How To Treat Canine Pancreatitis

Canine Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas in dogs. The pancreas is a v-shaped organ, located on the right side of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas is responsible for producing enzymes that are necessary in food digestion as well as for making insulin. The inflammation of the pancreas is caused by damaged pancreatic cells leaking digestive enzymes. Canine Pancreatitis can be either acute, which is usually survivable, or chronic, which eventually claims the dog, and has many causes such as:

1. Obesity
2. High fat diet
3. Ingestion of large amounts of fats, such as ham
4. Hyperlipidemia
5. Long-term use of corticosteroids
6. Cushing's Disease
7. Drug reactions
8. Blood clotting disorder
9. Trauma
10. Liver disease

Because high fat diets or the occasional large serving of a high fat food such as ham causes canine pancreatitis, veterinarians see more cases during the holidays, when dogs tend to get more table scraps. Symptoms of this illness are:

1. Painful abdomen
2. Abdominal distention
3. Lack of appetite
4. Depression
5. Dehydration
6. Change in posture
7. Vomiting
8. Color change in red tissues of the mouth and eyes
9. Diarrhea
10. Yellow, greasy stool
11. Fever

Acute cases of Canine Pancreatitis will also have:

1. Heart arrhythmia
2. Sepsis
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Disseminated intravascular coagulation
5. Severe inflammation of the organs near the pancreas

If your canine is exhibiting any combination of the previously mentioned symptoms, take him to the veterinarian. The veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis by:

1. Asking the owner about any symptoms the dog has exhibited recently
2. Performing a physical exam
3. Doing laboratory testing
4. Taking x-rays
5. Doing an ultrasound
6. Performing a biopsy

Treatment begins after the veterinarian makes a diagnosis. This treatment is meant to allow the pancreas to take a break and rest. It should also control any complications that arise. The symptoms should also be treated so that the dog will feel better quickly. The treatment that is generally given includes:

1. The canine is kept off anything to eat or drink, including oral medications, for up to 3 days.
2. Fluid therapy to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances is administered. This includes IV fluids such as potassium supplements and plasma transfusions that provide special proteins. These proteins inhibit pancreatic enzymes.
3. Pain relievers are administered if the canine is showing signs of pain. Meperidine, Butorphanol injections or Fentanyl patches can be used. These medicines can also be administered as a continuous drip.
4. Nausea is controlled.
5. All previous medicines are halted.
6. Any toxin, infection or other condition (which may be causing the pancreatitis) will be treated.
7. Surgery is performed rarely, but can occur.

Reintroduction of food and water is slow and is with small amounts of bland, easily digestible, low-fat food, such as Purina's Fit & Trim. This special diet may only be fed a few days or for the rest of the canine's life.

Canine Pancreatitis can lead to Diabetes Mellitus and other complications; it can be as mild as a 1-day bout with abdominal pain or it can be fatal. It can also reoccur easily, causing more pain for the canine. Prevention is the best way to avoid this illness.