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Pancreatitis in Dogs

Pancreatitis in dogs is usually seen in overweight, middle-aged to senior dogs who have been fed too much fatty food.

The pancreas is a delicate organ that is easily damaged and slow to heal. It produces insulin for the body to use and store glucose; it also produce pancreatic enzymes that enable the body to digest and absorb fats and proteins in the digestive tract.

What is Pancreatitis in Dogs?

Pancreatitis in Dogs

Dog pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The inflammation can be mild, or it can be more severe with hemorrhage.

Onset can be sudden and quick (acute pancreatitis). Some dogs, after suffering and recovering from an acute pancreatitis attack may continue to have recurrent bouts of the disease, and the symptoms may also worsen over time progressively (chronic pancreatitis).

If the pancreas is severely inflammed, the pancreatic enzymes spill out from the pancreas into the abdominal cavity and start to digest other body organs, causing permanent damage to the surrounding organs, such as the liver, bile ducts, gall bladder, and intestines.

When a number of cells that produce the digestive enzymes are damaged, insufficient food digestion results. This condition is known as pancreatic insufficiency.

When a large number of cells that produce insulin are destroyed, diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) can result and insulin therapy may be needed.

Pancreatitis is most common in middle-aged or older dogs - especially in dogs who are fed diets high in fat, or dogs who are overly pampered and are fed too much junk food.

Breed-wise, Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more prone to develop dog pancreatitis.

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Possible Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs

The underlying root cause of canine pancreatitis is unknown, but this dog health problem can be triggered by any of the following:

  • an overindulgence in fatty foods
  • metabolic disorders
  • obesity
  • injury or trauma to the pancreas
  • excessive use of certain drugs, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids
  • bacterial infections

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Symptoms of Pancreatitis in Dogs

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Prevention of Pancreatitis in Dogs

Dog Pancreatitis

Diet and Nutrition

Feed your dog a balanced and natural diet. Do not overfeed your dog, especially with fatty foods or human junk foods. Visit our page on Natural Dog Pancreatitis Remedies for more information on diet for dogs with pancreatitis.

Exercise

Exercise improves digestion and intestinal movements, resulting in a healthier digestive system, which is important in preventing pancreatitis. Exercise can also keep the dog from becoming obese (Obesity is one predisposing factor to pancreatitis).

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Conventional Treatment of Pancreatitis in Dogs

Conventional treatment of this condition usually requires hospitalization.

Food, water and all oral medications are withheld for 24 hours or more in order to give the pancreas a rest. If the dog's symptoms improve in the course of a few days, food intake in small portions can resume but the food given is bland, easily digestible, and low-fat.

In addition, fluid replacement therapy will be given to the dog to maintain normal fluid and electrolyte balance. Fluids are either given subcutaneously or intravenous.

If the dog is in severe pain, he may be treated with pain-relief medications. Antibiotics are also often administered to protect against infection.

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Natural Remedies for Pancreatitis in Dogs

Quite a few natural remedies, such as herbs, probiotics and enzymes can be used to support and strengthen the dog's pancreas and liver. For more information, please visit our page on Natural Dog Pancreatitis Remedies.



Related Topic

Natural Dog Pancreatitis Remedies

References

Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).
A.D. Shojai, New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press, Inc., 1999).
M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999).
PetEducation.com


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