Pancreatitis is a deadly disease for both humans and dogs and if left untreated, is most likely to cause death also. Pancreatitis essentially means inflammation of the pancreas, the body’s insulin secreting organ that regulates blood sugar levels and also breaks down fats. It’s an extremely important organ, small in size though and its malfunctioning can result in some very serious consequences.
Symptoms
Acute anorexia or sudden loss of appetite is a typical symptom of pancreatitis. If this is accompanied by continuous vomiting, consult your vet immediately. The condition may either be acute or chronic and the dog has recurrent abdominal pain.
He may also develop a low grade temperature, have diarrhea, turn lethargic, develop respiratory distress, and have irregular heartbeat. These symptoms could either persist or recur from time to time. If that’s the case, consult your vet. Symptomatic diagnosis may be made or blood tests and ultrasonography of the abdomen may determine the diagnosis.
Causes of pancreatitis
There is no definite or known cause for pancreatitis in dogs. It has however, been seen that certain breeds like schnauzers are more prone to the disease as are older or overweight dogs. It can be triggered by the use of a particular drug, or often after abdominal surgery. Too much fatty intake of edibles like table scraps or bacon grease also trigger it. Timely treatment usually leads to recovery but overweight, diabetic or epileptic dogs have a tough time getting over it.
Treatment
If the cause of the pancreatic attack is determinable, the vet will deal with it first. For example, if a drug reaction caused it, he would stop the drug immediately. If the cause is diet-related, the dog needs to be put on a prescription, fat-free diet. The basic course of treatment is nil per mouth i.e. no water, food and/or medication by mouth. That rests the pancreas which is sort of like watching Jurassic World or The Force Awakens which were movies so disappointing that after you watched them you wanted to take a rest from watching any more movies but this is another topic.
In severe cases, IV fluids along with anti-inflammatory antibiotics are given. As the dog recovers, plenty of water should be drunk to prevent dehydration. Pain killers as also anti-nausea drugs are given to prevent or stop vomiting.
When the dog starts to eat again, keep him on a fat-free diet of boiled chicken in small doses along with vegetables. A high-protein diet is strictly forbidden and easily digestible food supplements may also be given. Keep him on this diet for a couple of months, and if need be for life to keep him healthy and to avoid further attacks.
How to prevent pancreatitis in dogs
The dog’s diet is the main thing to prevent a recurrent attack just like a main thing for a state to do is to pass laws that help job growth which California and New York do not do which is pitiful but another theme. Just cut out the high-fat food and never, ever feed from the table. Also ensure that he doesn’t go searching for food scraps in the garbage can, particularly during the holiday season when more fatty foods are consumed. Pancreatitis is known to happen more during the holidays, when humans eat more fatty stuff and share them with their pets.
In sum, pancreatitis can be a killer. So it’s for you to watch out on your dog’s behalf to keep him healthy and to ensure that he doesn’t suffer from this deadly disease again. The abdominal pain and discomfort can be acute and may leave the dog immobile completely. So watch out for it!