What Is Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas caused by leakage of active digestive enzymes into the pancreatic tissue. This causes various clinical signs but most dogs affected by acute pancreatitis have abdominal pain, depression and decreased appetite or lack of appetite. Vomiting and diarrhea occur in many dogs with pancreatitis. In severe cases of pancreatitis there may be signs of shock or total collapse. Chronic pancreatitis in dogs may occur, with similar but less severe symptoms.
Types Of Pancreatitis
There are two types of Pancreatitis these are chronic and acute. The chronic version is milder, but it's a continuing inflammatory disease that often causes slow, irreversible damage over a period of time. On the other hand, acute pancreatitis is usually more severe, when it's over, there's no long-term damage to your dog's internal organs.
Another less common (fortunately) type is called hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. In this case, the damage is so severe that portions of the pancreas are actually destroyed. It can be fatal without early intervention and aggressive treatment.
Another less common (fortunately) type is called hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. In this case, the damage is so severe that portions of the pancreas are actually destroyed. It can be fatal without early intervention and aggressive treatment.
Causes Of Pancreatitis
The main cause as stated by vets would be having too much fat in your dog's diet. Even one meal that contains high fat content can give your dog pancreatitis. However having your dog on a strict low fat diet can, doesnt mean your dog can't get Pancratitis. There are other causes of pancreatitis in dogs. These Are:
Lack Of Excercise
Long-term use of corticosteroids
Cushing's disease
Chronic kidney or liver disease
Trauma
Recent abdominal surgery
Containmed Food Or Water
Lack Of Excercise
Long-term use of corticosteroids
Cushing's disease
Chronic kidney or liver disease
Trauma
Recent abdominal surgery
Containmed Food Or Water
Symptoms Of Pancreatitis
As chronic pancreatitis symptoms are milder, they're often mistaken for other illnesses, or just an upset tummy. Besides obvious signs of abdominal pain--such as standing with front legs down on the ground as in a bowing position--here are some other symptoms you can watch for:
Fever
Lack of appetite
Depression, lethargy, weakness
Vomiting/ Vomiting up Bile
Diarrhea or yellow, greasy stool
Irritability (moaning and whimering)
Rapid breathing and/or heart rate
Difficulty breathing
Jaundice (yellow/orange urine, Pale Gums)
As soon as you see any of these symptoms in your dog, take to a vet to be on the safe side.
Fever
Lack of appetite
Depression, lethargy, weakness
Vomiting/ Vomiting up Bile
Diarrhea or yellow, greasy stool
Irritability (moaning and whimering)
Rapid breathing and/or heart rate
Difficulty breathing
Jaundice (yellow/orange urine, Pale Gums)
As soon as you see any of these symptoms in your dog, take to a vet to be on the safe side.
Diagnosis And Treatment
Dog pancreatitis can easily be mistaken for several other conditions, which makes it tougher for your vet to make an accurate diagnosis. But he'll do his best by taking your dog's medical history (especially what he's been eating lately, has the dog been vomiting, streching alot etc), doing a thorough physical exam, and running some laboratory tests these may include Blood Tests.
What your vet decides to do for your dog will depend on how severe the case is, and how long your dog's been sick. Dogs with a mild case of chronic pancreatitis may be treated at home with antibiotics etc, while those with a severe case of acute pancreatitis will require hospitalization and intensive care. A dog who has a serious case of pancretitis will have to be put on iv fluids. A dog with pancreatitis can develop severe complications, so it's important to follow your vet's advice
What your vet decides to do for your dog will depend on how severe the case is, and how long your dog's been sick. Dogs with a mild case of chronic pancreatitis may be treated at home with antibiotics etc, while those with a severe case of acute pancreatitis will require hospitalization and intensive care. A dog who has a serious case of pancretitis will have to be put on iv fluids. A dog with pancreatitis can develop severe complications, so it's important to follow your vet's advice
Outcome Of Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a very serious condition and it can be very unpredicatable. While some dogs who have servere cases can make a full recovery otheres may be left with liver problems, diabetes, or in worst cases some dogs dont make it and sadly die. (Read Barney's Story for a more detailed information on pancreatitis)
