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Should I take my dog with pancreatitis to an ER vet for 24/7 care?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 11 years old | 12 lbs

My dog has pancreatitis with enlarged liver, heart and one of her kidney is enlarged on xray. She is more lethargic, still eat, was having diarrhea but not anymore. I took her to our vet, her lipase was ~4000. My vet wanted to keep her in their office over weekend for IVF, meds and monitoring. They have a staff that comes twice a day over the weekend but not 24/7. He assured that she will be okay. Her liver and kidney labs are okay. Wondering if I should take her to ER for more work up? TY. Phon

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 10th, 2018

It sounds like to me from your post that you would feel more comfortable having Bella at the ER vet where she will be monitored 24/7, and that's perfectly fine! She's your baby, and you need to do what makes you feel most comfortable and what you feel is best for her. The vet wouldn't allow her to stay over the weekend if they didn't feel it would be safe for her; if they felt she needed the added monitoring, they would recommend transferring her to the ER clinic. It's good that her liver and kidney values are ok, and that she is eating. That being said, if you aren't comfortable with it, then it's fine to take her to the ER vet. You may sleep better at night knowing there is someone present 24/7 for her. I can't tell you what to do, but if your vet says it's safe to keep her at their office, it should be safe. You need to do what makes you happiest, however, and if you feel that's at the ER, then it's fine taking her there. I hope this helps!

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