What is pancreatitis in pets
Pancreatitis refers to a painful inflammation of the pancreas and it can make your pet quite ill. The Pancreas is a gland located inside the abdomen adjacent to the stomach. When working normally, the pancreas produces enzymes to assist in digesting food and hormones such as insulin, to manage the use of sugar for energy after digestion.
Pancreatitis can be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed over a short period of time. It can come on suddenly with no previous experience of the condition before. Chronic pancreatitis develops slowly over time or from repeated bouts of acute pancreatitis. It results in permanent damage to the pancreas from the inflammation.
What causes pancreatitis in pets
Pancreatitis takes place when something causes damage to the pancreas. Pancreatic enzymes normally travel through the pancreatic duct to the small intestine where they activate and begin digestion. With pancreatitis, these enzymes are activated prematurely in the pancreas which results in the digestion of the pancreas itself and inflammation.
The exact cause of pancreatitis is unknown, however there are several risk factors that have been associated with its development:
A diet high in fat
Obesity
Bacterial or viral infections of the pancreas
Trauma to the abdomen
Pancreatic cancer
Diabetes mellitus
Hyperlipidaemia
Long term use of cortisone drugs
Genetic predisposition
What are the symptoms of pancreatitis?
Pets with pancreatitis can become extremely ill and can display the following signs:
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Lethargy
Fever
If your pet is showing signs of pancreatitis get in touch with us immediately on 03 8784 4444.
How is pancreatitis treated?
Treatment for pancreatitis can vary depending on its severity and the symptoms. In mild cases, treatment can involve resting the pancreas and allowing the body to heal itself. This can be done by withholding food until the vomiting subsides. Hospitalisation is often required including intravenous fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration from vomiting. Antibiotics can also be administered.
Recovering pets are generally put on a low-fat diet for a period of time afterwards.
Understand the warning signs of pancreatitis and be sure to offer your pet a complete and balanced diet, with regular exercise. Resist offering them fatty foods or table scraps that are a high-risk factor. If your pet is showing signs of pancreatitis get in touch with us immediately on 03 8784 4444.