Over
the holidays we frequently hospitalize dogs and cats with pancreatitis. Even if your cute little one is looking up at
you with big, sad eyes it’s better for them not to eat the greasy turkey
leftovers. This month’s article is all
about pancreatitis.
What is
pancreatitis and what causes it?
Pancreatitis
results from swelling and inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas not only produces
hormones like insulin but also digestive enzymes. These enzymes are normally inactive until
they reach the intestinal tract. But when
the pancreas becomes inflamed they activate prematurely and digest the pancreas
itself, causing a lot of damage.
How do I know
if my dog has pancreatitis?
Dogs
with pancreatitis vomit, aren’t interested in food, and have a painful belly. They might show their abdominal pain by
walking with a hunched back or stretching out in the prayer posture. They might also be lethargic, have diarrhea,
or a fever. Your veterinarian will use a
combination of history, examination, blood work, and ultrasound to diagnose
pancreatitis.
How is
pancreatitis treated?
Based
on severity, pancreatitis is usually treated with a combination of fluids, pain
medications, anti-nausea medications, and antibiotics. Food is withheld for the first one to two days
to “rest” the pancreas and give it a chance to heal. Moderate to severe cases of pancreatitis
require hospitalization on IV fluids, whereas mild cases might be treated as
outpatients. Severe pancreatitis can be
fatal despite aggressive treatment.
Are some dogs
more predisposed to pancreatitis than others?
Yes,
dogs with diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or high lipids are more
likely to get pancreatitis. Dogs that
are obese or that eat a rich, fattening meal are also predisposed. Dogs who have had a previous episode of
pancreatitis are more likely to get it again. Any dog can get pancreatitis and sometimes we
cannot identify a reason why.
Do cats get
pancreatitis too?
Yes! Cats also get pancreatitis. When cats have pancreatitis it is different
from dogs in several ways. First, they
don’t usually have a history of eating a rich or fattening meal. Second, they often have a chronic problem instead
of a sudden attack. Third, they are not
typically vomiting and often only shows signs of a poor appetite and
lethargy. Diagnostics and treatment are
similar for cats and dogs.
If
you want to give your pet something special for the holiday buy a special treat
from the pet store. It may be hard to resist those pleading eyes but your pet’s
health is worth it! I hope you and your entire family have a wonderful
Thanksgiving without an emergency visit to the veterinary hospital!
Dr. Kristel Weaver is a graduate of the Veterinary School at the
University of California, Davis where she received both a DVM and a Master’s of
Preventative Veterinary Medicine (MPVM). She has been at Bishop Ranch
Veterinary Center & Urgent Care in San Ramon since 2007. She currently lives in Oakland with her
husband and their daughter, Hayley. If you have questions you would
like Dr. Weaver to answer for future articles, please email info@webvets.com
