Pancreatitis is a common illness that all dogs can experience. Owners need to be aware of this condition because its symptoms (and cause) aren’t always obvious. What’s more, it can become deadly if left unaddressed for too long.
Luckily, there are treatment options for pancreatitis in dogs. Here’s everything you need to know about this common condition, so you can keep your pooch safe and healthy.
Pancreatitis Happens when the Pancreas Becomes Inflamed
The pancreas is a small but vital organ that produces enzymes to assist with digestion. An inflamed pancreas causes pancreatitis in dogs. It’s crucial to note that there are two varieties: acute and chronic.
Acute pancreatitis is more dangerous and hits harder. It’s also usually the result of an external factor like a poor diet. Chronic pancreatitis is generally genetic and less damaging. Many ethical breeders screen for this condition in their dogs to prevent puppies from having it.
Pancreatitis is not a common health condition that goes away on its own. You’ll need to take your dog to the vet, where they’ll attempt to understand the cause of this condition. Sometimes, a change in diet can help a dog avoid troubling symptoms and live a long life. Other times, extensive testing may reveal an underlying factor that requires medication and more targeted approaches.
Symptoms of Pancreatitis Include Vomiting and Diarrhea
As noted, acute pancreatitis is dangerous because it has more severe symptoms than the chronic variety. It shares many symptoms with other common canine illnesses. Your dog may suddenly stop eating properly because it can’t digest its food. Maybe your canine will vomit or have diarrhea with an unusually greasy stool. Dehydration is a common side effect because they won’t be able to replace lost fluids easily.
Your dog may even show signs of physical pain around the abdominal region. It may yelp when you try to lift it or when it jumps onto the sofa. Pancreatitis can be very uncomfortable. It’s essential to take your dog to the vet if your dog shows any of these severe symptoms for more than a day. Acute pancreatitis can be life-threatening without intervention. On the bright side, chronic pancreatitis is usually less serious, and sometimes bouts won’t even show clear symptoms.
Diagnosing Pancreatitis in Dogs
Only a qualified vet can diagnose pancreatitis in dogs. Don’t try to guess from information off the internet or listen to a friend. This is a veterinary emergency that requires medical assistance. A vet will diagnose your pet pooch by performing an ultrasound. This is the most common way for a professional to diagnose pancreatitis. However, they may also conduct a blood test. However, an ultrasound is the most efficient and reliable option.
Treatment for Dogs With Pancreatitis
The good news is that pancreatitis is very treatable if owners catch it quickly. Firstly, the vet may perform fluid therapy to reduce dehydration by using an IV. In serious cases, they’ll advise resting the pancreas. This means that the dog will fast until vomiting or diarrhea stops. They must also manage electrolyte levels and inflammation. In some cases, they’ll use antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
Treatment usually takes about two days but can be up to four in serious cases. Gradually, the vet will allow the dog to eat again. The pet’s energy and mood will become more positive. Your vet will advise a low-fat diet when you bring your pooch home. They’ll also prescribe pain and anti-vomiting medications to make your dog’s recovery more comfortable.
Prognosis for Dogs With Pancreatitis
Most dogs who suffer from pancreatitis will enjoy normal, happy lifespans. The earlier the diagnosis, the better it is for your pet. Your dog will likely contract diabetes if 80% of the pancreas suffers damage. This is livable but it’s also another expensive and challenging condition to deal with. Avoid long-term issues by monitoring your dog’s behavior and health. Experts advise that dogs showing signs of depression or shock have a guarded prognosis. Emergency vet treatment is essential in these cases.
If you leave it too late, your dog can suffer from multiple organ failure. This is scary and worrying, but this is somewhat rare. Take your dog to the vet whenever it shows unusual and worrying symptoms. A short-term inconvenience is better than suffering trauma and losing your best friend.
How to Prevent Pancreatitis in Dogs
There are several easy ways to help prevent your dog from getting acute pancreatitis. The first thing is to feed your pet properly. Don’t give them fatty scraps from the table. Also, check your kibble’s ingredients because some dog food brands are healthier than others. A balanced diet is the easiest way to reduce the likelihood of pancreatitis. Make sure that it is low-fat with plenty of nutrients to keep your dog healthy and happy.
Owners can also mitigate chronic pancreatic flare-ups by following their vets’ recommendations. They’ll probably recommend a specific diet and prescribe some medication. It’s also notable that some dog breeds are more susceptible to weight gain, making them more likely to develop acute pancreatitis. Prone breeds include different types of spaniels and smaller dogs like terriers. It’s important to be extra careful with their diets to greatly reduce the risk.
