Mary Allen
Pancreatitis (pancreas) is an organ that performs two very important jobs in dogs – first, it secretes hormones like insulin and glucagon to control blood sugar levels, and second, it produces enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, proteins, and most importantly help fats.
WHAT IS PANCREATITIS?
Any time the pancreas becomes inflamed it is called pancreatitis, and when that happens the flow of enzymes into the digestive tract can be disrupted, forcing the enzymes out of the pancreas and into the abdomen. These enzymes can then begin to break down the fat and protein in the other organs, as well as in the pancreas itself, and the consequences can be very serious.
ACUTE VS. CHRONIC
Pancreatitis is generally described as either acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is an isolated episode of pancreatitis, usually severe, while chronic pancreatitis is prolonged inflammation that can last for months or even years.
However, it is important to note that acute and chronic pancreatitis are not mutually exclusive – acute pancreatitis can lead to chronic pancreatitis, for example, and it is possible for dogs with chronic pancreatitis to experience episodes of acute pancreatitis.
SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE PANCREATITIS IN DOGS
See your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these possible symptoms:
- abdominal pain
- humps
- Fever
- loss of appetite
- dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Vomit
- Bloody stool
- lethargy or restlessness
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, see your veterinarian. Acute pancreatitis can lead to very serious problems, such as organ failure (kidneys, lungs, heart), septic shock, or death. There is also a longer-term, chronic form of pancreatitis.
CHRONIC PANCREATIC INFLAMMATION IN DOGS
Your dog may develop a low-grade, smoldering form of pancreatitis. This can cause intermittent, mild signs of illness, such as B:
- Occasional vomiting
- colitis
- loss of appetite
Long-term chronic pancreatitis can lead to type 1 diabetes or pancreatic insufficiency. This is due to the gradual loss of cells and replacement with scar tissue over time. Let’s talk about why your dog can get pancreatitis.
WHAT CAUSES PANCREATITIS IN DOGS?
Acute pancreatitis is often associated with a high-fat diet or meals that are particularly high in fat. Dietary indiscretion (aka “garbage in the gut”) is also a common cause. Many dogs show up with pancreatitis around the holidays. Watch out for guests feeding fatty foods and table scraps (like turkey skin). This, along with the stress of the season, sets the stage for big problems.
But there are a few other things that can trigger acute or chronic pancreatitis:
- trauma
- infection
- autoimmune disease
- Cancer
- Concomitant hormonal diseases (diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypercalcemia)
- Certain medications (sulfa antibiotics, seizure medications, chemotherapy)
- Exposure to organophosphate insecticides
Note: Steroids, previously blamed, are not associated with pancreatitis. Obesity is also a reason for pancreatic problems. This is due to altered lipid metabolism. But often, especially when it’s chronic, the exact cause is never identified.
6 WAYS TO TREAT ACUTE PANCREATITIS
If your dog is having an acute attack of pancreatitis, he likely needs emergency veterinary care. If he is in a conventional clinic, it means that you will not have many opportunities to give natural remedies. However, be sure to consult your holistic veterinarian. She can help you with natural remedies once your dog is out of danger.
There is no single way to treat pancreatitis. There is no one individual treatment or combination of treatments that will work for every dog. But there are some of the steps your clinic can take.
FEED YOUR DOG APPROPRIATELY
Fasting used to be the first line of treatment. The rule was to spare the pancreas. But research now suggests that fasting is not appropriate in most cases. If vomiting does not worsen, a dog with pancreatitis should eat. Otherwise, the entire gastrointestinal tract could fail.
If your dog tolerates it, he should be given frequent, small amounts of food. Your dog can eat with its mouth if it is not nauseous. Otherwise, your vet can use a tube to bypass part or all of the upper GI tract. (Don’t worry, it doesn’t feel as bad as it sounds!)
LIQUID THERAPY
Aggressive intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is essential. Dehydration makes a bad situation that much worse. It can also affect other organs. Subcutaneous fluids are only appropriate in the mildest of cases.
HOSPITALIZATION
Your dog will need hospitalization to monitor its condition in case any complications arise. Make sure the clinic is monitored 24/7, and not just someone coming in every few hours.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Medication is almost always needed. Pain isn’t just uncomfortable. It can suppress appetite…and it can damage your dog’s gastrointestinal, kidney, and cardiovascular systems.
CONTROL OF NAUSEA
The vet may also prescribe anti-nausea medication.
ANTIBIOTICS
In cases where an infection is present, your vet may prescribe antibiotics. If there is no infection, they are not necessary.