Case Story: Enzo’s Battle With Pancreatitis
Case Story: Enzo’s Battle With Pancreatitis
Enzo, a 10-year-old French Bulldog with an unmistakably grumpy-but-lovable face, came to our clinic one early morning after his family noticed he was refusing breakfast—a rare event for a dog who usually treats mealtime like a competitive sport. He had been vomiting through the night and seemed unusually lethargic. His family knew something was wrong.
During Enzo’s exam, our team noticed he reacted painfully when we gently palpated his abdomen. Combined with his symptoms and age, pancreatitis quickly became a strong suspect. We ran bloodwork and an abdominal ultrasound, which confirmed inflammation of the pancreas.
Treatment & Care
Enzo was admitted to our hospital for supportive care. Pancreatitis can be extremely uncomfortable, so we started him on IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, and pain control. Because eating too soon can worsen the condition, Enzo was closely monitored before being offered small, low-fat meals once the vomiting stopped.
Over the next two days, Enzo slowly regained his spark. As soon as he barked indignantly at us for being “late” with his food bowl, we knew he was on the mend.
Going Home
Enzo went home with a specialized low-fat diet and strict instructions to avoid table scraps—something his family admitted might be a challenge, given his talent for begging. But they were determined to help him stay healthy.
At his follow-up visit, Enzo trotted into the clinic with renewed energy, his tail nub wiggling proudly. His family reported that he was back to lounging in sunny spots, supervising the neighborhood from the window, and demanding cuddle time right on schedule.
Outcome
Enzo’s story is a great reminder that early signs—like vomiting, decreased appetite, or abdominal pain—can be easy to overlook but may indicate a serious condition. Thanks to quick action from his family and attentive care, Enzo recovered well and continues to enjoy his golden years with all the comfort (and appropriate snacks) he deserves.