siberian husky lethargic, not eating. help please!

[kat575]

I have a 13 year old Siberian husky.  he was acting very lethargic, panting, not eating.  I took him to the vet, and he was diagnosed with pancreatitis.  was on ivs for three days.  his white blood cell count was very high, so he was put on an antibiotic.  has been home for 3 days now, still no better, will not eat. will, however, drink plenty of water.  no vomiting involved.  is this normal?  any ideas?   I am takinf him back to the vet today, anything I should ask??  

[kat575]

Thanks everyone!!  He seems to be feeling a little better.  I took him back to tne vet....his wbc count was really high, 50,000.  Now my vet seems certain it is cancer. :(.....   I love my dog, but he is terrified at any vet office, and at his age i really cant justify putting him thru a bunch of tests.  Any ideas for comfort?  Or any other possibilities.  He had so many odd symptoms in the months leading up to this.....i cant help feeling like we are missimg something

[ginger899]

Not eating for a few days is the best thing for pancreatitis. It allows the pancreas to heal. So long as he is drinking water, keeping hydrated, this is not a bad thing as it stands. He will need plenty of rest too.
I have a feeling as soon as he starts to show interest in food, it will be because the pancreas can cope with food. But please do check this out to be doubly sure -with your vet. In fact, keep in touch with your vet about his progress. Don't worry about "being a nuisance" You can call them if you have questions.

[Leahlu815]

Pancreatitis according to my ER Vet is one of the most painful things a dog can have. It is the equivalent of having a bunch of broken bones. My late dog Leeo had Pancreatic Neucrosis which was misdiagnosed as something else.

By the time he was severe I took him to the ER Hospital. Not saying your dog has the same thing .... but my dog had Pancreatic Neucrosis ... the worst . His pancreas was dying and eating itself and his internal surrounding organs. They also found a huge stomach mass which was cancer. He had originally been diagnosed with seizures by his regular vet.

It is a hard disease to diagnose. He could not be saved. After a week in the hospital I had to let him go. He was only 5 years old.

If your dog is not any better I suggest getting a second opinion. Take him to an ER vet if possible. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can be the matter between life and death. Good Luck! I hope your dog gets better quickly.

[Margot49]

Yes, can be very painful and chronic.  He needs to be on a specific food only.  Ask your Vet for something for nausea and you may need to do IV fluids at home.

[Caryopteris]

Ask what might ha,ve caused the pancreatitis.  I believe pancreatitis can take time to resolve, and it is quite painful.  I think that's why he is panting and uninterested in food.