Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in dogs
The pancreas is just as important for nutrient absorption in our furry friends as it is in humans. It consists of two parts:
The so-called endocrine pancreas produces among other things the hormone insulin. This hormone ensures that the sugar absorbed from food enters the cells.
The exocrine pancreas produces many important digestive enzymes. These are transported into the first part of the small intestine, where they break down fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Only through this enzymatic breakdown are these sources of energy and nutrients made available to the body.
In pancreatitis, the exocrine part of the pancreas is affected, meaning the part that produces digestive enzymes. There is an acute and a chronic form of pancreatitis.
How dangerous is pancreatitis?
The acute form often constitutes a medical emergency that should be treated by a veterinarian as quickly as possible. "Medical emergency" in this case means that often a multi-day inpatient stay with intensive medical care in a veterinary clinic or practice will be necessary for your furry friend. Unfortunately, pancreatitis can also worsen quickly and not all pets survive the disease, which makes prompt veterinary treatment all the more important.
The chronic form often develops gradually or with recurring acute episodes.
Serious, more serious, pancreatitis in dogs: If you suspect that your furry friend might have an inflamed pancreas, don’t hesitate and head to an emergency clinic for pets.
Symptoms: How can I recognize pancreatitis in my dog?
These signs are among the most common symptoms of pancreatitis:
But a number of other symptoms can also indicate pancreatitis:
Weakness
Yellowing of the mucous membranes
Dehydration (drying out)
Adopting the "prayer position" (chest and front legs on the floor, hind legs raised)
All these symptoms, such as vomiting, do not occur only with pancreatitis but also with many other diseases as well. Therefore, further diagnostics are always necessary for a diagnosis.
If you notice one or more of these signs in your pet, you should seek veterinary advice promptly.
Causes: What causes pancreatitis?
The exact causes of pancreatitis are still not scientifically clear. However, there are various risk factors that can promote its development:
Genetic predisposition: Breeds such as Miniature Schnauzer, Sheltie, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, or Cocker Spaniel have an increased genetic predisposition to develop pancreatitis
Unsuitable foods: table scraps, garbage, fatty foods
Infections: for example those transmitted by →ticks (babesiosis)
Medications: for example potassium bromide, phenobarbital
Poisoning: for example by organophosphates, which are often found in insecticides (→Caution, poison bait)
Diseases of other hormone-producing organs: for example diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism
direct trauma to the pancreas due to abdominal injuries or abdominal surgery
Diagnosis: How is pancreatitis diagnosed?
As you have already learned, acute pancreatitis is often a medical emergency. If your veterinarian suspects pancreatitis based on the medical history and clinical examination, usually blood tests and an ultrasound examination will follow.
During the blood test, the blood cells, organ values, and electrolytes are examined. Although these values cannot diagnose pancreatitis, they help assess your pet's condition and the severity of the disease. There are also special blood tests that measure pancreatic enzymes (pancreatic lipase) which are measured and are important for diagnosis.
Blood tests, ultrasound, and X-rays help veterinarians make the diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs as reliably as possible.
An abdominal ultrasound examination provides important information about the condition of the pancreas and other organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, and kidneys. Sometimes an X-ray examination can also be helpful to rule out other diseases.
Depending on the results of the various examinations and your pet's condition, your veterinarian will discuss the necessary therapy.
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Treatment of pancreatitis in dogs
Depending on the possible known cause of pancreatitis, the underlying disease should be treated and contributing factors such as improper diet should be avoided.
Depending on the severity of the pancreatitis, different therapeutic measures are necessary.
Compensating for fluid loss
Due to loss of appetite and vomiting, dogs lose a lot of fluid with pancreatitis, so replacing fluid loss plays a very important role. For this, your pet will receive infusions via a venous catheter.
Medication therapy
You can imagine that inflammation of the pancreas is quite painful. That’s why adequate pain management is very important. Also, medications against vomiting are used as part of the treatment for pancreatitis. These medications are usually administered via the venous catheter, just like the infusions.
The administration of antibiotics is not necessary and not advisable in many cases. Depending on the severity of the pancreatitis and possible intestinal damage, antibiotics can still be important for treatment. Your veterinarian will choose the right therapy for your pet.
Low-fat diet
Whereas in the past, fasting was the rule for acute pancreatitis, today a different approach is taken. Early controlled feeding has a positive effect on the course of the disease. It is important to have a strictly low-fat diet, to relieve the pancreas as much as possible.
When choosing food you should focus on a healthy composition and take a critical look at the label. Are all ingredients listed exactly? You should avoid food that is declared with vague animal by-products. Sugar, grains, and artificial additives put additional strain on the stomach and intestines as well.
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Understandably, appetite in dogs is often reduced due to pain and nausea. often reduced. Here, appetite-stimulating medications and hand feeding can help. If loss of appetite persists, pets can also be fed through a feeding tube. A small tube is inserted through the nose into the stomach and remains there temporarily. Food can then be administered through this tube using a syringe. Even if this sounds terrible to you, it can help your four-legged friend get through this illness.
Treatment of chronic pancreatitis
For the treatment of chronic pancreatitis, it is also important to treat underlying diseases and avoid risk factors. Even with chronic pancreatitis, you should feed your pet a low-fat diet.
As you have now learned, pancreatitis is a very serious disease that often requires intensive treatment and an inpatient stay in a clinic. Understandably, you are worried about your pet and want them home with you as soon as possible. Stay strong and hang in there - trust your veterinarian, they will do everything they can to help your pet.
