Canine Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is defined as inflammation of the pancreas and is a common disorder diagnosed in dogs. It can be a very mild disease but can also present as a life threatening disease. The clinical signs of pancreatitis include vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal pain, anorexia (decreased appetite), panting/pacing, fever, and depression.
The pancreas is an organ in the abdominal cavity that secretes digestive enzymes. These enzymes digest the proteins, carbohydrates and fats, of food, within the intestines of the dog. The pancreas also produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon which act to regulate blood sugar. When a dog has pancreatitis the digestive enzymes that are meant to break down food leaks out of the pancreatic tissues. These enzymes then begin to digest the pancreas and surrounding fatty tissue in the abdominal cavity, which in turns creates a large inflammatory reaction. This inflammatory reaction can release toxins into the blood stream and many organ systems can be affected by these toxins.
Pancreatitis can occur at any age but predominantly is seen in middle aged to older dogs of any breed. Yorkshire terriers and miniature schnauzers have a slightly increased risk. Ingestion of a high fatty meal is frequently seen before the onset of this disease. Some health conditions can predispose a dog to pancreatitis. These include Hypothyroidism, Diabetes, CushingÕs disease and high fat diets. Clinical signs of pancreatitis include depression, inappetence, vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal pain, and panting. Many dogs become dehydrated due to the loss of fluids and electrolytes during the vomiting and diarrhea events. The clinical sigs of pancreatitis are non-specific and in some cases are very subtle while other cases can be very dramatic.
Diagnosis of pancreatitis can be difficult as there are few diagnostic tests that are reliable and specific for this disorder. Typically blood tests will reveal dehydration, possibly seen as slightly increased kidney values, high red blood cell counts, and protein levels. Many times some liver enzymes will be elevated since a swollen pancreas can cause a temporary obstruction of the bile duct. Abdominal radiographs may reveal a hazy area just caudal to the stomach or can even look like a possible mass in the area of the pancreas. There is one specific test for pancreatitis call a cPLI. This blood test is more specific for pancreatitis but is not always reliable. Abdominal ultrasound is the most reliable test we currently have available at this time. An ultrasound can show the architecture of the pancreas and the surrounding fatty tissue.
Treatment for pancreatitis is non-specific and is based on intensive supportive care. Fluid and electrolyte support is the most important therapy followed by control of nausea and vomiting. This is achieved by using anti-emetics and gastrointestinal protectant medications along with acid blockers. Pain medication is also very important in the management of this disease since this disease can be very painful. In severe cases plasma transfusions may need to be performed. Plasma acts to replace protein loss and has excellent anti-inflammatory activity. Mild pancreatitis will typically resolve in a few days where severe forms of this disease can continue for 2-3 weeks. Newer theories, on the treatment plans, for nutritional support for pancreatitis involve feeding tiny meals very frequently during the healing process. We now feel that the gastrointestinal track heals better with food continuously moving through it. This form of feeding seems to prevent the bacterial flora from becoming unbalanced. The remained of the therapy depends on which organ systems have been damaged by the toxins released into the blood stream. Some severe cases can cause cardiac and/or kidney failure.
The cost to diagnose and treat pancreatitis can be moderate to high cost for the pet owner. Most cases require some fluid therapy and anti-emetic drugs. Many to most cases require some time in the hospital. The severe cases that require abdominal ultrasound and plasma transfusions can be very expensive. In most cases the dogs will recover but can have some scar tissue formation within the pancreatic tissue. That scar tissue in time may predispose these dogs to become diabetic later in life.
Pancreatitis can be very mild disease process but unfortunately can be very acute and severe. Some dogs will die from this disease. These fatal cases are difficult to manage and organs fail very quickly. It is a disease veterinarians commonly encounter around the holidays, since many families include their dogs in holiday dinner. If a dogÕs body is not acclimated to feeding high fatty meals, such as thanksgiving dinner, the pancreas can become inflamed. Please be cautious about changing your dogÕs diet. Feeding table food can be okay but feeding high fat table scraps has the potential to cause pancreatitis.
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Dr. Ellen Leonhardt
Animal General
East Norwich
(516) 624-7500
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