What is pancreatitis in dogs?
Pancreatitis in dogs is a very painful, serious disease that requires immediate treatment. In a healthy pancreas, the enzymes begin their digestive process only when they reach the small intestine. However, pancreatic inflammation is associated with early uncontrolled activation of pancreatic proenzymes, which causes damage to pancreatic tissues and even neighboring organs. Self-digestion processes spreading to surrounding tissues result in painful symptoms and serious systemic complications.
What are the reasons?
The cause of pancreatitis in dogs often remains unclear. However, risk factors for pancreatitis have been identified, including: obesity, consumption of high-fat meals, hyperlipidemia (lipid metabolism disorder), medications (tetracyclines, sulfonamides, azathioprine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs), surgical interventions (duodenal and pancreatic operations), diabetes , Cushing's disease, infections with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii or liver fluke, spreading inflammation of the liver or intestines, as well as genetic predispositions. Scientific studies have also shown a greater tendency to develop pancreatitis among older dogs (over five years of age).
What are the symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs?
Depending on the stage of the disease, symptoms of pancreatitis range from mild to severe organ failure.
Common symptoms of acute pancreatitis include:
- abdominal pain, which in severe cases is expressed by the so-called "prayer position". The dog extends its front legs and presses its upper body to the ground while its hind legs remain straight
- loss of appetite
- vomiting
- lethargy, apathy
- diarrhea
- increased body temperature, fever
- yellowing of the mucous membranes of the skin
Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis may include:
- ospalość
- weight loss
- vomiting
- recurrent severe abdominal pain
- diarrhea
Important information!
If any of the above symptoms occur, you should go to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
How to diagnose pancreatitis in a dog?
Pancreatitis is verified based on clinical symptoms and analysis of blood test and ultrasound results. After the vet draws blood, a rapid test is used to measure lipase in the pancreas, which increases when there is inflammation. A complete blood count and biochemical blood test are also performed. A thorough clinical examination of the dog together with the results of laboratory tests provide the first clues and determine further treatment procedures for the four-legged patient.
How is pancreatitis in dogs treated?
Pancreatitis in dogs can develop quickly. If diagnosed in time and subjected to proper therapy and regular monitoring, in most cases there are no permanent changes in the organ. If pancreatitis is left untreated for a long time, it can cause severe inflammation, affecting other organs and causing serious damage to them.
Because dogs suffering from pancreatitis are in poor general condition, hospitalization of the pet is usually necessary. During this stay, symptomatic treatment is provided, fluids and painkillers are administered intravenously. In case of mild pancreatitis, improvement occurs after just a few days. However, when it comes to severe pancreatitis, a hospital stay of up to three weeks is inevitable.
The prognosis for acute pancreatitis depends on the severity of the complications. In dogs with severe organ failure (damage to the tissues of the heart, lungs and liver), the course of the disease may be fatal, but in mild forms the chances of recovery are much greater. However, it should be remembered that a four-legged friend suffering from chronic pancreatitis may require constant treatment and a proper diet throughout his life.
What diet should you follow for pancreatitis in dogs?
When it comes to canine pancreatitis, nutrition also remains an important factor. To prevent chronic pancreatitis and its recurrence, it is essential to switch to an easily digestible, high-carbohydrate, high-protein diet, which the dog should eat in small portions. Proper nutrition helps stabilize the intestinal barrier and prevents the intestinal villi from shrinking, while reducing the load on the pancreas.
Relieving the body and using protein sources with low histamine content is also an important factor. Low-fat food can also have a very positive effect on the recovery process in dogs with pancreatitis. To accustom your four-legged friend's pancreas to a new diet, you should gradually change the food, preferably over a period of four to five weeks.
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