How can I prevent my dog from getting pancreatitis?

1. Avoid feeding high-fat treats, table scraps, or other fatty foods.
2. If your dog is overweight or obese, work with your veterinarian to lose weight.
3. If your dog is an at-risk breed, avoid drugs (listed above) that may precipitate pancreatitis.

Whenever there is leftover bacon at breakfast, resist the urge to give in to your dog’s sad puppy eyes. It’s crucial for more than just his appearance; it might also shield him from pancreatitis. The majority of cases of pancreatitis happen after a high-fat meal, even though the exact cause isn’t always known. Pancreatitis in dogs can result in severe issues like dehydration, organ damage, diabetes, and even death. Catching and treating the disease as soon as possible is the best way to prevent these outcomes.

Knowing the purpose of the pancreas is essential to comprehending pancreatitis. The pancreas is an organ thats located in the abdomen. It has two main jobs:

Similar to how the pancreas functions in humans, your dog’s pancreas aids in digestion by secreting enzymes that break down starches, sugars, and fats.

The most prevalent exocrine pancreatic disease in dogs is pancreatitis, which can be acute (short-term; no permanent damage) or chronic (long-term; pancreatic tissue is permanently damaged), according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. The pancreas initially starts to secrete less pancreatic juice at the onset of the illness. Afterward, pancreatic enzymes start breaking down the pancreas itself rather than continuing to break down food in the digestive tract. This harms and inflames the pancreas, which results in issues with other parts of the body.

Sadly, it’s not always possible to determine the precise cause of a dog’s pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can affect dogs of any breed, age, or sexual orientation. However, risk factors can include:

Additionally, Theresa Entriken, DVM, a veterinary consultant based in Leawood, Kansas, notes that pancreatitis can affect any breed. , claims that a hereditary condition that causes elevated blood triglyceride levels in miniature schnauzers may make them more susceptible to the disease than other breeds.

What’s the difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?

Acute Pancreatitis An acute pancreatitis attack is when the condition first manifests itself suddenly and without warning. If the inflammation spreads, it could endanger the life of other organs.

A chronic illness is one that has been present for a long time, has progressed slowly, and frequently has no symptoms. This condition can result from repeated bouts of acute pancreatitis.

Pain can be experienced in both acute and chronic forms, which can both be mild or severe.

What is the Pancreas and What does it do?

The pancreas is a tiny organ that is located behind the stomach and small intestine. Its objective is to facilitate proper food digestion and blood sugar control in dogs.

The pancreas plays two key roles in maintaining the body’s equilibrium:

It produces and stores hormones such as insulin, assisting in the maintenance of blood sugar levels;

It produces and stores digestive enzymes to facilitate the digestion of protein and fats.

When the pancreas is inflamed and swollen, the condition is referred to as pancreatitis. As we will see below, this is typically caused by the pancreas being overworked for a variety of reasons.

Enzymes and digestive juices, including bile, may flow excessively when the pancreas is inflamed or overstimulated. The digestive enzymes in a typical pancreas are not activated until they reach the intestines. If this is allowed to continue, the digestive juices and enzymes can leak into the abdominal area where they will begin to break down the body’s fats and proteins in other organs, including the kidneys and liver. However, when the pancreas is over stimulated, the digestive enzymes are activated while still in the pancreas, resulting in the pancreas starting to digest itself. This causes an inflammatory reaction and may also result in severe bleeding and infection. Because pancreatitis can be fatal and is excruciatingly painful, it must always be taken seriously and treated right away.

Treatment and management of pancreatitis in dogs

There’s no fancy treatment for acute pancreatitis. The most important thing is to manage your dog’s pain, and quick action to avoid further complications is crucial. The most common treatment and management options are:

Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy in severe pancreatitis

Vigorous monitoring of a worsening condition

Antiemetic medication for vomiting (to prevent dehydration)

Resting the pancreas (withholding food and water for 24 hours) Long-term management includes:

Vigilant monitoring of fat intake—No table scraps allowed!

Use of a prescription diet of gastrointestinal-supportive low-fat, or ultra-low fat, food.

Feed smaller, more frequent meals instead of one larger meal

Have amylase and lipase levels checked by a veterinarian regularly

FAQ

What foods trigger pancreatitis in dogs?

After a dog consumes a fatty food, such as pork, beef, or some other human foods, acute pancreatitis may develop. Dogs that get into garbage can develop pancreatitis. Other factors, such as specific medications and some viral or bacterial infections, can also contribute to pancreatitis.

Can pancreatitis in dogs be prevented?

Dogs of particular breeds, as well as those who are older, overweight, and obese, are more likely to develop pancreatitis. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding “dietary indiscretion” (eating trash and fatty table scraps) are the two biggest things you can do to fend off pancreatitis.

What is the main cause of pancreatitis in dogs?

Causes of Pancreatitis in Dogs Although the cause of pancreatitis is typically unknown, the following factors have all been linked to its occurrence: Hereditary disorders associated with fat metabolism. Medications.

How can I keep my dog’s pancreas healthy?

The pancreas’ primary function is the breakdown of fats, so the simplest way to lessen its workload is to consume a low-fat diet. Additionally, branded high-quality animal fats are preferable to inferior vegetable fats or fats from unidentified sources.