[quote user="NicoleS"] [quote user="Myra"]"Itis" means inflammation, not infection. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. It is not an infection in and of itself, although as I stated above, it can occur secondary to another intestinal infection. Antibiotics are usually prescribed in order to (1) treat any already existing infection that may have triggered the pancreatitis, and (2) to prevent a secondary infection occurring due to the irritated pancreas.[/quote

Because it's neuro in nature I would be trying TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) -- not to leave your vet, but rather to use acupuncture and Chinese herbs to "compliment" what your vet is doing. Dr. Roger Clemmons is knowns all over the world in his work on DM in dogs (and Wobbler's like Bevo has) and if I'm not mistaken CA as well. He's one of the vets on staff at the Chi Institute http://www.tcvm.com -- and he is also the head neurosurgeon at the U of Florida

There are others here far more experienced with HD than me -- they can tell you about the surgeries, etc. My first suggestion would be acupuncture. It can help with pain as well as helping keep the muscles working. I would probably also be feeding a diet using veggies instead of grain but without a huge high protein level. You don't want abundant energy -- you can get good nutrition from veggies. A food that is ultra high protein is like giving him rocket fuel with no where to burn it off.

Just plain old pain, or being frustrated about "can do this the way I always do" can cause gi upset. easily. Literally it is super easy when there is any sort of 'stress' for gut bacteria to flourish and over-grow. Add to that a change in food and it could definitely explain some collitis (constipation and then loose stool). However, according to my "Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat" (Dell Ref, 1998) yeah, one of the typical side effects of Rimadyl (Carprophen

Honestly, this is just *my* opinion but I don't use HeartGuard nor Iverhart because they are now dosed SO low that they fail rather regularly. I would either use the pills as they are (and it's still dosed unbelievably low) or exchange for Interceptor, which fails far less often.

[quote user="akyramoto82"]Some part of me thinks maybe I didn't 'need' her anymore, like I had grown strong enough that it was ok for her to go. [/quote] Don't turn that thought into blame -- sometimes it's really more that we are able **because of what they taught us** to rise to the challenge of grieving, than that we dont' 'need' them. People will tell you now that "time helps" ... and that sounds hollow. Today (and probably for a lot of todays

[quote user="willowchow"] Amanda, he got up on the couch last night??? That's SOOOOOOOO awesome. Willow didn't get on the couch for the entire time she was on Pred. I'm so happy he's doing well!! [/quote] Folks who haven't had a dog with something this critical -- particularly something that is as weakening and debilitating as IMHA or the various "cytopenia" diseases (all auto-immune stuff) -- it is amazing the little behaviors and things that we begin to watch

[quote user="outdoorschik"]... it is however his neck, a pinched/disc/nerve that's causing the imbalance, weakness in his hind end. He's going to be on some heavy duty painkillers and antinflammatories... the pale gums was likely not eatting and drinking, due to pain. I asked about chiropractic, but they are advising that I wait on that until these have a chance to kick in. On the other hand, the chiropractor wanted to get him in as soon as possible, sigh[/quote] Dr. D says that

[quote user="dyan"]Freeway was so sick with vomiting and diarrhea all night.... this morning she saw some blood from the vomit. She rushed her to the vet where she had to leave her. SHe just called...after exrays to make sure she wasn't blocked...they came up with pancreatitis and put her on an IV and will be giving her a diet to follow. Dr. said no human food what so ever except boiled chicken with rice. Then went on to tell me that he told her that she should NOT have given her ground

Luna sez if that's where that danged evil squurr-ll is hiding from Give Kids the World she will come up there and PER-sonally find that one small aminal an GET it! It's evil -- it's NEEDS getting .. bad!! Lizards can live if they are faster than she is. But squirrels ... that one in particular ... are small animals that deserve to be "got" ... and how nice of that sign ta let her know (silly humans need a sign ... when a dog can sniff it!)