As loving and concerned dog owners, we all want what’s best for our dogs health. When we notice that our dog’s behaviors or appearance change, we tend to dig up all of the information we can find online for what ever the cause of the health issue may be. If you suspect that you have to perhaps help treat pancreatitis in dogs, here is some information to get the treatment process started.
Why is the Pancreas Important?
Dogs and humans both have a pancreas. This organ is tucked right up under the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. The reasons why we need a pancreas:
a) Exocrine production: Enzymes we need to assimilate our food
b) Endocrine production: Enzymes required to make hormones such as insulin, a key player in our capability to store sugars and amino acids
What are the Symptoms of Pancreatitis In Dogs?
Pancreatitis in dogs is referring to the inflammation of the pancreas. When this happens, then there is a leaking of the two digestive enzymes mentioned before. As a result, the pancreas essentially begins to digest or “consume” itself.
Canine pancreatitis can either be acute (meaning it happens suddenly and fast) or it can be one of the slowest developing of the dog diseases. Both are equally life threatening and require immediate handling.
Some of the most prominent symptoms of dog pancreatitis include:
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Painful and swollen abdomen
- Fever, or a lowered body temperature
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
What Causes Dog Pancreatitis?
A lot of the time, your veterinarian will not be able to narrow down a reason behind the pancreatitis. Variuos risk factors you may want to consider include:
- Fatty foods
- Fatness
- Hyperlipidemia
- Suffering from another disease, such as Cushing’s disease in dogs and diabetes
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Drugs/medications
- Contaminated food and water sources
How to Treat Canine Pancreatitis
The dog will need to reside at the veterinarian’s office for an overnight stay or two. The veterinar will take care of your dog’s fluid and nutritional needs and make the dog comfortable by practicing pro-active pain management by use of drugs. Your vet will also look over your dog to make sure that no other diseases are the cause for the pancreatitis.
Your dog’s pancreas will require to “rest”, which means that no food or water will be provided to your pet by the mouth for up to five days. All nutritional needs and fluids are entering into your dog’s body via intravenous. Most dogs will only need treatment for one or two days, though it depends on how the problem is severe.
To know more on canine pancreatitis, Cushings disease in dogs or other dog health related information you’re welcome to visit Nil Danieli’s blog at dog-health-24.info.
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