Canine and Feline Pancreatits

Pancreatitis is a word that is commonly used by veterinarians, especially around the holiday season. It is this time a year when humans eat a lot of fatty foods and we give a lot of fatty table scraps to our beloved 4 legged friends. We all enjoy giving our pets treats but giving them fatty treats can lead to pancreatitis and in some cases death.

What is pancreatitis

Think of it as a really bad stomachache. The pancreas is a gland that helps with digestion. The pancreatitc duct opens in the small intestine and brings digestive enzymes from the pancreas. When stimulated by the presence of food the amount of digestive enzymes increases. It is believed that pancreatits occurs when the digestive enzymes are activated while still in the pancreas resulting in auto-digestion. Once this happens the pancreas becomes inflamed. Pancreatitis can involve multiple systems and can sometimes result in death. Do not take the diagnosis lightly.

Symptoms of pancreatitis -

The signs of pancreatitis include but are not limited too: anorexia, vomiting, dehydration, and fever. Sometimes you will notice abdominal pain, diarrhea, and collapse. Usually pancreatitis follows a fatty meal. These symptoms are also common with other illnesses so if your pet exhibits any of the above see your veterinarian for a complete evaluation.

Treatment of pancreatitis –

The treatment for pancreatitis generally includes IV fluids. The fluids will rehydrate the animal and the treatment will also balance electrolytes. The animal will be taken off of food and water for a few days, just until the vomiting stops, the fluids will maintain the animal until oral food and water can be given. Medications for pain, as well as antibiotics, are usually a part of the protocol.

Preventing pancreatitis –

Pancreatitis can be prevented by not over feeding. Keeping pets lean and healthy is always the way to go. Do not give any table scraps, no matter how much they beg. Table scraps are usually too fatty and increases the animals dietary fat which equals pancreatitis. If you must give treats give low fat treats. If you want to give something from the table try baby carrots or green beans, these are both healthy and dogs love them.

This condition is more common in dogs (they seem to get more table scraps and fatty foods) but is occasionally seen in cats.

Related Articles: Pet First Aid Health Chart and Overweight Dogs and Cats

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