Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a vital organ essential to the well-being of the dog. It can take an acute or chronic form, but also evolve towards one or the other over time. The causes of the disease are diverse and the symptoms varied. It is important to act quickly to avoid irreversible damage to the dog. Let us take stock of the origins of the pathology, the clinical signs to watch for, the treatments to set up and the prevention to adopt.
What are the causes of pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the dog's pancreas. The pancreas is an often forgotten organ, near the liver and the stomach, but nevertheless essential for life. It participates in digestion and regulation of blood sugar, which is the level of glucose in the blood. There are two forms of pathology, which are acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Note that each form can evolve towards the other.
Acute pancreatitis: this form of the disease manifests suddenly. You should know that it is relatively serious. However, with prompt medical treatment, the animal can recover.
Chronic pancreatitis: this form is more discreet and progressive. However, it causes irreversible damage to the organ. Unfortunately, it is often diagnosed very late.
The causes of pancreatitis are varied:
The metabolic cause: when the lipids, which are fats, are in excess in the dog's blood, pancreatitis can occur. This form is often caused by diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism or even hypercalcemia.
The mechanical cause: if the dog is suffering from stones, reflux or a tumor, the pancreatic duct can be blocked and cause pancreatitis.
The nutritional cause: if your dog accidentally or not accidentally consumes a meal that is too high in fat, he can develop acute pancreatitis.
The infectious cause: certain infections, such as toxoplasmosis, can cause pancreatitis.
The traumatic cause: if your pet is shocked or has abdominal surgery, pancreatitis can occur.
The drug cause: certain treatments can lead to acute pancreatitis.
Idiopathic pancreatitis: this form of the disease indicates a pathology of unknown origin.
What are the symptoms of the disease in dogs?
When a dog has pancreatitis, he can have several types of symptoms:
Vomiting which can be hemorrhagic
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Increased thirst and more frequent urine
General fatigue, depression
More or less significant fever
Jaundice of the mucous membranes
Abdominal pain
A lump may be felt on palpation in the pancreas
Symptoms vary depending on the inflammation, its stage, the extent of the lesions, etc. Likewise, a dog may exhibit certain symptoms and not others depending on the extent of the pathology.
What diagnosis for pancreatitis?
If you observe one or more symptoms previously mentioned in your animal, consult your veterinarian immediately. If the specialist suspects pancreatitis, he can perform additional tests, such as a blood test, an ultrasound or an x-ray.
Pancreatic biopsy is the only way to confirm the diagnosis. The veterinarian takes a piece of the organ while the dog is under general anesthesia and examines it under a microscope.
How to treat canine pancreatitis?
When the dog's pancreatitis is diagnosed, it is important to set up a treatment in several stages as soon as possible, because this organ is vital:
It is desirable to eliminate the factor responsible for pancreatitis, if possible, in order to eliminate it from the dog's daily life, depending on the cause, and to set up an appropriate treatment.
Depending on the origin of the pancreatitis, the veterinarian will set up an appropriate treatment. He may prescribe painkillers, antivomitives, antibiotics or fluid therapy (treatment by infusion).
Depending on the origin of the disease, plasma transfusions may be offered.
Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat pancreatitis.
The disease can progress and require re-treatment at any time.
Can we prevent the pathology?
It is possible to prevent pancreatitis in dogs by adopting rules of healthy living every day:
Provide your pet with a healthy, quality and balanced diet of low-fat foods.
Have your dog vaccinated every year and remember to give him regular anti-parasitic treatments.
Allow your pet to go out and exercise each day.
Generally, consult the veterinarian at the slightest doubtful sign. Prevention is essential for the well-being of your little companion and acting as soon as possible, in the event of symptoms, makes it possible to set up an adapted treatment which will relieve the animal as soon as possible.