Pancreatitis in dogs is not as pronounced as in humans, and even if symptoms occur, it can be confused with other less severe symptoms, making the diagnosis somewhat difficult. Therefore, it is recommended that the guardian should do his / her best so as not to develop the disease through prevention. Let's learn about pancreatitis in dogs.
Puppy pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a disease that literally causes inflammation of the pancreas, and can occur in cats and dogs, including humans. However, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are not clear, and it is characterized by a very fatal disease.
The pancreas is an organ located beside the abdomen of the dog, with long, pinkish spots. It plays a role in helping the digestion process by generating various enzymes and hormones that help control insulin. However, pancreatitis affects not only these normal functions but also secondary problems in other parts of the abdomen. The most common secondary problem is complications in the gallbladder, liver, and intestine that are close to the pancreas. It is also very painful for dogs because it is a symptom of inflammation in the pancreas.
As mentioned earlier, the pancreas has the ability to release enzymes to aid digestion. If the organism is functioning normally, the enzyme will not activate until it reaches the small intestine. However, when the pancreatitis is released, the enzyme is released, causing inflammation, damage to the pancreas and surrounding tissues and other organs.
Acute and chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is usually classified as acute or chronic, depending on the type of pancreatitis can last for days or months. Dogs can experience both types, and some breeds may be more susceptible to pancreatitis.
* Acute pancreatitis: According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), acute pancreatitis is a sudden onset of pancreatitis, which can have a devastating effect on other organs when the inflammation spreads. Severity can also vary from mild to severe, which causes pancreatic digestive enzymes to flow into the abdominal cavity, causing secondary damage to the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and gut.
Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis is a form that develops slowly and very often, with no visible symptoms over time. Acute pancreatitis can be caused by repeated recurrence.
Both acute and chronic pain can be induced and can range from mild to severe.
Cause of pancreatitis
Pancreatic enzymes are usually produced in an inactive state and enter the duodenum, which is part of the small intestine, through the pancreatic duct. When you reach the destination, digestion begins. However, in the case of pancreatitis, the enzyme is prematurely activated in the pancreas, leading to a condition that is not activated in the small intestine. As this suddenly activates before reaching the destination, the pancreatic enzyme begins to digest earlier than needed. This eventually leads to digestion of the pancreas itself.
Clinical manifestations of pancreatitis are often variable, and the intensity of the disease can vary depending on the amount of enzyme activated early. Until now, the exact cause of pancreatitis has not been identified. However, in some cases, it may occur due to the administration of fatty acids or corticosteroids. Of course, most cases occur spontaneously from within.
The most common clinical manifestations are vomiting, nausea, fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea, loss of appetite, etc. When the dog is suffering from pain, the forelegs and head fall down to the ground, and the back of the dog goes up into the air.
Pancreatitis treatment
Acute pancreatitis requires veterinary treatment. And for pancreatic therapy, the oral intake of food should be discontinued and intravenous infusion through liquid therapy should proceed. Antibiotics and analgesics are also used to treat certain symptoms, along with other medications. Most dogs are usually hospitalized for a few days and will be cured if treated. If symptoms of pancreatitis decrease gradually, it is possible to eat food again. However, low-fat diet is recommended for the time being.
However, if you have signs of severe haemorrhagic pancreatitis or systemic shock, intensive therapy with intravenous and medication is used.
