Related Articles:          

Pancreatitis in Dogs

Background

The pancreas is an organ which sits next to the first part of the intestine. It produces several enzymes which pass down into the intestine via a small tube called the pancreatic duct. Here, these enzymes play an important role in digestion of the food.  The pancreas also houses beta cells which produce insulin.

 The Problem

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas which can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (ongoing long-term problem).  The most  dangerous and potentially life threatening is the acute onset type.
In pancreatitis the enzymes that normally digest food leak out into the pancreas tissue and actually start to digest it leading to intense inflammation.  The reasons for these enzymes leaking out is not yet fully understood but there are some known contributing factors:

• Hyperlipidaemia - a high level of fat in the blood. This occurs normally after eating but some pets have a problems clearing the fat from the blood. There is some research that suggests this can lead to the development of pancreatitis.
  

• A high fat meal - if a dog has been on a reasonably good diet then suddenly has a high fat meal (eg sausages off the BBQ) it may develop pancreatitis. In fact many dogs with presented with pancreatitis have such a history.
  

• Obesity - many dogs diagnosed with pancreatitis are overweight and this thought to predispose them to pancreatitis
  

• Trauma - any injury to the abdomen an potentially harm the pancreas leading to enzyme leakage and pancreatitis
  

• Medication - it is known that animals on cortisone for any reason are more susceptible to develop pancreatitis

Clinical Signs

• Loss of appetite

• Vomiting - often without drinking

• Drinking and continually vomiting afterwards

• Depression - from dehydration and toxaemia

• Restlessness  - from abdominal pain

• Fever

Diagnosis

 If the history is consistent with pancreatitis and the clinical signs your Vet will often order blood tests. What we are looking for is several things: The number and type of white cells which indicate inflammation and/or infection; enzymes called lipase & amylase which leak from an inflamed pancreas into the blood; electrolytes  - helps to assess how sick the patient is and what treatments will be best; other indicators of liver and kidney function; to look for underlying conditions

Other diagnostics may include x-rays and ultrasound to help confirm pancreatitis, look for any abdominal masses which may be involved and to rule out other causes of vomiting.

 Treatment

Pancreatitis is quite a variable disease and treatment will be modified to suit each case on its requirements. In severe cases surgery may be required to help rid the abdomen of some of the toxins leaking from the pancreas. There is some controversy regarding this matter and surgery is generally rarely performed for pancreatitis.

 The most important part of pancreatitis management is the restriction of food and water orally. This reduces the stimulation of the pancreas to produce the enzymes which are damaging it at this time. Even the smell or sight of food can stimulate enzyme production.  The next step is fluid replacement and electrolyte correction. This is mainly done by an intravenous drip using different fluids depending on the case. Antibiotics and drugs to control vomiting may or may not be used. Once there has been no vomiting for a time (up to 48hrs) your pet may be started back on oral fluids. If this goes well for 24hrs then a low fat food easily digestible diet food may be offered. Your dog should then stay on this diet for an extended period until the pancreas heals totally. In some cases they may need to stay on it for life. Your Vet will advise on this. It is of utmost importance that during this recovery phase your pet does not receive any treats, table scraps or snacks which may potentially contain fat as this could lead to a relapse of the pancreatitis.

 Prevention

• Control Obesity -  Your Vet can suggest a weight loss program to suit your particular pet
  

• Review Medications - you may need to find other methods of treatment if the medication your pet is on could be the cause of the pancreatitis
  

• Low Fat Diet - Once again your Vet is the best person to get advice from regarding this. It is important to tell the neighbours and anyone else who likes to give dog treats that he/she is on a special diet.

Back to TOP