our sweet boy last night. We had to make a very hard decision. After more fluids, meds and bloodwork, he was rapidly declining and in a lot of pain. Heartbreaking, but he's no longer suffering. Our Violet is feeling sad... She lost her buddy too, so we' re just going to hug her a little tighter and get through it as best as we can. Hug your babies tight, my bully friends. Thanks again, Steve

BulliesofNC

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a dog that was a part of the family for many years. Pancreatitis is a real tough disease to fight especially on an older dog.

Rest in Peace Chopper. ( 

Djammy

Sorry for your loss @VioletBliss
Losing a friend is never easy.
Run free, little guy! You surely will never be forgotten!

VioletBliss

Thank you for your kind words. He was a great guy and most definately will never be forgotten.