PANCREATITIS

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and occurs in both dogs and cats. The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen located on the right side between the duodenum (intestine) and stomach, next to the liver. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes needed for digestion of food. The pancreas also produces insulin, which is used to control blood sugar levels.

The digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas are normally in an ‘inactive’ state while in the pancreas and do not activate until reaching their destination in the intestine. However, when the pancreas becomes inflammed, these digestive enzymes activate while still in the pancreas, causing inflammation, trauma, severe pain and sometimes even death. In severe cases, this may lead to self digestion of the adjacent organs or "necrotizing pancreatitis."

Pancreatitis can be either acute (sudden), chronic (continuing inflammation), or recurrent (frequent flare-ups). Acute pancreatitis is most common in middle-aged dogs, however, it can occur at any age. Breeds predisposed to pancreatitis include Miniature schnauzers, Miniature poodles, Cocker spaniels, and Siamese cats. There is also an increased prevalence in cats with liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Animals that develop pancreatitis usually have a history of being overweight, exposed to garbage, or fed fatty foods. Sometimes the cause is unknown. Other possible causes include pancreatic trauma or ischemia (decreased blood flow), duodenal reflux, drugs or toxins, pancreatic duct obstruction, hypercalcemia, and infectious agents such as toxoplasmosis and feline infectious peritonitis.

Risk factors include breed, obesity, poor diet (especially table food!), concurrent disease with diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, chronic kidney failure, cancer, and concurrent liver and intestinal inflammatory diseases.

Signs of pancreatitis may include loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, depression, diarrhea, acutely intense abdominal pain, jaundice, fever or even low body temperature, and possibly abdominal distention. In cats, the signs may be vague and nonspecific. Pancreatitis can also affect other organ systems—gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary (liver and gall bladder), respiratory and cardiovascular systems. A protein called "Myocardial Depressant Factor" released into the circulation during some cases of pancreatitis may cause acute heart failure and sudden death.

Diagnosis is made by history, physical examination, blood work and radiographs. Pancreatitis is very difficult to diagnose in cats.

In mild cases, the pet recovers in a few days with proper treatment. In severe cases, pancreatitis can result in acute shock and even death. EARLY AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT IS ESSENTIAL WHEN DEALING WITH PANCREATITIS.

Treatment involves hospitalization with intravenous fluids. It is important for the pancreas to rest, so no food or water is given to your pet as long as vomiting continues. Usually food and water are withheld for three or four days to reduce pancreatic secretions. Anything given by mouth can stimulate the pancreas to produce more destructive enzymes, which we want to prevent. Your pet is also given injectable antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication for pain, anti-vomiting and anti-diarrheal medication. Surgery is sometimes needed, however the prognosis in these cases is grave.

RECURRENCE IS COMMON. It is very important that you prevent access to foods or treats that might lead to another attack. Low protein and low fat diets are often required for the rest of your pet’s life to avoid problems. Chronic or recurrent pancreatitis is a disease that is controlled through medication and diet rather than cured.

Severe scarring of the pancreas can lead to other problems such as liver disease, diabetes, and inability to properly digest food. Some pets will need to be given insulin injections for diabetes or have their food supplemented with digestive enzymes.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOLLOWED BY CONSCIENTIOUS HOME CARE WILL GIVE YOUR PET THE BEST CHANCE OF RECOVERY.

Give all medications as directed. Please call the Doctor if you cannot give the medication.

Special diet: __________________________________________

Feed ________________________________________ times a day.

Do not give your pet any high fat or high protein foods such as meat trimmings, chicken skins, pork, sausage, chocolate, etc. No spicy foods either.

Restrict activity for ___________________ days/weeks.

Notify the Doctor if any of the following occur:

• Your pet’s signs recur following an apparent recovery (especially vomiting).

• Your pet is reluctant to eat or drink.

• Your pet drinks or urinates excessively.

• Your pet’s abdomen seems to increase in size.

Your pet passes large amounts of soft, clay-colored stools.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.