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My dog is sick with pancreatitis. Did I wait too long to see the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Border Terrier | Female | spayed | 9 years and 8 months old | 18 lbs

On Wednesday night our dog was restless all night and she threw up twice. She didn't eat anything all day Thursday. Yesterday (Friday) she ate breakfast and dinner, but then she was sick again last night. We can tell she's been very uncomfortable throughout the whole thing. We took her to the vet this morning and he things she might have pancreatitis. Did we wait too long to take her to the vet? I read that acute pancreatitis can severely affect other organs and I'm worried her life is at risk.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on February 3rd, 2018

Pancreatitis can present in many ways, the majority of which are nauseous and painful but not particularly weak and debilitated and respond favourably to symptomatic treatment and an ultra low fat diet. Severe pancreatitis is very rare and typically prevents with severe dehydration and collapse and can become life threatening, requiring hospital treatment

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    Answered By Makenzie Kurth, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm sorry to hear about Jesse! I always tell people to think about themselves. If you threw up twice and didn't feel like eating for a day, but then felt well enough to eat the next day, would you take yourself to the doctor? For most of us, the answer is "of course not". You brought Jesse in earlier than many clients would have. As for the pancreatitis itself: While I have seen severe cases, the VAST majority of pancreatitis cases I see simply need some fluids under the skin, some antinausea medications, antidiarrheal medications, and a low-fat diet. The next most common cases require a day or two of hospitalization and then can be managed at home.

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