Now, it's hard to not want to cave in to the curiously wriggling nose as you cook up a turkey — even though treats like a small bit of white meat are OK, shy away from feeding them turkey skins, gravy or fatty parts of the bird. Not only can it be dangerous for their weight, but it can contribute to pancreatitis, a serious gland inflammation that requires a vet visit ASAP.
As it turns out the little pancreas produces the digestive enzymes that break down food to let their furry bodies digest it. However, if the pancreas or surrounding tissue is damaged, the enzymes can leak which then negatively affects the pancreas and any surrounding tissue, resulting in that issue known as pancreatitis.
Find out the symptoms when you read more.
On the milder side, symptoms include loss of appetite, crying, restlessness or irritability and, more seriously, severe and frequent vomiting, diarrhea (often containing blood), and strong reluctance to walk. If you see any hints of this painful illness, it's time to pull out that emergency vet number and get your pet looked at — even on a holiday, it's better to be safe now . . . than sorry later.
Source: Flickr User wmshc_kiwi
Speedo
Our cat almost died from pancreatitis about a year ago. It was right after she got a Zodiac flea treatment, and although the vet told us they "don't know what causes it," a friend's cat got the same illness after the same treatment a couple of months later... so in addition to watching their turkey intake, keep an extra close eye on your pets after any medications too.
1My dog pancreas has stopped working, from what I do not know. He is on something called Prozyme, which helps break down food so he can digest it. I do not know if a lot of vets carry this or not since in my area there is only one vet who has even heard of this medication. Without this medication my dog would starve to death.
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