Let’s Talk About Pancreatitis In Dogs

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

A disease that’s hard to digest, pancreatitis in dogs requires a total change in lifestyle and careful monitoring.

Over the years our pets have come to hold a special place in our family, and as such, we have become in-tune to their moods, their preferences and to when they are not feeling up to par. In spite of our efforts to ensure they enjoy a healthy, well-rounded diet, special treats can sometimes sneak their way into the dog dish and these oft too frequent indulgences can become problematic. While research is still trying to confirm why some dogs are afflicted while others are not, fatty meals like bacon grease or table scraps can trigger a condition known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis in dogs occurs when the pancreas – an organ near the stomach that helps digest food and control blood sugar – becomes inflamed. And for dogs who are already overweight, have diabetes or epilepsy, the prognosis can be poor.

Related:7 Common Symptoms Of Diabetes In Dogs

What Causes Pancreatitis in Dogs?

Our pancreas is responsible for producing hormones such as insulin and enzymes that are needed for food digestion. Pancreatitis is caused by an increase in enzyme secretion – typically as the result of a stimulus such as the aforementioned treats or table scraps but also by trauma, drugs or toxins.

When your dog’s digestive enzymes are released too quickly they begin to act on the actual pancreas as opposed to the food they would normally digest. The resulting inflammation can be “acute” (sudden) or “chronic” (recurring) but once the process begins, it cannot correct itself and requires an immediate visit to your vet.

Related:Do I Have A Fat Dog? How To Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight

Why some dogs are prone to pancreatitis while others are not is still unknown. Experts have identified breeds such as Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels and Terriers as being more susceptible along with older or overweight dogs and those with previous gastrointestinal ailments. However it can also be idiopathic – meaning there is no obvious cause.

Symptoms and Types of Pancreatitis in Dogs

Similar to other stomach and intestinal afflictions, pancreatitis in dogs can present as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, fever, dehydration and just an overall lack of energy. Vomiting is the most common symptom but if your pet has exhibited any of these signs for more than 24 hours or if they recur, it’s time to get him checked out.

It is a complex illness and while dogs usually recover from mild cases, in the “acute” form it can be fatal, triggering a buildup of fluid in the chest, abdomen and acute renal failure. The “chronic” or recurring form of pancreatitis can be present even though there are no clinical signs of the disease.

In some instances, damage caused by pancreatitis can result in diabetes that may be temporary or permanent depending on the severity of the damage.

Treatment Options and Prevention

In an ideal world, your vet would be able to make a diagnosis based on symptoms alone. Typically this would require blood tests or an ultrasound and if an actual cause is determined – such as a reaction to a drug or to diet – it may be as simple as taking your pet off the drug or putting him on prescription food.

However there are times when a diagnosis can be inconclusive, meaning there’s no clear treatment. In those instances the focus becomes keeping your pet as comfortable as possible until the attack passes. This might include no food, water, or medications by mouth in order to give the pancreas time to rest and for dog with severe cases, a hospital stay with IV fluids may be required.

Once home, your dog will need to be kept hydrated and may require pain medication as well as drugs to help ease nausea and vomiting.

When your dog starts eating again, it’s time to take a “tough love” approach to his diet. A low-fat, easy to digest format can be recommended by your vet and should be considered a long-term if not life-long approach to ensuring he continues to be a part of your family for many years to come.

You should also consider swapping out treats of food with treats in the form of a favorite activity… and always be sure to secure your kitchen garbage to keep those self-help pets at bay!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau cat''s intelligence and his unquestioned loyalty to his humans makes these irrepressible personable cats almost enchanting to be around.

Hygenhund

The Hygenhund is a medium-sized breed with the typical hound appearance - he''s lithe, muscular, and active, making him a wonderful hunting dog.

Posavac Hound

With large, floppy ears, a short flat coat, and red-and-white coloration, the Posavac Hound is the spitting image of the hound type.

Missouri Fox Trotter

The Missouri Fox Trotter is known for its calm and gentle nature. This horse breed is docile and reliable, and it thoroughly enjoys being around people.

Drum Fish

There are several species of fish that carry the ""drum"" name. With more than 250 species, drum fish exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns.

Celebrity Lineup Announced For 2014 American Humane Association Hero D

The stars will be coming out for the 2014 American Hero Dog on September 27 at a red carpet event in Beverly Hills The fourth annual American Humane Associat…

Top 10 Picks From The 2014 Global Pet Expo

What a rush! Everyone was at the 2014 Global Pet Expo – even Elvis (and his sidekick, Gambler). I had a great time catching up with old friends, mak…

File This Under Ideas We Love: Pet Food Bank Opens In Toronto

You know you really love your pet when you’re willing to give up your meal just so your dog has something to eat. But why choose, asked Cara Heitmann?…

Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise, French for ""curly white lap dog,"" looks similar to the Maltese, but it does have some distinctions that make it a breed in and of itself.

Boo! Baby Beef Dog Treat Recipe

I love Halloween! The costumes, the candy, the haunted houses, the candy, the Halloween parties, the candy. I don’t know about you, but I dress Oscar u…

Native American Indian Dog

The Native American Indian Dog is an attractive breed with a wild appearance very similar to their ancestors. These dogs can grow to be fairly large.

Alaskan Husky

The Alaskan Husky is an intelligent and active breed that thrives as a sled dog or simply when given a job to do. Perfect for dog sports.

Kentucky One Step Closer To Outlawing Dog Fighting

Kentucky is the last state in the U.S. to end dog fighting – but a new bill is hoping to change all that. We’re pleased to report that the state…

Top 10 Etsy Dog-Inspired Gift Giving Guide 2014

I don’t know about you, but I can spend many an hour perusing the eclectic items found on Etsy.com. If you’ve never experienced the joy of thi…

Top 10 Stocking Stuffers For Dogs

There''s a lot of awesome stuff out there and it can be hard to choose to get your furry BFF. That''s why we''ve got our Top 10 Stocking Stuffers for Dogs.