Fur Kids Foundation 2018 Success Story: Nala

This is Nala, a 5 year-old German Shepherd, who is her daddy’s soul mate.

​​Recently, poor Nala wasn’t acting like her usual self; she was throwing up, under active, and it seemed to her dad that she was not feeling well. So, her dad took her to the vet, where they found that she had pancreatitis.

This condition happens when the pancreas becomes inflamed; for those who don’t know, the pancreas is an organ near the stomach that helps digest food and control blood sugar. Pancreatitis can come on all at once and then pass, or it can stay for longer periods. Signs to look for if your dog has a pancreas include:

• dehydration
• has diarrhea or belly pain
• loses their appetite
• low to no energy
• vomiting

Older dogs and ones who are overweight are more likely to get it, but it can hit any dog at any time. Sometimes, the condition comes on as a side effect to a drug, or after surgery. Often, a fatty meal, like bacon grease or table scraps, triggers it. Dogs usually recover from mild cases, but if it's severe, it can sometimes lead to death.

If your dog has some of these problems for more than a day, or if these symptoms keep coming back, take him to the vet. It could be pancreatitis, or it could be something else.

Nala's dad is still paying off a vet bill from when Nala was attacked by another dog, so he knew that he couldn't afford the full bill, so he applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help.

We are happy to report that Nala has been sent home and her dad is going to take care of his best friend to make sure she doesn't have any future issues with her pancreatitis.

Fur Kids Foundation is grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and supporters who have helped local families stay happy and healthy, and together! If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families in Campbell County, Wyoming with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.

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